Cosopt

The active ingredients in Cosopt are dorzolamide hydrochloride and timolol maleate. The two drugs combine to reduce ocular pressure. As a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, dorzolamide prevents the action of a protein known as carbonic anhydrase. Dorzolamide reduces the quantity of fluid in the eye in this way which then decreases intraocular pressure. Timolol is a beta blocker that is not selective. It reduces the quantity of fluid in the eye by inhibiting the beta-1 and beta-2 receptors.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Cosopt. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Cosopt:

• When wearing soft contact lenses, avoid using Cosopt eye drops. This medication contains a preservative (benzalkonium chloride) that may cause the lenses to become permanently stained. Before putting in your contact lenses, take the medication at least fifteen minutes beforehand.
• Any Instructions for Use that come with your medication should be carefully read and followed. If you have any questions about these instructions, ask your physician or chemist.
• Before using this eye medication, wash your hands.
• Don't use more drops than your doctor has prescribed. Before applying any additional eye drops that your doctor has ordered, wait at least five minutes.
• Avoid putting the Cosopt eye dropper directly on your eye or touching its tip. You could develop an eye infection from a contaminated dropper, which could cause major visual issues.
• Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you require surgery, particularly eye surgery, or if you have any infections or injuries to your eyes.

The most common side effects of Cosopt include:

• Eye burning or stinging sensation.
• Changes in taste.
• Blurred vision.
• Cornea inflammation.
• Eye redness.
• Crusting.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Cosopt. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Shortness of breath, unexpected swelling, fatigue, and abrupt weight gain are signs of worsening heart failure.
• Chest pain, breathing problems, coughing, disorientation, and excessive fatigue are all signs of bronchospasm.
• Hives, skin rash, blisters, lip or tongue swelling, breathing difficulties, and skin reddening are examples of severe allergic reactions and cutaneous reactions.
• Low blood pressure (hypotension) and symptoms such as feeling faint or dizzy.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Cosopt. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Cosopt, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Breathing issues.
• A sulfa medication allergy. A sulfa allergy is a rash or more serious reaction to sulfa, or sulfonamide, medicines.
• A history of severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic), or a hereditary predisposition to allergic reactions.
• Myasthenia gravis, or muscle weakness.
• A thyroid condition.
• Renal or liver problems.
• Diabetes.
• Whether surgery is in your future.
• Patients also taking diuretics for blood pressure control may develop a low potassium level.
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia).

Asthma.

• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
• Heart failure symptoms.
• Heart block of the second or third degree.
• Slow heart rate.
• The heart isn't pumping blood enough (cardiogenic shock).

To find out if Cosopt (dorzolamide/timolol) is helping you, your eye doctor will check your eye pressure regularly once you start taking it. According to one study, at the 6-week checkpoint, those who regularly used the eye drops had decreased eye pressure.

When Cosopt is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Acetazolamide.
• Epinephrine.
• Quinidine.
• Clonidine.
• Calcium channel blockers, such as diltiazem, nifedipine, or verapamil.

Cosopt is an eye drop that contains 0.5% timolol and 2% dorzolamide.

For adults and children two years of age and up, the usual dosage is to apply one drop of timolol maleate ophthalmic solution twice a day to the afflicted eye(s).

Store Cosopt eye drops at room temperature and keep them out of reach of children.

Merck & Co Inc. is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Cosopt.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available.

Never stop taking Cosopt without first consulting your doctor because doing so may cause your eye pressure to increase and may harm your eyes.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking Cosopt. Speak to your healthcare provider first before doing so.