Cosopt eye drops contain a combination of dorzolamide and timolol. Dorzolamide ophthalmic (for the eyes) reduces the amount of fluid in the eye, which decreases pressure inside the eye. Timolol ophthalmic is a beta-blocker that also reduces pressure inside the eye.
Cosopt is used to treat certain types of glaucoma and other causes of high pressure inside the eye.
Cosopt may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not use Cosopt if you have a history of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or a serious heart condition such as "AV block," slow heartbeats, heart failure, or if you have recently had a heart attack.
Before using Cosopt
You should not use Cosopt if you are allergic to dorzolamide (Cosopt or Trusopt) or timolol (Blocadren, Betimol, Istalol, Timoptic), or if you have:
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a history of asthma;
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chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); or
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a serious heart condition such as "AV block," slow heartbeats, heart failure, or if you have recently had a heart attack.
To make sure Cosopt is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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narrow-angle glaucoma;
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breathing problems such as bronchitis or emphysema;
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a history of heart disease or congestive heart failure;
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diabetes;
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a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis;
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kidney disease;
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liver disease; or
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a thyroid disorder.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Cosopt will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Cosopt.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using Cosopt.
Do not use Cosopt in a child younger than 2 years old.
How should I use Cosopt?
Use Cosopt exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Do not use Cosopt while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using the eye drops before putting your contact lenses in.
Cosopt comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
To apply the eye drops:
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Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
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Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
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Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops.
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Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.
Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.
Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any eye injury or infection, or if you need to have any type of surgery, especially eye surgery. You may need to stop using Cosopt for a short time.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include feeling short of breath, confusion, muscle pain or weakness, fast or slow heart rate, wheezing, trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).
What should I avoid?
Cosopt can cause blurred vision. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.
Do not use other eye medications during treatment with Cosopt unless your doctor tells you to.
Cosopt side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Cosopt: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Although the risk of serious side effects is low when dorzolamide and timolol is used in the eyes, you should be aware of side effects that can occur if the medication is absorbed into your bloodstream.
Stop using the medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
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swelling or redness of your eyelids;
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eye redness, pain, discomfort, or sensitivity to light;
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drainage, crusting, or oozing of your eyes or eyelids;
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wheezing, gasping, or other breathing problems;
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swelling, rapid weight gain;
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feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion; or
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severe skin reaction: fever, sore throat, cough, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
Common Cosopt side effects may include:
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bitter or unusual taste in your mouth;
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blurred vision; or
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burning, stinging, or itching in your eyes.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
Cosopt dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Intraocular Hypertension:
Instill 1 drop into the affected eye(s) twice daily.
Usual Adult Dose for Glaucoma (Open Angle):
Instill 1 drop into the affected eye(s) twice daily.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Intraocular Hypertension:
2 years or older:
Instill 1 drop into the affected eye(s) twice daily.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Glaucoma (Open Angle):
2 years or older:
Instill 1 drop into the affected eye(s) twice daily.
What other drugs will affect Cosopt?
Other drugs may interact with Cosopt, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
