Cosopt is the combination of dorzolamide and timolol and is used to treat eye conditions, including glaucoma and ocular hypertension, in which increased pressure can lead to a gradual loss of vision. Cosopt lowers pressure in the eye by decreasing the production of natural fluids in the eye.
Dorzolamide is in a class of medications called topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, while Timolol is in a class of medications called topical beta blockers.
Cautions
If you have a severe allergic reaction to this medicine or any other sulfonamide medicine (such as Septra DS, Bactrim DS, Gantrisin, glyburide, or probenecid), contact your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine. A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or if a certain medicine is a sulfonamide, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
If you experience difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not use any more doses of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine.
This medicine may cause blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you can see clearly.
Befoer you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
For women, if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy.
This medicine is excreted in breat milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.
For patients with diabetes: this medicine may mask signs of low blood sugar such as fast heartbeat.
Directions for Use
Cosopt comes as an eyedrop to apply to the eye. It is usually applied to the affected eye(s) twice a day. To help you remember to use dorzolamide and timolol, use it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use Cosopt exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Cosopt controls glaucoma and ocular hypertension but does not cure them. Continue to use Cosopt even if you feel well. Do not stop using Cosopt without talking to your doctor.
To apply the eyedrops, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Use a mirror or have someone else put the drops in your eye.
- Before using the eyedrops bottle for the first time, make sure the safety strip on the front of the bottle is unbroken.
- Tear off the safety strip to break the seal.
- To open the bottle, unscrew the cap by turning as indicated by the arrows.
- Avoid touching the dropper against your eye or anything else.
- Lie down or tilt your head back.
- Holding the bottle between your thumb and index finger, place the dropper as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
- Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
- With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket.
- Press lightly with the thumb or index finger over the Finger Push Area until a single drop is dispensed into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye. Placing the drops on the surface of the eyeball can cause stinging.
- Close your eye and press lightly against the lower lid with your finger for 2-3 minutes to keep the medication in the eye. Do not blink.
- Replace and tighten the cap right away. Do not wipe or rinse it off.
- Wipe off any excess liquid from your cheek with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again.
Side Effects
Cosopt may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
taste changes (bitter, sour, or unusual taste)
eye burning or stinging
itchy eyes
dry eyes
eye tearing
dizziness
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
blurred vision
skin rash
swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
shortness of breath
pink eye
redness or swelling of the eyelid
muscle weakness
Cosopt may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
Overdosage Information
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
dizziness
headache
shortness of breath
difficulty breathing or swallowing
chest pain
confusion
Storage
Store this medicine at room temperature below 77°F (25°C), away from heat and light.
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