Cosopt

This page contains drug information on Cosopt.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Cosopt
the possible side effects of Cosopt
what happens if you miss a dose of Cosopt
what happens if you overdose with Cosopt
the most important information about Cosopt
how to use Cosopt
other drugs that may affect Cosopt
what to avoid while using Cosopt
 
Generic Name: dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic (door ZOLE uh mide and TYE moe lole)
Brand Names: Cosopt
 
What is the most important information I should know about cosopt?
 •  Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
 •  Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. cosopt may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these activities.

What is cosopt?
 •  Dorzolamide ophthalmic reduces the amount of fluid in the eye. The reduction in fluid decreases pressure inside the eye. Timolol is in a class of drugs called beta-blockers. Timolol ophthalmic also reduces pressure inside the eye.
 •  cosopt is used to treat glaucoma or high pressure in the eye.
 •  cosopt may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using cosopt?
 •  Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a sulfa-based drug such as trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra), sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin), or sulfacetamide sodium ophthalmic (Bleph-10, Sulamyd Sodium). Dorzolamide ophthalmic is also based on a sulfa compound, and you may have an allergic reaction to it.
 •  Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have
      · kidney disease
      · liver disease
      · an allergy to timolol (Timoptic) or dorzolamide (Trusopt) or if you are already taking timolol (Timoptic) or dorzolamide (Trusopt)
      · asthma or another chronic lung disease
      · a very slow heart rate
      · heart disease such as high blood pressure, heart failure, or heart block
      · diabetes or
      · an overactive thyroid.
 •  You may not be able to use cosopt, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
 •  cosopt is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether cosopt will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
 •  It is not known whether cosopt passes into breast milk. Do not use cosopt without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use cosopt?
 •  Use cosopt eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
 •  Wash your hands before using the eyedrops.
 •  cosopt contains the preservative (benzalkonium chloride) and soft contact lenses should not be worn when applying this medication. Contact lenses can be inserted 15 minutes after the drops have been applied.
 •  To apply the eyedrops:
      · Before using the medication for the first time, make sure the Safety Strip on the front of the bottle is not broken. A gap between the bottle and the cap is normal for an unopened bottle. Tear off the Safety Strip to break the seal and uncap the bottle.
      · Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid to form a pocket between your eyelid and eye. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Press lightly with the thumb or index finger on the "Finger Push Area" until a single drop is dispensed into the eye as directed by your doctor. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down the tear duct. Repeat the process in the other eye if your doctor has prescribed drops in both eyes.
      · The dispenser tip is designed to provide a pre-measured drop. Therefore, do not enlarge the hole of the dispenser tip.
      · Replace the cap by turning until it is firmly touching the bottle. Do not overtighten the cap.
 •  Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an eye infection. If you think your medication may be contaminated or if you develop an eye infection, contact your doctor immediately.
 •  If you are also using another type of eye drop, allow at least 10 minutes between applications of the different medications.
 •  cosopt is usually used twice a day. Follow your doctors instructions.
 •  After you have used all of the prescribed doses, there will be some medication left in the bottle. Do not be concerned as an extra amount of medication has been added to the bottle and you will get the full amount your doctor has prescribed. Do not attempt to remove extra medication from the bottle.
 •  Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.
 •  Store cosopt at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  Seek emergency medical attention.
 •  Symptoms of an overdose are not known but might include dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, a slow heart rate, difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest pain, and a heart attack.

What should I avoid while using cosopt?
 •  Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. cosopt may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these activities.
 •  Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an eye infection. If you think your medication may be contaminated or if you develop an eye infection, contact your doctor immediately.
 •  cosopt contains the preservative (benzalkonium chloride) and soft contact lenses should not be worn when applying this medication. Contact lenses can be inserted 15 minutes after the drops have been applied.
 •  Tell your doctor you are taking cosopt eye drops before having surgery.
 •  Avoid using other eyedrops or eye medications except under the direction of your doctor. If you are using another eyedrop, wait at least 10 minutes between doses of cosopt and the other medication.

What are the possible side effects of cosopt?
 •  If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using cosopt and seek emergency medical attention:
      · an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, face, or tongue difficulty breathing closing of the throat or hives)
      · an asthma attack (shortness of breath or wheezing) or
      · congestive heart failure (shortness of breath, chest pain, or anxiety).
 •  Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use cosopt and talk to your doctor if you experience
      · burning, stinging, itching, or watering of the eye
      · inflamation of the lining of the eye lids or surface of the eye
      · blurred vision
      · sensitivity of the eye to sunlight
      · headache
      · fainting
      · fatigue
      · nausea
      · a change in taste
      · a rash
      · depression or
      · irregular heartbeat, slow heartbeat, or low blood pressure.
 •  Notify your doctor as soon as possible if you develop symptoms of an eye infection, including redness, itching, discharge or drainage, lid crusting, or lid swelling.
 •  Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect cosopt?
 •  Avoid using other eyedrops or eye medications except under the direction of your doctor. If you are using another eyedrop, wait at least 10 minutes between doses of cosopt and the other medication.
 •  Before using cosopt, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
      · an oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitor such as acetazolamide (Diamox), dichlorphenamide (Daranide), or methazolamide (Neptazane) or
      · an oral beta-blocker such as propranolol (Inderal), atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), acebutolol (Sectral), carvedilol (Coreg), carteolol (Cartrol), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), pindolol (Visken), sotalol (Betapace, Betapace AF) or timolol (Blocadren).
 •  You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
 •  Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with cosopt. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.