Dorzolamide Timolol 

Cosopt Eye Drops

Doctors widely prescribe Cosopt to patients suffering from glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Unlike other beta-blocking medicines, this eye drop solution helps by controlling eye pressure. It is unknown if Cosopt eye drops are safe and effective in children below 2 years. Therefore, it is important to consult with your healthcare professional once if your child suffers from the same condition. Generally, it is advised to take one drop of this solution in the affected eyes two times daily. For diabetic patients, this product may make it harder to control their blood glucose levels.

Product Overview

Cosopt is the first eye drop that combines a topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and a topical beta-blocking agent. This FDA-approved ophthalmic solution is indicated for reducing increased intraocular pressure in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who do not respond to beta blockers alone. Timolol (beta-blocking agent) and dorzolamide (carbonic anhydrase inhibitors) are the two drugs used in this medication, which lowers the high pressure in the eye and prevents blindness. 

Each milliliter of Cosopt eye drops provides 20 mg of dorzolamide and 5 mg of timolol. Your doctor may advise you to take one drop of this medication in the infected eye two times a day. It is suitable for adults and children above 2 years of age under medical supervision. The medication works by reducing elevated intraocular pressure, helping to prevent further eye damage and potential vision loss in patients. 

However, you need to be aware of the common side effects of such medications, which include burning or stinging in the eye, taste disturbances, or blurred vision. As a result, patients need to inform their healthcare provider about any medical history they may have, particularly of respiratory conditions, heart problems, or allergies. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember, but skip it if the next dose is near. Avoid double dosing. Store Cosopt Eye Drops at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Discard the bottle when not in use. Follow your doctor’s instructions and regularly monitor intraocular pressure for optimal results.

Uses of Cosopt Eye Drops

It is used to treat elevated pressure inside the eye caused by glaucoma (open-angle type) and other eye problems, such as ocular hypertension. 

How to Use Cosopt Eye Drops?

Dosage

Strengths and Forms

• Ophthalmic Solution: 0.5%/2%

Recommended Dosage for Different Patients 

For Intraocular Hypertension

• Adults are advised to take 1 drop in the affected eye 2 times a day.
• If children are 2 years of age or above, it is advised to take 1 drop twice daily in the affected eye.
• The usage is not recommended if children are below 2 years of age.

For Glaucoma (Open Angle)

• Adults are prescribed to take 1 drop in the affected eye 2 times a day.
• If children are 2 years of age or above, it is advised to take 1 drop twice daily in the affected eye.
• The usage is not recommended if children are below 2 years of age.

[Note: These recommendations may vary from person to person. Discuss them with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]

How to Take It?

• Follow your doctor’s directions carefully, or read the Patient Information Leaflet, which contains detailed steps for using Cosopt eye drops. 
• Use the medication in the affected eye as guided by an eye specialist, usually twice a day.
• Before applying the eye drops, wash your hands with soap and water.
• Do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye to avoid contamination.
• Remove your contact lenses before instilling eye drops, as these products contain preservatives that the contact lenses may absorb. Wait at least 15 minutes before putting the lenses back in your eyes.
• Tilt your head, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid. Hold the bottle’s dropper over the affected eye and instill a drop in the eye. Immediately close your eyes and wait for 1 to 2 minutes. 
• Do not rub or blink your eyes for some time. This will prevent the medication from coming out. 
• Do not wash the dropper.
• If you are applying other eye medications like ointments, wait for 5 minutes before you use your other eye products. 
• Always use eye drops before eye ointments.
• Use it regularly to get the maximum benefit out of it.
• Use the drops at the same time each day. 

[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]

How Do Cosopt Eye Drops Work?

High intraocular pressure is a common issue in conditions like ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. The IOP level is determined by the balance between the aqueous humor production and its outflow from the anterior of the eye. This fluid drains through two pathways: the trabecular (conventional) and the uveoscleral (unconventional). When there is high resistance in the trabecular pathway, the IOP rises. This can result in damaged optic nerve due to restricted blood flow and mechanical distortion of ocular structures. This further results in optic disc cupping, loss of vision, and even blindness. To prevent this condition from developing, doctors prescribe Cosopt eye drops. Its combination of two ingredients, dorzolamide hydrochloride, and timolol maleate, helps lower the elevated eye pressure by reducing the fluid amount or aqueous humor produced in the eye.

Important Safety Information

Side Effects

Common side effects of Cosopt eye drops may include:

• Burning sensation 
• Eye redness
• Itching
• Blurred vision
• Headache
• Conjunctivitis
• Corneal erosion
• Eyelid inflammation
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Sinus inflammation
• Decreased blood pressure
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Watery eyes

Serious side effects of Cosopt eye drops may include:

• Dizziness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Muscle weakness
• Mood changes
• Pain in hands or feet
• Kidney stone
• Yellowing eye or skin
• Congestive heart failure
• Infections
• Low blood sugar 
• Sensitivity to light
• Dark urine
• Persistent eye redness
• Sudden weight gain
• Chest pain
• Weakness on one side of the body
• Slurred speech

[Note: This list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects.]

Warnings

• Kidney Problems: If you have severe kidney disease, use Cosopt eye drops cautiously. As dorzolamide and its metabolite are excreted mainly by the kidneys, patients are advised to take a reduced dosage of this medication. Consult with a medical professional for detailed information and dose adjustment.
• Breathing Difficulty: Cosopt eye drops 2%/0.5% contain Timolol, which can rarely make the lung vessels tighten. Due to this, patients having problems like COPD and asthma can face breathing difficulties. However, such reactions are very rare as these eye drops do not easily get absorbed into your blood in a large amount. Talk with your doctor once to avoid any complications.
• Alcohol Consumption: While there is no known interaction between Cosopt eye drops 2%/0.5% and alcohol, patients using these medications should avoid taking alcohol as it can cause dizziness and drowsiness, leading to the cause of incidental injury. Ask your doctor about this situation and follow their guidance carefully.
• Heart Failure: There are chances that beta-blockers may cause heart failure in people who already have it, as such medications can slow down your heart, leading to heart muscle not pumping as often. Cosopt contains Timolol, which is a beta-blocker. Discuss with your eye specialist before taking these eye drops.
• Overactive Thyroid: If you are a patient of hyperthyroidism, avoid discontinuing Cosopt eye drops suddenly, as it is highly likely that you may develop conditions such as thyroid storm. Such problems result in symptoms like high temperature, fast heartbeat, and fainting. Therefore, seek medical attention before making any decision.
• Cornea Swelling: Cosopt eye drops 2%/0.5% contain dorzolamide, which increases the risk of cornea swelling. Additionally, if you have a thin cornea or a low number of cells, you are at high risk of this condition. So, discuss this with your eye specialist before starting treatment with Cosopt.
• Muscle Weakness: While very unlikely, people using these eye drops have reported muscle weakness in or around their eyes, leading to droopy eyelids. If you are experiencing such a condition, let your doctor know immediately.

Precautions

• Before using Cosopt eye drops, inform your doctor if you have any allergies or are allergic to any of the medication’s ingredients. The product may contain certain inactive ingredients or preservatives, like benzalkonium chloride, which can cause allergic reactions. 
• If you have any medical history, tell your healthcare provider. Do not overlook if you have history, particularly of:
  • Lung diseases
  • Irregular heartbeats
  • Heart or kidney problems
  • Diabetes
  • Overactive thyroid
  • Liver problems
  • Muscle weakness
  • Cerebrovascular insufficiency 
  • Severe allergies
• If you get an eye infection or injury or have eye surgery, ask a professional whether you should continue using Cosopt eye drops or not.
• Before undergoing any surgery or medical procedure, inform your doctor/dentist about the products you use, which include all prescription and nonprescription drugs, along with herbal products.
• If you are a diabetic patient, these eye drops might make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. So, tell your medical provider if you notice symptoms like increased thirst or urination. Monitor your blood sugar levels closely and ask an expert to adjust your diabetes medications.
• Do not drive or operate any machinery that requires alertness, as using Cosopt eye drops may blur your vision, leading to injuries.
• If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while using these eye drops, ask your doctor about its continuation, as it can harm the fetus. Discuss every risk and benefit to avoid complications.
• Do not use Cosopt if you are breastfeeding, as the Timolol can pass into breast milk and harm the infant. Consult with a medical provider about using these eye drops before breastfeeding.

Contraindications

Cosopt eye drops are contraindicated in patients who have:

• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Symptomatic heart failure
• Second or third-degree heart block
• Slow heartbeat
• Heart not pumping enough blood
• Hypersensitivity

Missed Dose

• If you forget the application of Cosopt eye drops, instill the missed dose when you remember. 
• If it is time for your next dose, continue your usual dosing schedule. 
• Do not take double doses just to make up for the missed one. 
• Try to take the medication at the same time daily to avoid skipping doses.
• Ask your pharmacist or an expert if you have any concerns or questions.

[Note: If you have missed a medication dose and are unsure when to take the next one, consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately.]

Overdose

Taking an overdose of Cosopt eye drops may have severe side effects in patients, including dizziness, cardiac arrest, electrolyte imbalance, bradycardia, bronchospasm, and possible central nervous system effects. If you notice such side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Additionally, closely monitor your serum electrolyte levels and blood pH levels. 

[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]

Storage

• Store the medication at room temperature, below 30°C.
• Do not keep the eye drops in the direct sunlight.
• Discard the single-use containers 15 days after opening the pouch.
• Avoid using the solution if it seems yellowish, cloudy, or contains particles, as the product is normally colorless.
• Keep the medication away from children and pets.
• Place safety lock caps to prevent your child from consuming the medication.
• Do not flush the container down the toilet.
• Avoid keeping the medication in moist or damp areas like the bathroom or near the sink.
• Discard the eye drops when they are past their expiration date or no longer needed.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist to know how to properly dispose of the medication when not in use.

[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional the proper disposal of unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]

Cosopt Interactions

Cosopt eye drops contain a combination of two ingredients, namely Timolol and dorzolamide, which may interact with other drugs and cause adverse effects. Some of these drugs are:

• Acetylcholine
• Alpha agonists (e.g., Clonidine, Methyldopa)
• Alpha-blockers (eg.., Alfuzosin, Doxazosin, Tamsulosin)
• Amiodarone
• Anti-parkinson’s medications (e.g., Amantadine, Apomorphine, Bromocriptine, Levodopa, Pramipexole, Ropinirole, Rotigotine)
• Beta-2 Agonists (eg., Salbutamol, Formoterol, Terbutaline)
• Beta-blockers (e.g., Propranolol, Atenolol, Metoprolol)
• Brimonidine
• Bupropion
• Calcium channel blockers (e.g., Diltiazem, Verapamil, Nifedipine, Amlodipine)
• Cannabis
• Ceritinib
• Crizotinib
• Decongestant cold medications (E.G., Phenylephrine, Pseudoephedrine)
• Decongestant eye drops and nose sprays (e.g., Naphazoline, Oxymetazoline, Xylometazoline)
• Diabetes medications (e.g., Acarbose, Canagliflozin, Glyburide, Insulin, Lixisenatide, Metformin, Rosiglitazone, Sitagliptin)
• Digoxin
• Dipyridamole
• Disopyramide
• Donepezil
• Dronedarone
• Epinephrine
• Ergot Alkaloids (eg., Dihydroergotamine, Ergonovine, Ergotamine, Methylergonovine)
• Fentanyl
• Flecainide
• Galantamine
• Grass pollen allergen extract
• Guanfacine
• Ivabradine
• Lidocaine
• Mefloquine
• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (e.g., Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline)
• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medications (e.g., Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen, Naproxen)
• Other Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors (e.g., Acetazolamide, Brinzolamide, Topiramate)
• Pilocarpine
• Propafenone
• Quinidine
• Rivastigmine
• Somatostatin Analogues (e.g., Lanreotide, Octreotide, Pasireotide)
• Sphingosine 1-Phosphate receptor (S1p) Receptor Inhibitors (e.g., Fingolimod, Ponesimod, Siponimod)
• Theophylline
• Tipranavir
• Tofacitinib

[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Cosopt. Make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]

Cosopt Alternatives

• Latanoprost ophthalmic
• Lumigan 
• Timolol ophthalmic
• Xalatan
• Travatan Z
• Brimonidine ophthalmic
• Netarsudil
• Combigan
• Dorzolamide
• Alphagan P
• Betaxolol

[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.] 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any dietary restrictions while using Cosopt eye drops?

While there are no specific dietary restrictions with Cosopt eye drops, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is always a good idea. These little changes might add major benefits by managing your overall eye health and condition. Therefore, it is important to consult with an eye specialist and follow their recommendations regarding any dietary changes while using this medication. 

How long can you use Cosopt eye drops?

Every eye drop contains preservatives, which help protect the product against germs growing in the solution. However, these preservatives are effective for the first four weeks after opening the bottle. After four weeks, there is a high chance of contamination in the solution, causing an eye infection in the patients using them. To avoid such risks, follow your doctor’s instructions and open a new bottle within time.

Why do I have to wait for 5 minutes between eye drops?

Patients are usually advised to wait at least 5 minutes between eye drops. This step is crucial as it prevents the first drop from being washed out by the second drop. As a result, the medication will increase the combined effect. You can also seek medical assistance for complete information.

What should I do if my Cosopt eye drops change color or become cloudy?

If your eye drops change color or become cloudy, do not use them. This could indicate contamination or degradation of the medication. Discard the bottle and buy a new one. Using compromised eye drops can lead to eye infections or ineffective treatment. Always store the drops as directed to prevent such issues.

Our Guarantee

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