Cosopt

Brand name: 

Cosopt, Cosopt Ocumeter, Cosopt Ocumeter Plus, and Cosopt PF

Dorzolamide and Timolol combination belongs to the Antiglaucoma and Beta-adrenergic therapeutic class. This combination is usually available in solution form.

The ophthalmic drops are mainly used to decrease intraocular pressure caused by ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. Prolonged increases in intraocular pressure can cause pain and damage your vision. This is where this medication’s mechanism of action kicks in. It reduces pain and prevents vision loss by alleviating high intraocular pressure.

Dorzolamide and Timolol eye drops are only available with a prescription.

Before beginning treatment with this medication, you and your physician need to weigh the risks and benefits of using the dorzolamide and timolol combination. Several considerations are to be noted as well. First, your healthcare team needs to make sure you are not allergic to this medication or any of its components.

Inform them if you have allergies to animals, food preservatives, dyes, and other medications as well.

Studies have found that the effects of Dorzolamide and Timolol ophthalmic drops are not influenced by any age-related factor in pediatric patients although safety and efficacy are yet to be established in children younger than 2 years old.

On the other hand, it has been found that there are no age-related factors that can deter the efficacy of this medication in elderly patients.

Ophthalmic Dorzolamide and Timolol is categorized as C for all trimesters.

There isn’t enough evidence to suggest infant risk associated with using Dorzolamide and Timolol while breastfeeding. However, for pregnancy and breastfeeding concerns, consult your physician first.

This medicine interacts with other drugs as well. Using with these medicines are usually not recommended but can be necessary at times. These include:

• Amiodarone
• Crizotinib
• Dronedarone
• Fenoldopam
• Fingolimod
• Lacosamide
• Memantine
• Verapamil

In such cases, your physician may adjust the dosage and timing of any or both medications. On the flip side, the following drugs may out you at risk of certain side effects:

• Acarbose
• Acemetacin
• Acetyldigoxin
• Arbutamine
• Canagliflozin
• Choline salicylate
• Dexibuprofen
• Digitoxin
• Doxazosin
• Etodolac
• Felbinac
• Feprazone
• Floctafenine
• Glipizide
• Ibuprofen
• Ketoprofen
• Liraglutide
• Lumiracoxib
• Miglitol
• Nateglinide
• Oxyphenbutazone
• Pramlintide
• Proquazone
• Sitagliptin
• Tamsulosin
• Tolmetin
• Urapidil
• Valdecoxib
• Vildagliptin 

You also need to talk to your physician about food you need to avoid while on this treatment. You also need to consider pre-existing medical conditions. Dorzolamide and Timolol eye drops may worsen some illnesses.

Inform your healthcare team if you are suffering from or have a history of:

• Acute angle-closure glaucoma
• Sulfonamide allergy
• Asthma
• Bradycardia
• Cardiogenic shock
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Heart block
• Heart failure
• Bacterial eye infection
• Cornea problems
• Recent eye surgery
• Diabetes
• Hyperthyroidism
• Hypoglycemia
• Severe kidney or liver disease
• Myasthenia gravis

Follow the prescribed dosage and timing. Do not deviate from them without informing your physician. You can also read the patient information insert that is found within the packaging. Use the exact brand that was prescribed since the eye drops vary. Cosopt® PF does not have preservatives, whereas Cosopt® does.

Ask your healthcare professional to demonstrate the proper way of administering the drops. Although the steps for Cosopt® PF and Cosopt® have variations, they generally have the same principles. If you wear contact lenses, take them out before administering the drops.

Also, for cases where your doctor prescribes 2 different types of medications, wait for 5 to 10 minutes before administering the second medication. This prevents the first medication getting washed out. Again, follow your physician’s instructions when it comes to dosage and timing.

Normally for glaucoma, use one drop in the affected eye twice a day, preferably morning and evening.

This is for adults. If you missed a dose, take it immediately. However, if the next schedule is close, skip it and resume the normal timing.

Store your medications in a safe place and away from children’s reach. Discard expired medications.

Diligently keep your doctor’s appointments. It is important that your condition is monitored regularly. Your physician may also order some tests to make sure there are no side effects.

If you or your child experiences itching, redness, and/or swelling of the eye, stop using the medication as these may be signs of an allergic reaction. Call your physician right away.

Also, watch out for serious reactions like:

• Peeling of the skin
• Chills
• Joint or muscle pain
• White spots in the mouth or on the lips
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Yellow discoloration of the eyes or skin

Since this medication can also put you at risk of heart failure, consult your doctor right away if you notice dilated neck veins, weight gain, irregular heartbeat, and swelling of the face, fingers, and/or feet.

If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugars closely while on this medication. The drops can mask signs of hypoglycemia.

Inform your medical doctor or dentist that you are using this medication before undergoing any surgery or dental treatment. It may be necessary to stop using it.

Check with your physician if you get an eye infection or injury. He/she may tell you to start with a fresh bottle.

Seek medical attention right away if you or your child experiences the following side effects:

• Confusion
• Muscle cramps
• Weakness in the hands or feet
• Seizures
• Trembling

Other side effects may only require you to contact your physician immediately. These include:

• Itching and redness of the eye
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision

Some effects may not need treatment and go away on their own. Consult your healthcare professional if the following signs and symptoms do not get better or become bothersome:

• Unusual taste in the mouth
• Flu-like symptoms
• Crusting or Scales on the eyelid
• Indigestion or Upset stomach
• Sore throat
• Runny nose

Although these effects may not be present in some people, you should talk to your doctor if you experience signs and symptoms that are not listed here.