Cosopt

dorzolamide , timolol

Brand(s):

• Dorzox T

Manufacturer:

• Cipla Limited

Disease(s):

• Glaucoma / Eye Pressure

Dorzolamide and Timolol Eye Drops

What is Dorzolamide and Timolol Ophthalmic?

Dorzolamide and Timolol Ophthalmic is a combination medication used to treat certain types of glaucoma and other conditions causing high pressure inside the eye. It works by combining two different mechanisms to lower eye pressure. Dorzolamide decreases the amount of fluid produced in the eye, while Timolol, a beta-blocker, reduces fluid production and improves fluid drainage.

This medication may be prescribed for other purposes not listed here. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for clarification.

Important Information for Your Doctor

Before starting Dorzolamide and Timolol, it's crucial to inform your healthcare provider about your medical history. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to dorzolamide (Dorzolamide and Timolol or Trusopt) or timolol (Blocadren, Betimol, Istalol, Timoptic), or if you have:

• A history of asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• A serious heart condition such as AV block, slow heartbeats, heart failure, or if you've recently had a heart attack.

Additionally, tell your doctor about any of the following conditions to ensure safe usage:

• Narrow-angle glaucoma
• Breathing problems like bronchitis or emphysema
• History of heart disease or congestive heart failure
• Diabetes
• Muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Thyroid disorder

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Dorzolamide and Timolol falls under FDA pregnancy category C. Its effects on unborn babies are unknown. Inform your doctor if you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy. It's also unclear if it passes into breast milk; breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication. This medicine should not be used in children under 2 years old.

How to Use Dorzolamide and Timolol Eye Drops

Dorzolamide and Timolol drops can cause temporary blurred vision. Exercise caution when driving or performing activities requiring clear vision. Avoid using other eye medications concurrently unless specifically instructed by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, administer it as soon as you remember. If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Potential Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor about all medications you're currently taking, including:

• Cimetidine (Tagamet)
• Clonidine (Catapres)
• Clozapine (Clozaril, FazaClo)
• Digitalis (digoxin, Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps)
• Isoniazid (for tuberculosis)
• Methimazole (Tapazole)
• Pioglitazone (Actos)
• Reserpine
• Ropinirole (Requip)
• Terbinafine (Lamisil)
• Ticlopidine (Ticlid)
• Antidepressants (e.g., citalopram, clomipramine, desipramine, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, imipramine, paroxetine, sertraline, tranylcypromine)
• Anti-malaria medications (e.g., chloroquine, pyrimethamine, quinine)
• Beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, carvedilol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, propranolol, sotalol)
• Heart or blood pressure medications (e.g., amlodipine, diltiazem, nicardipine, nifedipine, verapamil)
• Heart rhythm medications (e.g., amiodarone, quinidine)
• HIV/AIDS medications (e.g., delavirdine, ritonavir)
• Psychiatric medications (e.g., aripiprazole, chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, haloperidol, perphenazine, thioridazine)
• Other glaucoma medications (e.g., acetazolamide, brinzolamide, methazolamide)

This list isn't exhaustive; other drugs may interact with Dorzolamide and Timolol. Always disclose all medications to your doctor before starting any new treatment.

Monitoring While Using Dorzolamide and Timolol

Use this medication precisely as prescribed. Do not adjust the dosage or duration without consulting your doctor. Do not use while wearing contact lenses; the preservative can be absorbed by soft lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after application before inserting lenses. Wash your hands before each use.

Applying the Eye Drops

• Tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid to form a pocket. Hold the dropper above your eye, look up and away, squeeze a drop into the pocket, and close your eye.
• Use only the prescribed number of drops.
• Gently press on the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) for about a minute to prevent drainage into the tear duct.
• If using multiple drops in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes between drops and at least 10 minutes before using other eye drops.

Discard the bottle if the liquid changes color or contains particles. Avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface. Report any eye injury, infection, or planned surgery (especially eye surgery) to your doctor; you may need to temporarily discontinue use.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed.

Possible Side Effects

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

While the risk of serious side effects is low with topical application, be aware of potential systemic effects if the medication is absorbed into your bloodstream. Stop using the medication and contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Swelling or redness of your eyelids
• Eye redness, pain, discomfort, or light sensitivity
• Eye or eyelid drainage, crusting, or oozing
• Wheezing, gasping, or other breathing problems
• Swelling, rapid weight gain
• Shortness of breath, even with mild exertion
• Severe skin reaction: fever, sore throat, facial or tongue swelling, eye burning, skin pain, followed by a spreading red or purple rash causing blistering and peeling (especially on the face or upper body).

Less serious side effects may include:

• Blurred, cloudy, or double vision; drooping eyelid
• Dry or watery eyes
• Eye burning, stinging, or itching
• Unusual taste in your mouth
• Cough, flu-like symptoms
• Nausea, upset stomach
• Sore throat, stuffy nose
• Dizziness, headache
• Stomach or back pain

Note: If you experience any side effects that persist for more than a few days, consult your doctor.