What is Cosopt: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Cosopt overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Cosopt Ocumeter Plus, Cosopt PF

Generic Names:

  • Dorzolamide Hcl-Timolol Mal

Uses:

  • Treats increased eye pressure caused by glaucoma or hypertension of the eye. This medicine contains a beta-blocker and a sulfa drug.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiglaucoma, Beta-Adrenergic Blocker/Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor Combination

Forms:

  • Liquid, Drop

How it’s taken:

  • Into the eye

What form(s) does Cosopt come in

  • Liquid

  • Drop

What are common Cosopt doses?

  • Bottle 10ML of 22.3-6.8MG/ML

Common Cosopt prescriptions

  • Cosopt
    10ml of 2-0.5% bottle

  • Cosopt
    10ml of 22.3-6.8mg/ml bottle

How to take Cosopt

  • Use your medicine as directed.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Ophthalmic routeLie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Cosopt®: Remove contact lenses before you use this medicine. Wait at least 15 minutes before you put the contact lenses back in.After you use this medicine, wait at least 10 minutes before you use any other medicines in your eyes.Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Ophthalmic routeTo use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

  • Cosopt® PF: Each container of this medicine should be used only once. Do not open the medicine until you are ready to use it. Do not save any leftover medicine for later use. Throw it away.After you use this medicine, wait at least 5 minutes before you use any other medicine in your eyes.Store the containers in the original pouch to protect the medicine from light. Write down the date you open the foil pouch in the space provided. Throw away any unused medicine 15 days after you open the pouch.

  • Cosopt®: Remove contact lenses before you use this medicine. Wait at least 15 minutes before you put the contact lenses back in.After you use this medicine, wait at least 10 minutes before you use any other medicines in your eyes.Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Cosopt® PF: Each container of this medicine should be used only once. Do not open the medicine until you are ready to use it. Do not save any leftover medicine for later use. Throw it away.After you use this medicine, wait at least 5 minutes before you use any other medicine in your eyes.Store the containers in the original pouch to protect the medicine from light. Write down the date you open the foil pouch in the space provided. Throw away any unused medicine 15 days after you open the pouch.

  • Ophthalmic routeLie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Ophthalmic routeTo use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

  • Use your medicine as directed.

Cosopt contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to dorzolamide or timolol, or if you have asthma, COPD, heart failure, or certain heart rhythm problems.

Cosopt warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, or myasthenia gravis. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfa drugs.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell your doctor if you injure your eye or get an eye infection. Tell your doctor if you need to have eye surgery.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

  • This medicine may cause the following problems: Breathing problemsHeart failureSerious allergic reactions

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

Cosopt interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following: Acetazolamide, aspirin, clonidine, injectable epinephrine, quinidine, or reserpineInsulin or diabetes medicine that you take by mouth or a beta-blocker medicine to lower blood pressure

  • This medicine may cause the following problems: Breathing problemsHeart failureSerious allergic reactions

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

  • Tell your doctor if you injure your eye or get an eye infection. Tell your doctor if you need to have eye surgery.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Cosopt side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Redness, pain, or swelling of your eye or eyelids

  • Muscle weakness

  • Chest pain, trouble breathing, cold sweat, bluish skin

  • Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Bitter or unusual taste

  • Vision changes, burning, itching, or irritation in your eye