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|Cosopt

Cosopt

Generic name: Dorzolamide hydrochloride, Timolol maleate
Brand names: Cosopt

Why is Cosopt prescribed?

Cosopt lowers high pressure in the eye, a problem typically caused by the condition known as open-angle glaucoma. Cosopt works by reducing production of the liquid that fills the eyeball.

Most important fact about Cosopt

Although it often causes no symptoms at first, high pressure in the eye will eventually damage the optic nerve and lead to blindness. It"s therefore very important to keep using this medicine even if your eyes seem okay.

How should you take Cosopt?

Cosopt is administered with an eyedropper bottle. If you are using other eyedrops or ointments, allow at least 10 minutes between doses of each product.

The benzalkonium chloride used as a preservative in Cosopt can be absorbed by soft contact lenses; wait 15 minutes after using the drug before you insert the lenses.

To apply the drops, first wash your hands, then tilt your head back and pull your lower eyelid down slightly to form a pocket between the lid and the eye. Turn the bottle upside down and press the "Finger Push Area" lightly with your thumb or index finger until one drop falls into the eye. Be careful to avoid touching the eyelids with the dropper tip. This could contaminate the solution.

--If you miss a dose...

Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature. Protect from light.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Cosopt.

• Side effects of Cosopt may include:
  Altered taste, blurred vision, burning or stinging eyes, inflamed cornea, itching eyes, red eyelids

Why should Cosopt not be prescribed?

You should not take Cosopt if you"ve ever had asthma, suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or have heart failure or certain types of rhythm problems. The drug cannot be used if you are suffering from shock. You"ll also need to avoid it if it causes an allergic reaction.

Special warnings about Cosopt

Although Cosopt is an eyedrop, the medications it contains affect the entire body. In rare cases, the timolol in Cosopt has caused fatal asthma attacks and heart failure. The dorzolamide it contains has been known to cause fatal allergic reactions. If you develop hives, blisters, swollen eyelids, inflamed eyes, or any other sign of an allergic reaction, stop using Cosopt and check with your doctor immediately.

If you are planning to have surgery, make sure the doctor knows you are using Cosopt. Your dose may be gradually lowered in preparation for the operation. Also alert the doctor immediately if you sustain an eye injury or infection.

Use Cosopt with caution if you have diabetes or a thyroid condition. It can mask some of the signs of these disorders. Caution is also warranted if you have myasthenia gravis; in rare cases, Cosopt may increase muscle weakness.

If you have severe kidney disease, make sure the doctor knows about it. Cosopt is not recommended under these circumstances.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Cosopt

If Cosopt is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Cosopt with the following:

Certain water pills (diuretics) such as Daranide
Clonidine (Catapres)
Digitalis (Lanoxin)
Drugs classified as beta blockers, such as the high blood pressure medications Inderal, Sectral, and Tenormin
Drugs classified as calcium channel blockers, such as the heart medications Cardizem, Norvasc, and Procardia
Epinephrine (EpiPen)
Quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex)
Reserpine
Salicylate medications such as Disalcid and aspirin

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Cosopt during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Cosopt should be used during pregnancy only if its benefits outweigh the potential risk to the developing baby.

The timolol component of Cosopt does appear in breast milk, and can cause serious reactions in nursing infants. If you are nursing, use of Cosopt is not recommended.

Recommended dosage

The usual dose is 1 drop in the affected eye(s) 2 times a day.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of Cosopt overdose may include:
  Dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, slow heartbeat, severe asthma, cardiac arrest