Dorzolamide and timolol: Patient drug information

(For additional information see "Dorzolamide and timolol: Drug information")

You must carefully read the "Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer" below in order to understand and correctly use this information.

Brand Names: US

Cosopt;
Cosopt PF

Brand Names: Canada

ACT Dorzotimolol;
APO-Dorzo-Timop;
Cosopt Preservative Free;
Cosopt With Preservative;
JAMP Dorzolamide-Timolol;
M-Dorzolamide-Timolol;
MED-Dorzolamide-Timolol;
RIVA-Dorzolamide/Timolol

What is this drug used for?

It is used to treat glaucoma.
It is used to lower high eye pressure.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you have any of these health problems: Breathing problems like asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), heart block, heart failure (weak heart), shock caused by heart problems, or slow heartbeat.
If you have kidney disease.
If you are taking any of these drugs: Acetazolamide or methazolamide.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
If you have a sulfa (sulfonamide) allergy, talk with your doctor.
Have your eye pressure and eyesight checked as you have been told by the doctor.
Bright lights may bother you. Wear sunglasses.
Tell your doctor if you have an eye infection, eye injury, or will be having eye surgery.
This drug may prevent some signs of low blood sugar like fast heartbeat. This may raise the risk of severe or long-lasting low blood sugar, especially in people with diabetes, children, and people who are fasting. This includes people who are having surgery, are not eating like normal, or are throwing up. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
Severe breathing problems have rarely happened in people using this drug. Sometimes, this has been deadly in people with asthma. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
If you have had a very bad allergic reaction, talk with your doctor. You may have a chance of an even worse reaction if you come into contact with what caused your allergy. If you use epinephrine to treat very bad allergic reactions, talk with your doctor. Epinephrine may not work as well while you are taking this drug.
This drug may make it harder to tell if you have signs of an overactive thyroid like fast heartbeat. If you have an overactive thyroid and stop taking this drug all of a sudden, it may get worse and could be life-threatening. Talk with your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Change in eyesight, eye pain, or severe eye irritation.
Muscle weakness.
Fast, slow, or abnormal heartbeat.
Dizziness or passing out.
Sweating a lot.
Rarely, severe effects have happened with sulfa drugs. Sometimes, these have been deadly. These effects have included liver problems, blood problems, and severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis). Call your doctor right away if you have a rash; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; red or irritated eyes; sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes; fever, chills, or sore throat; cough that is new or worse; feeling very tired or weak; any bruising or bleeding; or signs of liver problems like dark urine, tiredness, decreased appetite, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
Heart failure has rarely happened in people taking this drug. Sometimes, this has been deadly. Call your doctor right away if you have shortness of breath, a big weight gain, swelling in the arms or legs, or bulging neck veins.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
Blurred eyesight.
Eye burning, stinging, itching, or redness.
More tears.
Change in taste.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
All products:
For the eye only.
Use as you have been told, even if your signs get better.
Wash your hands before and after use.
Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin. This could lead to bacteria in the drug, which may cause severe eye problems or loss of eyesight.
Tilt your head back and drop drug into the eye.
Put the cap back on after you are done using your dose.
Blot extra solution from the eyelid.
If more than 1 drug is being used in the same eye, use each drug at least 5 minutes apart.
Single-dose container:
Throw away any part of opened vial not used after use.
Multi-dose container:
Take out contact lenses before using this drug. Lenses may be put back in 15 minutes after this drug is given. Do not put contacts back in if your eyes are irritated or infected.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

All products:
Store at room temperature protected from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Single-dose container:
Store unused containers in foil pouch until use.
Throw away 15 days after opening the pouch.

General drug facts

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Last Reviewed Date2022-12-07

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient's specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Topic 12397 Version 144.0

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Dorzolamide and timolol: Patient drug information