Cosopt (Dorzolamide Hydrochloride-Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Cosopt

Glaucoma »

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease of the major nerve of vision, called the optic nerve. The optic nerve receives light-generated nerve impulses from the retina and transmits these to the brain, where we recognize those electrical signals as vision. Glaucoma is characterized by a particular pattern of progressive damage to the optic nerve that generally begins with a subtle loss of side vision (peripheral vision). If glaucoma is not diagnosed and treated, it can progress to loss of central vision and blindness.

Glaucoma is usually, but not always, associated with elevated pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure). Generally, it is this elevated eye pressure that leads to damage of the eye (optic) nerve. In some cases, glaucoma may occur in the presence of normal eye pressure. This form of glaucoma is believed to be caused by poor regulation of blood flow to the optic nerve.

How common is glaucoma?

Worldwide, glaucoma...

Read the Glaucoma article »

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Cosopt Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic (Cosopt)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to dorzolamide (Trusopt) or timolol (Blocadren, Betimol, Istalol, Timoptic), or if you have:

asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
certain heart conditions, especially "AV block";
a heart rhythm disorder; or
severe or uncontrolled congestive heart failure.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic:

breathing problems such as bronchitis or emphysema;
a history of heart disease or congestive heart failure;
diabetes;
a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis;
kidney disease;
liver disease; or
a thyroid disorder.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not use this medicine for a child younger than 2 years old.

How should I use dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic (Cosopt)?

Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using the eye drops before putting your contact lenses in.

Use dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
If you use the drops in both eyes, repeat the steps above in your other eye. Also wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops that your doctor has prescribed.

Do not allow the dropper to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Do not use this medicine if it has changed colors or has particles in it.

If you need to have any type of surgery, especially eye surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

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