Dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic

Generic name: dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic [ dor-ZOLE-a-mide-and-TYE-moe-lol-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand names: Cosopt, Cosopt PF
Dosage forms: ophthalmic solution (2.23%-0.68% (2%-0.5% base), 2.23%-0.68% (2%-0.5% base) preservative-free)
Drug class: Ophthalmic glaucoma agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 23, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic?

Dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic (for the eyes) is a combination medicine used to treat certain types of glaucoma and other causes of high pressure inside the eye.

Dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic side effects

Stop using dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic and get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, severe itching, dizziness, sweating, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Serious side effects may occur if the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream.

This medicine can cause serious breathing problems or heart failure. Get medical help if you have:

• fast, slow or pounding heartbeats;

• wheezing;

• shortness of breath; or

• swelling in your lower legs, rapid weight gain.

Dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• worsening muscle weakness;

• eye redness or swelling;

• droopy eyelids, vision problems; or

• damage to your cornea (the clear layer in front of the iris and pupil)--eye redness, watery eyes, decreased vision, increased sensitivity to light.

Common side effects of dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic may include:

• a bitter or unusual taste in your mouth after using the eye drops;

• blurred vision;

• watery eyes; or

• redness, burning, stinging, or itching in your eyes.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

This medicine can cause serious breathing problems or heart failure. Get medical help if you have shortness of breath, pounding heartbeats, swelling in your lower legs, or rapid weight gain.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic if you are allergic to dorzolamide or timolol, or if you have:

• a history of asthma;

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, or emphysema; or

• heart failure, slow heartbeats;

• heart block or "AV block" (2nd or 3rd degree); or

• heart muscle damage (such as from a heart attack).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• breathing problems;

• an allergy to sulfa drugs;

• a genetic disposition for allergic reactions, or if you've had a severe allergic (anaphylactic) reaction;

• muscle weakness, myasthenia gravis;

• a thyroid disorder;

• liver or kidney disease;

• diabetes; or

• if you plan to have surgery.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

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

How should I use dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in this medicine could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. Wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any eye injury or infection, or if you need surgery (especially eye surgery).

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not use after the medicine's expiration date has passed.

Related/similar drugs

latanoprost ophthalmic, epinephrine ophthalmic, brimonidine ophthalmic, timolol ophthalmic, pilocarpine ophthalmic, Lumigan, Xalatan

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Certain symptoms may occur if dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic is absorbed into your bloodstream. This includes dizziness, muscle pain or weakness, numbness or tingling, trouble breathing, slow heartbeats, or fluttering in your chest.

What should I avoid while using dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic?

This medicine may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

What other drugs will affect dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic?

Many drugs can interact with dorzolamide and timolol, and using certain other drugs at the same time is not recommended. Tell your doctor about all your other medicines including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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