Cosopt Eye Drops 2%/0.5% (Dorzolamide and Timolol)

Cosopt Eye Drops 2%/0.5% (Dorzolamide and Timolol) used 

Cosopt Eye Drops 2%/0.5% (Dorzolamide and Timolol) are used to treat raised intraocular pressure (IOP), which is a build up of fluid within the eye called aqueous humour that causes increased pressure within the eye and can lead to damage to the optic nerve and blindness, if allowed to progress untreated. Cosopt eye drops 2%/0.5% are used to lower raised IOP in several conditions including ocular hypertension, in which there is raised IOP but no damage to the optic nerve or loss of field of vision; open-angle glaucoma, which is the most common form of glaucoma, in which there is raised IOP and gradual loss of field of vision and this can be primary glaucoma (directly related to a gradual increase of IOP) or secondary glaucoma (due to another cause, such as injury). Cosopt eye drops are a combination medication suitable for those who are already using both medications concomitantly and also if monotherapy with a single medication is not providing sufficient improvement.

Cosopt Eye Drops 2%/0.5% (Dorzolamide and Timolol) Cosopt

Cosopt Eye Drops 2%/0.5% (Dorzolamide and Timolol) are a combination medication containing dorzolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, and timolol, a beta-blocker. Eye fluid (aqueous humour) is produced in the ciliary processes of the eye, by filtration from the capillaries (small blood vessels) in the eye and drains from the eye into the bloodstream through the sieve-like trabecular meshwork. Raised intraocular pressure (IOP) is usually caused either by over production of eye fluid, or a blockage in the drainage of the fluid. Carbonic anhydrase is an enzyme that is found in several tissues in the body, including the ciliary processes of the eye. Dorzolamide in Cosopt eye drops inhibits carbonic anhydrase in the ciliary processes, which interferes with the formation of bicarbonate ions, reduces sodium and fluid transport, and ultimately slows down the filtration process, resulting in decreased secretion of aqueous humour into the eye. Timolol in Cosopt eye drops acts by blocking the beta receptors on the cells of the ciliary processes and this action is thought to contribute to reduced aqueous formation. The combination of the two drugs in Cosopt eye drops results in reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP), to a greater extent than either drug administered alone, which relieves pressure on the optic nerve and this can prevent loss of sight due to increased IOP.

Who should NOT take this medication?

Do not use dorzolamide - timolol eye drops if you:

• are allergic to dorzolamide, timolol, or any ingredients of the medication
• are breast feeding, or plan to breast feed
• have bronchospasm, including bronchial asthma, or a history of bronchial asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (e.g., chronic bronchitis, emphysema)
• have heart problems that include an extremely low heart rate, second or third degree heart block, overt heart failure or cardiogenic shock (shock due to heart-related causes)
• have severely reduced kidney function
• take carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., acetazolamide, topiramate) by mouth

What side effects are possible with this medication?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• bitter taste after putting in your eye drops
• burning, stinging, or discomfort in the eye(s) when the drops are used
• crusting on eyelid or corner of the eye
• dry mouth
• headache
• itching of the eye
• nausea
• nosebleeds
• redness of the eye
• tearing (eye produces excess tears)

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• abdominal pain
• blurred vision
• muscle pain
• skin rash
• symptoms of kidney stones (e.g., blood in urine, nausea or vomiting, pain in side, back, or abdomen)
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• coughing, shortness of breath, troubled breathing, tightness in the chest, or wheezing
• irregular heartbeat and slowing of heart rate
• symptoms of an allergic reaction (e.g., difficulty breathing, hives, itchy raised skin rash, or swelling of the mouth and throat)
• symptoms of severe skin reaction (e.g., skin blisters, severe red or purple rash or itching, skin lesions and sores, fever, sore throat)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed.Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.