Dorzolamide/Timolol Eye Drops

Generic name: Dorzolamide/Timolol Eye Drops [ dor-ZOE-la-mide/TIM-oh-lol ]
Brand name: Cosopt
Drug class: Ophthalmic glaucoma agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2024.

Uses of Dorzolamide/Timolol Eye Drops:

• 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 Dorzolamide/Timolol Eye Drops?

• If you have an allergy to dorzolamide, timolol, or any other part of this medicine (dorzolamide/timolol eye drops).
• If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• If you have any of these health problems: Asthma, other lung or breathing problems, heart failure (weak heart), a heartbeat that is not normal, or a slow heartbeat.
• If you have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
• 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 medicine (dorzolamide/timolol eye drops).

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 medicine (dorzolamide/timolol eye drops) 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 Dorzolamide/Timolol Eye Drops?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (dorzolamide/timolol eye drops). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have your eye pressure and eyesight checked as you have been told by the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you have an eye infection, eye injury, or will be having eye surgery.
• This medicine may hide the signs of low blood sugar. 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 medicine (dorzolamide/timolol eye drops).
• This medicine 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 medicine (dorzolamide/timolol eye drops) all of a sudden, it may get worse and could be life-threatening. Talk with your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine (dorzolamide/timolol eye drops) while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Dorzolamide/Timolol Eye Drops) best taken?

Use this medicine (dorzolamide/timolol eye drops) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• For the eye only.
• Use as you have been told, even if your signs get better.
• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Take out contact lenses before using this medicine (dorzolamide/timolol eye drops). Lenses may be put back in 15 minutes after this medicine (dorzolamide/timolol eye drops) is given. Do not put contacts back in if your eyes are irritated or infected.
• Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.
• 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.

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 or extra doses.

Related/similar drugs

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

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 very bad eye irritation.
• Slow heartbeat.
• Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
• Muscle weakness.
• Rarely, very bad effects have happened with sulfa drugs. Sometimes, these have been deadly. These effects have included liver problems, blood problems, and very bad 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, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.

What are some other side effects of Dorzolamide/Timolol Eye Drops?

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.
• Burning.
• Stinging.
• Itching.
• Eye redness.
• Tearing.
• 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 the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

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.

How do I store and/or throw out Dorzolamide/Timolol Eye Drops?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect 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.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• 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.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
• Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (dorzolamide/timolol eye drops), 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.

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer