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Cosopt Side Effects

Generic name: dorzolamide / timolol ophthalmic

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 5, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about dorzolamide / timolol ophthalmic. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Cosopt.

Applies to dorzolamide/timolol ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

Serious side effects of Cosopt

Along with its needed effects, dorzolamide/timolol ophthalmic may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking dorzolamide / timolol ophthalmic:

More common

Less common

Rare

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking dorzolamide / timolol ophthalmic:

Symptoms of overdose

Other side effects of Cosopt

Some side effects of dorzolamide / timolol ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Less common

Rare

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to dorzolamide / timolol ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

General

The most common side effects have included taste perversion and ocular burning and stinging (up to 30%). Topically applied timolol ophthalmic drops may be absorbed systemically and side effects similar to systemically administered timolol or other beta-blockers such as severe respiratory or cardiac reactions may be experienced.[Ref]

Ocular

Very common (10% or more): Burning/stinging

Common (1% to 10%): Conjunctival infection, blurred vision, corneal erosion, ocular itching, tearing

Frequency not reported: Choroidal detachment following filtration surgery, iridocyclitis, eyelid crusting, signs and symptoms of ocular allergic reaction, transient myopia, photophobia

Dorzolamide:

-Common (1% to 10%): Eyelid inflammation, eyelid irritation

-Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Iridocyclitis

-Rare (less than 0.1%): Irritation (including redness, pain, eyelid crusting, transient myopia), corneal edema, ocular hypotony, choroidal detachment (following filtration surgery)

Timolol:

-Common (1% to 10%): Signs and symptoms of ocular irritation (including blepharitis, keratitis, decreased corneal sensitivity, dry eyes)

-Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Visual disturbances (including refractive changes)

-Rare (less than 0.1%): Ptosis, diplopia, choroidal detachment following filtration surgery

-Frequency not reported: Itching, tearing, redness, blurred vision, corneal erosion[Ref]

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included bronchitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, cough, and upper respiratory tract infection in 1% to 5% of patients. Dyspnea, nasal congestion, and respiratory failure have been reported in less than 1% of patients.

Respiratory side effects associated with timolol ocular have included pulmonary edema, respiratory failure, dyspnea, nasal congestion, cough, and upper respiratory infections.

Respiratory side effects associated with timolol, as with other beta-antagonists, have included bronchial constriction in susceptible patients. Alternative therapy should be considered in patients with reactive airways disease. Cases of fatal respiratory arrest have been reported in patients with asthma, even after topically-administered timolol.

Respiratory side effects associated with oral timolol or other oral beta-blockers have included laryngospasm with respiratory distress, rales and bronchial obstruction.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Frequency not reported: Bradycardia, cardiac failure, chest pain, heart block, hypotension, myocardial infarction

Timolol:

-Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Bradycardia

-Rare (less than 0.1%): Chest pain, palpitation, arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrest, heart block, hypotension, claudication, Raynaud's phenomenon, cold hands/feet

-Frequency not reported: Atrioventricular block, cardiac failure[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Dysgeusia

Rare (less than 0.1%): Tinnitus

Frequency not reported: Cerebral vascular accident, paresthesia

Dorzolamide:

-Common (1% to 10%): Headache

-Rare (less than 0.1%): Dizziness, paresthesia

Timolol:

-Common (1% to 10%): Headache

-Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dizziness, syncope

-Rare (less than 0.1%): Paresthesia, increase in signs and symptoms of myasthenia gravis, cerebrovascular accident, cerebral ischemia[Ref]

Dermatologic

Rare (less than 0.1%): Contact dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis

Dorzolamide:

-Rare (less than 0.1%): Rash

Timolol:

-Rare (less than 0.1%): Alopecia, psoriasiform rash or exacerbation of psoriasis

-Frequency not reported: Skin rash[Ref]

Psychiatric

Frequency not reported: Depression

Timolol

-Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Depression

-Rare (less than 0.1%): Insomnia, nightmares, memory loss

-Frequency not reported: Hallucinations, anxiety[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Frequency not reported: Diarrhea, dry mouth

Dorzolamide:

-Common (1% to 10%): Nausea

-Rare (less than 0.1%): Throat irritation, dry mouth

Timolol:

-Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nausea, dyspepsia

-Rare (less than 0.1%): Diarrhea, dry mouth

-Frequency not reported: Dysgeusia, abdominal pain, vomiting[Ref]

Genitourinary

Timolol:

-Rare (less than 0.1%): Decreased libido, Peyronie's disease

-Frequency not reported: Sexual dysfunction, retroperitoneal fibrosis, impotence[Ref]

Immunologic

Rare (less than 0.1%): Signs and symptoms of systemic allergic reactions, (including angioedema, urticaria, pruritus, rash, anaphylaxis)

Timolol:

-Rare (less than 0.1%): Signs and symptoms of systemic allergic reactions, (including angioedema, urticaria, pruritus, localized and generalized rash, anaphylaxis), systemic lupus erythematosus[Ref]

Other

Dorzolamide:

-Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, fatigue

Timolol:

-Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Edema, asthenia, fatigue[Ref]

Metabolic

Timolol:

-Frequency not reported: Hypoglycemia[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Timolol:

-Frequency not reported: Myalgia[Ref]

Renal

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urolithiasis[Ref]

References

1. Product Information. Cosopt (dorzolamide-timolol ophthalmic). Merck & Co., Inc. 2022.

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.

Further information

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

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.