Dorzolamide; Timolol Eye Solution

What is this medication?

DORZOLAMIDE; TIMOLOL (dor ZOLE a mide; TIM oh lol) treats conditions with increased pressure of the eye, such as glaucoma. It works by decreasing the amount of fluid in the eye, which helps lower eye pressure. It is a combination of a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and a beta blocker.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cosopt, Cosopt PF

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What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Asthma, bronchitis or bronchospasm, emphysema, or other lung disease
  • Closed-angle glaucoma
  • Diabetes
  • Eye infection or damage
  • Heart or blood vessel disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Thyroid disease
  • Wear contact lenses
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to dorzolamide, sulfa drugs, timolol, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is only for use in the eye. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Shake well before using. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper or tube to your eye, fingertips, or other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye gently to spread the drops. Do not use your medication more often than directed. Finish the full course of medication prescribed by your care team even if your condition is better. Do not stop using except on the advice of your care team. If you use other eye medications, they should be used at least 10 minutes before or after this medication.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

  • Beta-blockers like atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol and others
  • Calcium channel blockers like diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil and others
  • Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors like acetazolamide or methazolamide
  • Clonidine
  • Digoxin
  • Quinidine
  • Reserpine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Report any serious side effects right away. Stop using this solution if your eyes get swollen, painful, or have a discharge, and see your care team as soon as you can.

You may get dizzy while using this medication. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you.

Wear dark glasses if this eye drop makes your eyes more sensitive to light.

If you wear contact lenses, ask your care team when you can use your lenses again.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
  • New or worsening eye pain, redness, irritation, or discharge
  • Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Blurry vision
  • Change in taste
  • Dry eyes
  • Eye irritation or itching
  • Increased tears after use

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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