Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

TIMOLOL - DORZOLAMIDE - EYE DROPS

(TIE-moh-lohl WITH door-ZOHL-uh-mide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cosopt

Uses

This product contains two drugs used to treat increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma).

How To Use

To apply eye drops, wash hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. For best results, this medication must be used routinely as directed, generally twice daily. Continue using it for the full time prescribed. Tilt your head back, gaze upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place dropper directly over eye and administer the prescribed number of drops. Look downward and gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of the eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace cap after use. If you are using another kind of eye drop, wait at least five minutes before applying other medications. Administer eye drops before eye ointments, to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.

Side Effects

Taste disturbance, dizziness, nausea, headache or drowsiness may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly: eye pain/redness/discomfort, vision problems. Very unlikely but report promptly: chest pain, unusually slow or irregular pulse, mental/mood changes, cold/painful hands or feet, yellowing eyes or skin, fever, persistent sore throat, rapid weight gain. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies, lung disease, liver problems, kidney problems, heart disease, major surgery, diabetes, thyroid problems (thyrotoxicosis). Contact lenses should be removed before using this product. They may be reinserted after 15 minutes. Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly as this group may be more sensitive to side effects of this product. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. The timolol in this product is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially: other "carbonic anhydrase inhibitors" such as acetazolamide, salicylate drugs (e.g., aspirin, salsalate), beta-blockers such as propranolol, "calcium blockers" such as verapamil or diltiazem, reserpine, digoxin, quinidine, epinephrine. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, slow heartbeat, wheezing, and coughing.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.