COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) is prescribed for the patients with open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) is a combination of two drugs in which, Dorzolamide is a carbonic-anhydrase inhibitor that reduces the ocular fluids such as aqueous and vitreous humour and Timolol, a beta-blocker, reduces the blood pressure inside the eyes and thereby prevents the blindness. COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) is given as a monotherapy or in combination with other anti-glaucoma drugs. Other ‘off-label’ uses of COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) are the treatment neo-vascular and angle-closure glaucoma.
Who should not take COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol)?
COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) should not be prescribed for the patients with existing eye infections, allergy to benzylalkonium, COPD, congestive heart failures, liver and/or kidney problems, metabolic disorders, stroke and renal lithiasis. If you are allergic to COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) or any other beta-blockers, you should not use COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol). According to Food and Drug Administration (FDA), COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) is classified as a Pregnancy Category – C drug. Safety and side-effects of COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) are not established in pregnancy and the breast feeding. If you are a pregnant woman or a lactating mother, you should consult your Physician before taking COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol). You should not take COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol), if you are taking medicines such as, insulin, thepphylline, calcium-channel blockers, blood thinners, nitrates, digoxin, aspirin or any other beta-blockers, sulphonyl ureas for diabetes and even some of the over the counter NSAIDs.
COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) Side Effects:
COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) can cause side effects including burning or itching of eye(s), temporary pain or discomfort in the eyes, blurred vision and colour changes, sensitivity to light, abnormal mood swings, bruising or bleeding, weight problems, allergic skin reactions with rashes, general fatigue, edema in eyes, respiratory tract infection, increased pigmentation of the iris, increased heart beats, thickening of eye lashes, different taste in the mouth, flu like symptoms with asthma like exacerbation, dark coloured urine, dyspnoea, slurred speech, tremors, fever with chills, breathing problems, dizziness, fainting with lack of coordination, jaundice like symptoms. In some rare instance, COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) allergy can occur and it may be a life-threatening complication. However, most of the other symptoms may vary from person to person.
How should I take COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol)?
The recommended ocular dosage for the COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) is one drop, two times a day in affected eye(s), which is equivalent to 3 µg. Some patients may require other topical ophthalmic drug to lower the Intra-Ocular Pressure (IOP). The following instruction should be followed to take the COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) – 1.5 µg daily: (1) Apply COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) in the affected eye or both if required. 2) Apply COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) at least 5 minutes before applying other prescribed ophthalmic drugs. 3) Before applying COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) you must remove the contact lens at least 15 minutes before applying 4) After the application, gently move the eye ball(s) up and down for at least five times. Repeat the same after one minute to facilitate the spreading of medicine in the eye(s). (5) COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) should be administered properly and aseptically. Do not touch the tip of the applicator. Wait for at least 5 minutes for the absorption of COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) 6) you should visit your Ophthalmologist to check your eye condition during the therapy by COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol). (7) Wait at least 15 minutes to reinsert your contact lens after the application of COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol). (8) Do not blink or rub your eyes that can flush out the medicine.
Keep applying COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) for as long as your health care provider tells you to do so. To treat your problems or keep you from getting these symptoms, you have to take COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) as often and in the way COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) as prescribed by your Physician.
What is the important information I should know about COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol)?
- Take COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- For COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) dosage one must follow his doctor's instructions.
- It is important to take COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) regularly to get the most benefit, as directed by the Physician.
- Do not take Over-The-Counter (OTC) ophthalmic medicines including steroids while you use COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol).
- COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) can cause sensitivity to light. In case of sensitivity wear sunglasses to avoid stress to the eyes. Avoid bright sunlight.
- Do not stop taking COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) without first talking to your doctor, even if you are feeling well. Even after your symptoms improve, you may require continuous treatment for quite some time, as directed by the Physician.
- Once-a-day dose of COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) should not be exceeded.
- Handle the COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) container with clean, dry hands to prevent contamination.
- Once you apply COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol), do not rub or blink your eyes.
- Check your eye pressure regularly to monitor the benefits of COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol).
- Avoid accidental swallowing of COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol).
- Do not touch the tipper or wash it. Try to administer the medicine aseptically.
- If you are allergic to benzalkonium chloride, you should not use this medicine.
- Store COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) as per the instructions on the label.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking habits while you use COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol).
- Keep COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) away from the reach of the children and pets.
- If you no longer need the medicine, discard the container. Do not store it.
What happens if I miss a dose of COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol)?
Take the missed dose of COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) as soon as you remember, during the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) next day as routine dose. Do not take a double dose of the medication that may lead to dizziness, fainting, severe headache and other unpleasant and serious side effects.
What happens if I overdose of COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol)?
Overdose of COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) can cause eye irritation and hyperaemia. No specific anti-dote are available and symptomatic treatment may be helpful. In case of COSOPT EYE DROPS (Dorzolamide and Timolol) over dosage, please seek emergency medical attention immediately.
|
