Cosopt ratings & reviews

Dorzolamide, Timolol Maleate
Company: Akorn
Brand: Cosopt
Drug class: Sensory Organs
+3 more
Sensory Organs, Ophthalmologicals, Miotics and Antiglaucoma Agents, Beta-blockers, Ophthalmic, Combination

Sermo AI Overview

  • Cosopt demonstrates a favorable efficacy profile, effectively lowering intraocular pressure for both ocular hypertension and glaucoma. However, concerns exist regarding its safety and tolerability, particularly related to side effects from the beta-blocker component.
  • The combination of two agents in a single drop is viewed positively by many prescribers, as it simplifies treatment regimens for patients, potentially enhancing their willingness to adhere to therapy despite the dosing frequency.
  • While Cosopt is available as a generic, some patients may experience tolerability issues, including stinging, which can affect their overall experience with the medication and may impact adherence as well.
  • Despite its effectiveness, adherence to Cosopt can be challenging due to its twice-daily dosing schedule, which some patients find less convenient compared to once-daily alternatives. This variability may impact overall treatment success.
Based on insights from Sermo’s triple verified physicians

Description

Cosopt is an ophthalmic solution containing dorzolamide hydrochloride in its hydrochloride form and timolol maleate as the active ingredients. It combines a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and a beta-blocker to regulate eye conditions. The solution is preservative-free, clear, isotonic, and administered ophthalmically, available in strengths of 20 mg dorzolamide and 5 mg timolol per milliliter. Key inactive ingredients include mannitol, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium hydroxide, and trisodium citrate dihydrate.

Source: This information is sourced from FDA and powered by AI

Dosage & Administration

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.

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.

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.

Side Effects

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.

Warnings & Precautions

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 medications, timolol, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives -Pregnant or trying to get pregnant -Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

-Beta blockers, such as atenolol, metoprolol, or propranolol -Calcium channel blockers, such as diltiazem, nifedipine, or verapamil -Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, such as 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.

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. This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects. 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.

Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.

Disclaimer

The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.

Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.

Terms of use

  1. Sermo Drug Ratings, and all information provided on this website, may not be used in combination with any artificial intelligence tool (including to train an algorithm, test, process, analyze, generate output and/or develop any form of artificial intelligence tool). 

  2. Visitors to the online patient-facing website at Sermo.com (“Sermo Drug Ratings”) are Authorized Users of the website, which contains data owned by a third-party provider, Elsevier, Inc.  Accordingly, by visiting Sermo Drug Ratings, Authorized User acknowledges that the website includes Elsevier owned data that Sermo licenses pursuant to a separate usage and Data agreement (the “Agreements”).  Authorized User further acknowledges that Sermo is a third-party beneficiary of the Agreements and Authorized User’s use of the website hereby binds them to the terms of the Agreements; provided, however, that Elsevier shall have no obligations or liability to an Authorized User whatsoever pursuant to the terms of the Agreements.

Welcome to Sermo's Drug Ratings

Previously only for members, Sermo Drug Ratings are now openly available to all healthcare providers, patients, and industry professionals to support better healthcare decisions.

Clinical expertise
Insights based on real prescribing experience from triple-verified practicing physicians only
Detailed insights
Ratings on key attributes including efficacy, safety, tolerability, accessibility, and adherence
Unbiased reviews
Independent, physician-only reviews, free from pharmaceutical industry influence