Health Library

Dorzolamide/timolol (Into the eye)

Dorzolamide Hydrochloride (dor-ZOLE-a-mide hye-droe-KLOR-ide), Timolol Maleate (TIM-oh-lol MAL-ee-ate)

Treats increased eye pressure caused by glaucoma or hypertension of the eye. This medicine contains a beta-blocker and a sulfa drug.

Brand Name(s):

Cosopt, Cosopt Ocumeter Plus, Cosopt PF

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Drop

• Use your medicine as directed.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
• To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
• Cosopt®:
  • Remove contact lenses before you use this medicine. Wait at least 15 minutes before you put the contact lenses back in.
  • After you use this medicine, wait at least 10 minutes before you use any other medicines in your eyes.
  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Cosopt® PF:
  • Each container of this medicine should be used only once. Do not open the medicine until you are ready to use it. Do not save any leftover medicine for later use. Throw it away.
  • After you use this medicine, wait at least 5 minutes before you use any other medicine in your eyes.
  • Store the containers in the original pouch to protect the medicine from light. Write down the date you open the foil pouch in the space provided. Throw away any unused medicine 15 days after you open the pouch.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:
  • Acetazolamide, aspirin, clonidine, injectable epinephrine, quinidine, or reserpine
  • Insulin or diabetes medicine that you take by mouth or a beta-blocker medicine to lower blood pressure

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, or myasthenia gravis. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfa drugs.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Breathing problems
  • Heart failure
  • Serious allergic reactions
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.
• Tell your doctor if you injure your eye or get an eye infection. Tell your doctor if you need to have eye surgery.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
• Chest pain, trouble breathing, cold sweat, bluish skin
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Redness, pain, or swelling of your eye or eyelids
• Muscle weakness
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Bitter or unusual taste
• Vision changes, burning, itching, or irritation in your eye

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024