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Open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension often cause high pressures in one or both eyes.
Such elevated pressure - called intraocular pressure or IOP -
may damage the optic nerve and lead to loss of vision and possible blindness.
Typically, poor drainage of the watery fluid within the eye can cause the elevated pressure.
Normal introcular pressure is estimated at 10 mmHg and 21 mmHg, and IOP measures
above these numbers (though individual characteristics may vary). Since IOP is the most
important risk factor for glaucoma, patients with IOP may have a greater chance of
developing the condition.
Cosopt, a prescription drug developed and marketed by Merck & Co., Inc., is aimed at
lowering high pressure in the eye. Cosopt works to reduce production of the liquid
that fills the eyeball and may cause the IOP.
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Here is selected safety information from Merck & Co., Inc.:
Cosopt is unsafe for patients with
- bronchial asthma;
- a history of bronchial asthma;
- severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
- sinus bradycardia;
- second- or third-degree atrioventricular block;
- overt cardiac failure;
- cardiogenic shock;
- hypersensitivity to any component of this product.
Cosopt contains dorzolamide, a sulfonamide, and timolol maleate, a beta-adrenergic blocking agent; and although administered topically, is absorbed systemically. Therefore, the same types of adverse reactions that are attributable to sulfonamides and/or systemic administration of beta-adrenergic blocking agents may occur with topical administration. For example, severe respiratory reactions and cardiac reactions, including death due to bronchospasm in patients with asthma and, rarely, death in association with cardiac failure, have been reported following systemic or ophthalmic administration of timolol maleate.
The concomitant use of 2 topical beta-adrenergic blocking agents (eg, Cosopt and any topical beta-adrenergic blocking agent) is not recommended.
Please do follow this link to learn about the possible side effect of Cosopt:
Cosopt possible side effects
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For your own safety, you must tell us:
- If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
- If you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed
- About any medical problems you have now or had in the past, especially heart problems or breathing problems, including asthma
- If you have or had kidney or liver problems in the past
- if you have diabetes, thyroid didease, or muscle weakness
- About all medications that are taking or plan to take, including those you can get without a prescription
- About any allergies, including allergies to any medications, especially sulfa drugs
- If you develop an eye infection, develop a red or swollen eye or eyelid, receive an eye injury, have eye surgery, or develop new or worsening eye symptoms
- If you plan on having any type of surgery
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Cosopt is administered with an eyedropper bottle. Please allow at least ten minutes between doses of Cosopt and any other eyedrops or ointments you may be using. Similarly, wait for 15 minutes after using the drug before you insert the contact lenses if you use them.
First wash your hands, then tilt your head back and pull your lower eyelid down slightly to form a pocket between the lid and the eye. Turn the bottle upside down and press the "Finger Push Area" lightly with your thumb or index finger until one drop falls into the eye. Be careful to avoid touching the eyelids with the dropper tip. This could contaminate the solution. Do not take two doses at once. Store at room temperature. Protect from light.
These are the most general instructions on a safe use of Cosopt. Please make sure you take a good note of the instructions we give you while prescribing Cosopt for you. Of course, we will give you a hardcopy of the instructions to keep them handy.
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