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| Pronunciation |
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 (dor
ZOLE a mide & TYE moe
lole) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Cosopt™ |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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Beta Blocker; Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to dorzolamide, timolol, or any other part of
the medicine.
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
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- This medicine is used to treat
glaucoma.
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| How does it work? |
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- Dorzolamide decreases production of fluid behind the eye. It lowers
the pressure in the eye.
- Timolol decreases pressure by decreasing secretion of fluid behind the
eye.
- It may increase fluid
removal.
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| How is it best taken? |
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- For the eye only.
- Take out soft contact lenses before using medicine. Lenses can be
replaced 15 minutes after medicine is given.
- After using medicine keep your eyes closed. Apply pressure to the
inside corner of the eye. Do this for 3-5 minutes. This keeps medicine in the
eye.
- Separate each eye medicine by 5 minutes. Give one and wait 5 minutes
before using the next.
- Do not touch the bottle tip to eye, lid, or other
skin.
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra
doses.
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
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- You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities
until you see how this medicine affects you.
- Do not use the oral medicine and the eye medicine together. Talk with
healthcare provider.
- Be careful if you have G-6-PD deficiency. Anemia may occur. Talk with
healthcare provider.
- You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun. Use sunscreen;
wear protective clothing and eyewear.
- Use caution if you have lung disease. This includes chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, asthma, or emphysema.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
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- Metal-like taste. Food may have a bitter or sour taste.
- Blurred vision. Goes away quickly. Use caution when driving or doing
tasks that need clear vision.
- Ocular burning, stinging, or
discomfort.
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| What should I monitor? |
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- Get eye pressures checked regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
- Follow up with healthcare
provider.
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
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- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Serious eye pain or changes in vision.
- Redness, irritation, or itching of eye and lid.
- Any rash.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
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- Store in light-resistant container at room
temperature.
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| General statements |
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- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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Copyright © 1978-2001 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved
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