Description:

Cosopt Eye Drops  is a fixed-combination ophthalmic solution used to reduce elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (pseudoexfoliative glaucoma). It combines two active agents to decrease fluid production in the eye, helping prevent vision loss or damage from high eye pressure when a single agent is insufficient.

Prescription:

• Yes

Therapeutic Category:

• Antiglaucoma Preparation / Fixed-Combination Ophthalmic (Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor + Beta-Blocker)

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Dorzolamide hydrochloride 20 mg/ml (equivalent to 22.26 mg/ml dorzolamide hydrochloride) + Timolol maleate 5 mg/ml (equivalent to 6.83 mg/ml timolol maleate). Preservative: Benzalkonium chloride 0.0075% (in preserved version); preservative-free variants exist (e.g., single-dose containers). Excipients include hydroxyethyl cellulose, mannitol (E421), sodium citrate (E331), sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment), and water for injections.

Variant: Standard preserved multi-dose eye drops solution (20 mg/ml + 5 mg/ml); also available as Cosopt PF (preservative-free) in single-dose containers or unit-dose droppers. Bottle sizes typically 5 ml or 10 ml for preserved; single-dose units in strips (e.g., 30 or 60 units).

Consume Type:

• Topical (ophthalmic – instilled into the eye)

Directions/Usage:

• Instill 1 drop into the affected eye(s) twice daily (approximately every 12 hours). If using other topical ophthalmic medications, administer at least 5–10 minutes apart. Tilt head back, pull lower eyelid down to form a pocket, apply drop without touching eye or applicator tip (to avoid contamination), close eye gently for 1–2 minutes, and press inner corner to minimize systemic absorption. Remove contact lenses before application (wait 15 minutes before reinserting). Follow doctor’s exact instructions; do not exceed dose or stop without advice.

Common Side Effects:

• Blurred vision, burning/stinging/discomfort upon application, foreign body sensation in eye, eye itching/irritation/redness, bitter/unusual taste, eye discharge/swelling, eyelid swelling/discomfort, or headache. Less common: nausea, dizziness, fatigue, dry eyes, or superficial punctate keratitis. Serious (rare): severe allergic reactions, bronchospasm (especially in asthma/COPD patients), bradycardia, or systemic beta-blocker effects.

Package Type:

• Multi-dose plastic bottle (e.g., 5 ml or 10 ml) with dropper tip and cap (often white LDPE bottle with blue cap); or single-dose preservative-free containers

Storage Advice:

• Store at room temperature 20–25°C (68–77°F); excursions permitted 15–30°C. Protect from light and freezing. For preserved bottles: Discard 28 days after first opening. For preservative-free single-dose: Use immediately after opening; discard unused portion. Keep bottle upright, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Prescription only; requires ophthalmologist supervision. Contraindicated in bronchial asthma/COPD history (risk of bronchospasm), sinus bradycardia/AV block/cardiac failure/cardiogenic shock, or hypersensitivity to sulfonamides/cephalosporins (cross-reactivity possible). Caution in renal/hepatic impairment (dose adjustment may be needed), diabetes (masks hypoglycemia signs), or contact lens wearers (remove before use). Systemic absorption can occur—monitor for beta-blocker effects (e.g., slow heart rate). Report immediately: severe eye pain/irritation, vision changes, chest pain, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue. Not for use in pregnancy/breastfeeding without medical advice (potential fetal harm). Avoid touching dropper tip to eye or surfaces to prevent contamination/infection.

Product Substitutes:

• Dorzolamide/Timolol generic eye drops (various manufacturers)
• Cosopt PF (preservative-free version)
• Other fixed-combination IOP-lowering drops: Combigan (brimonidine/timolol), Simbrinza (brinzolamide/brimonidine), or separate dorzolamide + timolol drops
• Alternatives: Trusopt (dorzolamide alone) + Timoptol (timolol alone)
• Local generics in Ghana (e.g., imported or pharmacy brands with dorzolamide/timolol)

Manufacturer/Marketer:

• Santen UK Limited

Country of Origin:

• Finland