About Cosopt Eye Drops

Cosopt eye drops are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat eye pressure that is the result of glaucoma. The drops may also be used to reduce eye pressure and prevent possible glaucoma, which is an ocular disease that can eventually lead to blindness. Cosopt eye drops are available by prescription only.

Function

Cosopt has two major medical ingredients within its eye drops, according to the FDA. Dorzolamid clears the fluid channels inside the eye to allow eye fluid to flow normally and not build up and cause eye pressure. The Cosopt prescription eye drops also include the beta-blocker timolol that works to reduce general eye pressure.

Administration

Cosopt is usually prescribed as one drop per eye, per day, according to the FDA. The patient holds the lower eyelid open to deposit the eye drop into the bottom corner of each eye. If the person wears contact lenses, they must remove them for at least 15 minutes before using Cosopt. In addition, any other eye medicines must be administered at least 10 minutes after using the Cosopt eye drops.

Warning

Pregnant women should not use Cosopt because it is not known how much of the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream, according to the FDA. Likewise, people with asthma and heart conditions are advised not to use Cosopt eye drops to treat their eye pressure or glaucoma symptoms. Those with diabetes, liver disease, or kidney disease might be able to take Cosopt under close monitoring, according to the FDA.

Serious Side Effects

There are some potentially serious side effects that can arise from using Cosopt eye drops, according to the FDA. Shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, allergy symptoms such as runny nose, fever, sore throat, and blistering require immediate medical attention. In addition, any redness, swelling, or crusting of the eyes or eyelids is considered a serious side effect requiring medical intervention.

General Side Effects

Less serious side effects are more common when using Cosopt, according to the FDA. Blurry vision, double vision, stinging eyes, dry eyes, dizziness, headache, and back pain may result from the eye drops.

Drug Interactions

It is important to talk to your doctor about any other medications you take before starting Cosopt eye drops. Certain medicines for high blood pressure (especially other beta blockers) and antidepressants may interact with Cosopt, according to the FDA.

Cost

As of 2009, Cosopt was available in its brand name and generic forms in two bottle sizes. An uninsured patient could expect to pay $100 for a 10 ml generic bottle, and about $135 for the Cosopt brand name 10 ml bottle. Smaller bottles of 5 ml were also available and cost about $60 for the brand name. A generic 5 ml bottle was not available as of 2009. Insured patients would likely pay the appropriate co-pays for their health plan, and patient assistance programs are usually available for eligible uninsured patients.