Dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic (for the eyes) is a combination medicine used to treat certain types of glaucoma and other causes of high pressure inside the eye.

Dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to dorzolamide or timolol, or if you have:

• a history of asthma;
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, or emphysema; or
• heart failure, slow heartbeats;
• heart block or "AV block" (2nd or 3rd degree); or
• heart muscle damage (such as from a heart attack).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• breathing problems;
• an allergy to sulfa drugs;
• a genetic disposition for allergic reactions, or if you've had a severe allergic (anaphylactic) reaction;
• muscle weakness, myasthenia gravis;
• a thyroid disorder;
• liver or kidney disease;
• diabetes; or
• if you plan to have surgery.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

Do not use this medicine in a child younger than 2 years old.

Use Cosopt (Ophthalmic) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Stop using this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, severe itching, dizziness, sweating, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Serious side effects may occur if the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream.

This medicine can cause serious breathing problems or heart failure. Get medical help if you have:

• fast, slow or pounding heartbeats;
• wheezing;
• shortness of breath; or
• swelling in your lower legs, rapid weight gain.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• worsening muscle weakness;
• eye redness or swelling;
• droopy eyelids, vision problems; or
• damage to your cornea (the clear layer in front of the iris and pupil)--eye redness, watery eyes, decreased vision, increased sensitivity to light.

Common side effects may include:

• a bitter or unusual taste in your mouth after using the eye drops;
• blurred vision;
• watery eyes; or
• redness, burning, stinging, or itching in your eyes.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

This medicine may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.