Cosopt® Eye Drops for Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension

What Cosopt® Is and How It Works

Cosopt is a prescription eye drop used to lower intraocular pressure in open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It combines dorzolamide (a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor) and timolol (a beta blocker) in one bottle, and it is usually dosed twice daily. Cosopt is available as a preserved multidose solution and as Cosopt PF single-use preservative-free vials. If you are comparing Cosopt eye drops price across options, you will find both brand and generic forms.

CanadianInsulin is a prescription referral service. Prescriptions are verified with your clinic, and orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies. We work only with vetted partner pharmacies, offering authentic brand medications and generics with a broad selection and value-focused pricing.

How it works: dorzolamide reduces aqueous humor production by inhibiting carbonic anhydrase in the ciliary processes. Timolol further reduces aqueous production by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors. The combined effect lowers eye pressure more than either agent alone in many patients.

Cosopt (dorzolamide 2%/timolol 0.5%) is for ophthalmic use only. Cosopt PF provides the same strengths in unit-dose vials without preservatives, which can help users sensitive to benzalkonium chloride. Your prescriber chooses the format based on your history, tolerance, and treatment goals.

Dosage and Usage

• Typical dose: instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily, morning and evening, as prescribed.
• If switching from a single-agent beta blocker or carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, follow your prescriber’s timing for the first Cosopt dose.
• If using other eye medications, separate each product by at least 10 minutes.
• Remove contact lenses before use. Wait 15 minutes after instillation before reinserting lenses.
• How to use the bottle: wash hands, tilt head back, pull down lower lid to create a pocket, hold the bottle tip down without touching the eye or lashes, instill 1 drop, then close the eye.
• Use nasolacrimal occlusion (press a finger at the inner corner of the eye) for 2 minutes to reduce systemic absorption.
• Do not touch the dropper tip or let it contact any surface. Recap firmly after use.
• Cosopt PF vials: open one unit-dose vial, use immediately in the affected eye(s), and discard the remaining contents. Do not reuse an opened vial.
• Missed dose: instill when remembered unless it is near the next dose. Do not double the dose.

• Storage: keep at 15–25°C (59–77°F); brief excursions 15–30°C (59–86°F) are generally acceptable per labeling. Do not freeze. Protect from light.
• Keep bottles tightly closed and upright when not in use.
• For Cosopt PF, keep unopened vials in the sealed pouch until needed. Discard each opened vial after one use.
• Travel: carry drops in your hand luggage. Avoid extreme heat, direct sun, and car glove boxes.
• If flying, place vials or bottles in a resealable bag to prevent leaks. Keep labeling with the medication for security checks.
• Do not use if the solution changes color, becomes cloudy, or the seal is broken.

Benefits and Savings

Cosopt combines two proven mechanisms to lower eye pressure, which can help slow the progression of glaucomatous damage. Using one bottle for two agents can simplify routines and support adherence. The preservative-free (PF) format offers an option for users who do not tolerate preservatives, while the preserved multidose bottle can be convenient for daily use.

Many customers save 60–80% vs typical U.S. prices when sourcing through CanadianInsulin. If cost matters, ask your prescriber about brand versus generic dorzolamide/timolol and whether Cosopt PF or preserved bottles suit your needs.

See our promotions page for current offers, including any Cosopt coupon if available.

Side Effects and Safety

• Temporary eye burning or stinging after instillation
• Blurred vision, dry eyes, or watery eyes
• Redness, eyelid irritation, or conjunctivitis
• Bitter or unusual taste in the mouth
• Headache or fatigue
• Rarely, corneal edema or superficial punctate keratitis

Timolol is a beta blocker and can cause systemic effects, especially if not using nasolacrimal occlusion. Report wheezing, shortness of breath, slow heart rate, dizziness, or fainting. Do not use with a history of asthma, severe COPD, sinus bradycardia, second- or third-degree AV block, cardiogenic shock, or overt heart failure. Dorzolamide is a sulfonamide derivative; avoid in patients with sulfonamide hypersensitivity. Use caution with severe renal impairment. Tell your clinician about other beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, digoxin, and other glaucoma drops. Seek urgent care for signs of infection, sudden vision changes, or severe eye pain.

Onset Time

Cosopt begins lowering intraocular pressure within hours of the first doses. Many users see meaningful pressure reductions within the first week. The full effect is usually evaluated after 2 to 4 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. If your regimen changes or a dose is missed, short-term fluctuations may occur. Follow-up pressure checks help confirm your response over time.

Compare With Alternatives

Prostaglandin analogs such as latanoprost (brand Xalatan®) are often used once daily and can provide strong baseline pressure reduction. Cosopt offers dual-mechanism control in two daily doses and can be used when additional lowering is needed beyond a prostaglandin. If you are interested, you can review Xalatan as a comparator option.

Combigan® (brimonidine/timolol) pairs an alpha agonist with timolol and is typically dosed twice daily. Compared with Combigan, Cosopt uses dorzolamide rather than brimonidine, which may suit those who prefer a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. You can also compare Combigan with your clinician’s guidance.

Timoptic® (timolol) and Azopt® (brinzolamide) are single-agent options. Cosopt can reduce pressure more than either agent alone because it combines two classes, which can be helpful if monotherapy is not adequate.

Combination Therapy

• With prostaglandin analogs (e.g., latanoprost): Cosopt may be added for further IOP lowering when once-daily prostaglandin therapy is insufficient.
• With alpha agonists (e.g., brimonidine): Some regimens use an additional class when target pressures are not met, with 10-minute spacing between drops.
• Avoid duplicate therapy: do not use Cosopt with other topical beta blockers or other topical dorzolamide to prevent duplication.
• Systemic beta blockers or rate-controlling drugs may increase the risk of bradycardia; clinicians may adjust background therapy accordingly.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Cosopt may be considered for adults with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who need additive pressure reduction. The PF option can help those with preservative sensitivity or ocular surface disease. Users who wear contact lenses may benefit from dosing schedules that minimize lens removal and reinsertion.

Cosopt is not appropriate for everyone. Do not use with a history of asthma, severe COPD, slow heart rate, AV block, heart failure, or sulfonamide allergy. Use caution with severe renal impairment, corneal problems, or in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Pediatric use should be directed by a specialist. Always review your full medical and medication history with your clinician.

To manage costs, consider the generic dorzolamide/timolol option if appropriate. Multi-month orders can reduce per-shipment fees. Many users choose preserved bottles for routine use and PF vials during travel or flare-ups of ocular surface irritation. Reorder reminders can help you avoid gaps in therapy.

Authoritative Sources

FDA DailyMed listings for dorzolamide/timolol ophthalmic solution

Health Canada Drug Product Database: dorzolamide + timolol search

FDA Medication Guides: ophthalmic products overview

Order Cosopt® from CanadianInsulin: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This page is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the product’s patient information.