Cosopt® Ophthalmic Solution for Open-Angle Glaucoma

Dorzolamide and timolol eye drops lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma and ocular hypertension. This page explains safe use and compares options, with US delivery from Canada. It also outlines ways to save on dorzolamide timolol eye drops without insurance.

What Cosopt Is and How It Works

Cosopt® combines two ingredients to reduce fluid production in the eye. Dorzolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that lowers aqueous humor formation. Timolol is a beta blocker that also decreases fluid production. Working together, the combination can help bring pressure down when a single agent is not enough. Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

This medicine is for topical ocular use only. It does not cure the underlying condition, but it can help protect the optic nerve from pressure-related damage when used as directed. If angle-closure glaucoma is suspected, immediate in-person care is required. For stable open-angle disease, your prescriber may use this therapy alone or with a prostaglandin analog. Learn more about related conditions in our Open Angle Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension guides, and explore the Ophthalmology category.

Some patients benefit from switching from two separate drops to this single combination. Your healthcare professional will monitor eye pressure and comfort over time. Generic Cosopt US shipping options may be available based on your prescription and location.

Who It’s For

This treatment is used for adults with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who need additional intraocular pressure reduction. It may be appropriate when response to monotherapy is inadequate, or when simplifying a multi-drop routine could help adherence.

People with asthma, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, slow heart rate, heart block, or certain heart rhythm problems should generally avoid beta blocker-containing eye drops. Those with sulfonamide allergy, severe kidney issues, or a history of corneal problems should discuss risks with a clinician. Contact lens wearers should remove lenses before dosing and wait to reinsert as directed on the label.

Dosage and Usage

Typical use is one drop in the affected eye or eyes twice daily, morning and evening, as directed by your prescriber. Wash hands, tilt your head back, and pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the bottle tip close to the eye without touching it, instill one drop, then close your eye gently.

After instilling a drop, press a finger at the inner corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes. This step, called nasolacrimal occlusion, can reduce systemic absorption. If you are prescribed other eye medicines, wait at least 5 to 10 minutes between products, using gels or ointments last. Do not change your dose or stop therapy without consulting your prescriber.

Strengths and Forms

The combination is available as a multi-dose solution and as a preservative-free option in single-use vials. Commonly published strengths are dorzolamide 2% with timolol 0.5%. Availability can vary by manufacturer and package size.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, use it when you remember unless it is close to the next scheduled time. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual routine. Do not double up. Try to use the drops at the same times each day to establish a steady habit.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store the bottle at room temperature per the label, and keep it tightly closed when not in use. Protect the tip from contact with any surface to maintain sterility. Preservative-free single-use vials should remain in their pouch until needed, and each opened vial should be discarded after one use.

When traveling, keep your prescription details with you and carry drops in your hand luggage. Use a clean pouch to prevent leaks from contacting other items. Keep medicines out of reach of children. Our checkout uses encrypted processes, and orders follow temperature-controlled handling when required.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

No pen or needles are involved with these eye drops. Discard single-use vials after one application. Recycle outer cartons according to local guidance.

Benefits

This combination may simplify care by replacing two separate products with one. Using a single bottle can reduce preservative exposure compared with taking two multi-dose products. The therapy is compatible with many other glaucoma drops, making it a practical part of stepwise treatment plans when directed by your prescriber.

Many patients appreciate having a preservative-free alternative for sensitive eyes. Single-use vials can be convenient for travel, short hospital stays, or after certain eye procedures when preservatives are to be minimized.

Side Effects and Safety

• Burning or stinging after instillation
• Temporary blurred vision
• Eye redness or irritation
• Tearing or dry eyes
• Taste disturbance
• Eyelid discomfort

Serious but less common risks can include allergic reactions, corneal changes, or signs of systemic beta blocker effects such as slow heart rate, dizziness, wheezing, or shortness of breath. Seek urgent care for rash, swelling of the face or tongue, breathing difficulty, chest pain, or severe eye pain. Risk of hypoglycemia masking exists with beta blockers; people with diabetes should be monitored according to their clinician’s advice.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Taking oral beta blockers, certain calcium channel blockers, digoxin, or antiarrhythmics may increase risks of low heart rate or blood pressure. Using oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors with these drops can add to carbonic anhydrase–related side effects. Concomitant use with other topical beta blockers is generally not recommended.

Tell your prescriber about asthma, COPD, heart rhythm problems, low blood pressure, circulation disorders, thyroid issues, diabetes, or sulfonamide allergy. Share all medicines, including over-the-counter products and supplements. Avoid touching the dropper tip to the eye or skin.

What to Expect Over Time

Many people feel brief stinging after dosing that eases quickly. Your clinician will assess eye pressure after you have used the drops consistently, and may adjust your plan if targets are not met. Expect routine follow-up appointments to track pressure and optic nerve health. Adherence matters: using the drops on schedule can support more stable readings.

If you start a new systemic medicine that affects heart rate or breathing, notify your prescriber. If irritation or visual changes persist, pause contact lens wear and seek advice. Keep a simple log if you struggle to remember doses; smartphone reminders can help maintain consistency.

Compare With Alternatives

Some patients require different mechanisms or combinations. Brimonidine/timolol fixed-dose therapy such as Combigan® may be used when alpha-adrenergic action is desired alongside a beta blocker. Others may respond to a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor alone, like Azopt® (brinzolamide), paired with a prostaglandin analog. Your prescriber will match options to your history and tolerance.

Pricing and Access

We highlight Canadian generic options to help you compare total out-of-pocket amounts. For patients paying cash, dorzolamide timolol cash pay information is summarized on this page. If you prefer a preservative-free vial format, you can review Cosopt PF cash price when available. Orders typically include clear instructions on packaging and tracking. Ships from Canada to US is indicated on eligible items at checkout.

See our current offers on the Promotions page. You can also compare individual components like Dorzolamide Ophthalmic Solution and Timolol Maleate with your clinician’s guidance.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by manufacturer and format. If a specific bottle or vial pack is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend a comparable alternative. Dorzolamide timolol ophthalmic solution ships to US when an eligible dispensing partner can fulfill your prescription. We also list country of origin in product details; see Canada for more background.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy may suit adults with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who do not achieve target pressure on a single agent. It may not suit people with active asthma, certain heart rhythm disorders, or those experiencing severe ocular surface disease to preservatives, unless a preservative-free option is selected under supervision.

Cost-saving ideas include asking your prescriber about multi-month quantities, aligning refills with other medicines to reduce separate deliveries, and setting reminders to avoid missed doses and urgent refills. If appropriate, you can dorzolamide timolol ophthalmic solution buy online after your prescription is received and verified. Review educational content like Alternatives To Combigan and Why Is Azopt So Expensive for broader context.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Fit with regimen: How does this combination fit with my other eye medicines?
• Side effects: What signs suggest I should stop and call for advice?
• Lenses: How long should I wait before reinserting contact lenses?
• Comorbidities: Is it safe with my heart or lung conditions?
• Interactions: Which oral medicines could raise risks with these drops?
• Monitoring: When should my eye pressure be checked again?
• Alternatives: If I react, which single-agent or PF options could I try?

Authoritative Sources

FDA DailyMed: Dorzolamide HCl/Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic SolutionHealth Canada Product Monograph: CosoptUS Prescribing Information (Label)

Ready to proceed? You can place your order with US shipping from Canada and choose prompt, express shipping at checkout. This information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.