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Dorzolamide/Timolol
from eMedTV.comImportant Information for Your Healthcare Provider
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to using this medication if you have:- Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
- Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Hyperthyroidism
- Myasthenia gravis
- Diabetes
- Heart failure
- A recent history of heart attack
- A slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Heart block
- An upcoming surgery
- Any allergies, including to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Cosopt and Pregnancy)
- Breastfeeding (see Cosopt and Breastfeeding).
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
(Click Precautions and Warnings With Dorzolamide/Timolol to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
How Does Dorzolamide/Timolol Work?
As the name implies, dorzolamide/timolol contains two different active ingredients: dorzolamide hydrochloride and timolol maleate. Dorzolamide belongs to a group of drugs called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Carbonic anhydrase is an enzyme found in many places throughout the body, including the eye. By inhibiting this enzyme, this combination drug lowers the eye pressure by decreasing the amount of fluid the eye produces (known as aqueous humor).Timolol belongs to a group of drugs called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, more often known as beta blockers. As the name implies, these medications block beta receptors in the body. Beta receptors are located in a number of places within the body, including the eyes. Beta blockers also lower the pressure in the eye by decreasing the amount of fluid the eye produces.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD