Cosopt Special Precautions

As with other topically applied ophthalmic agents, COSOPT may be absorbed systemically. The timolol component is a beta-blocker. Therefore, the same types of adverse reactions found with systemic administration of beta-blockers may occur with topical administration.
Cardio-Respiratory Reactions: Because of the timolol maleate component, cardiac failure should be adequately controlled before beginning therapy with COSOPT. Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, including cardiac failure, should be watched for signs and deterioration of these diseases, and pulse rates should be checked.
Due to its negative effect on conduction time, beta-blockers should be given with caution to patients with first-degree heart block.
Respiratory reactions and cardiac reactions, including death due to bronchospasm in patients with asthma and rarely, death in association with cardiac failure, have been reported following administration of timolol maleate ophthalmic solution.
In patients with mild/moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), COSOPT should be used with caution and only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk.
Vascular Disorders: Patients with severe peripheral circulatory disturbance/disorders (e.g. severe forms of Raynaud's disease or Raynaud's syndrome) should be treated with caution.
Masking of Hypoglycemic Symptoms in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: Beta-adrenergic blocking agents should be administered with caution in patients subject to spontaneous hypoglycemia or to diabetic patients (especially those with labile diabetes) who are receiving insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents. Beta-adrenergic blocking agents may mask the signs and symptoms of acute hypoglycemia.
Masking of Thyrotoxicosis: Beta-adrenergic blocking agents may mask certain clinical signs of hyperthyroidism (e.g., tachycardia). Patients suspected of developing thyrotoxicosis should be managed carefully to avoid abrupt withdrawal of beta-adrenergic blocking agents which might precipitate a thyroid storm.
Surgical Anesthesia: The necessity or desirability of withdrawal of beta-adrenergic blocking agents prior to major surgery is controversial. If necessary during surgery, the effects of beta-adrenergic blocking agents may be reversed by sufficient doses of adrenergic agonists (see Overdosage).
Renal and Hepatic Impairment: COSOPT has not been studied in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 milliliter/min). Because dorzolamide HCl and its metabolite are excreted predominantly by the kidney, COSOPT is not recommended in such patients.
COSOPT has not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment and therefore should be used with caution in such patients.
Immunology and Hypersensitivity: As with other topically-applied ophthalmic agents, COSOPT may be absorbed systemically. The dorzolamide component is a sulfonamide. Therefore, the same types of adverse reactions found with systemic administration of sulfonamides may occur with topical administration such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. If signs of serious reactions or hypersensitivity occur, discontinue use of this preparation.
In clinical studies, local ocular adverse effects, primarily conjunctivitis and lid reactions, were reported with chronic administration of dorzolamide hydrochloride ophthalmic solution. Some of these reactions had the clinical appearance and course of an allergic-type reaction that resolved upon discontinuation of drug therapy. Similar reactions have been reported with COSOPT. If such reactions are observed, discontinuation of treatment with COSOPT should be considered.
While taking β-blockers, patients with a history of atopy or a history of severe anaphylactic reaction to a variety of allergens may be more reactive to accidental, diagnostic or therapeutic repeated challenge with such allergens. Such patients may be unresponsive to the usual doses of epinephrine used to treat anaphylactic reactions.
Concomitant Therapy: There is a potential for an additive effect on the known systemic effects of carbonic anhydrase inhibition in patients receiving oral and topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors concomitantly. The concomitant administration of COSOPT and oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors has not been studied and is not recommended.
Patients who are already receiving a beta-adrenergic blocking agent systemically and who are given COSOPT should be observed for a potential additive effect either on the intraocular pressure or on the known systemic effects of beta-blockade. The use of two topical beta-adrenergic blocking agents is not recommended.
Others: The management of patients with acute angle-closure glaucoma requires therapeutic interventions in addition to ocular hypotensive agents. COSOPT has not been studied in patients with acute angle-closure glaucoma.
Choroidal detachment has been reported with administration of aqueous suppressant therapy (eg, timolol, acetazolamide, dorzolamide) after filtration procedures.
There is an increased potential for developing corneal edema in patients with low endothelial cell counts. Precautions should be used when prescribing COSOPT to this group of patients.
Contact Lens Use: COSOPT contains the preservative benzalkonium chloride, which may be deposited in soft contact lenses; therefore, COSOPT should not be administered while wearing these lenses. The lenses should be removed before application of the drops and not be reinserted earlier than 15 min after use.
Effects on the Ability to Drive or Operate Machinery: There are side effects associated with COSOPT that may affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.
Use in Children: Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.