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Compare Neptazane vs. Cosopt

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Methazolamide and Cosopt (dorzolamide/timolol) are both used to lower eye pressure, but they have some key differences. Methazolamide is an oral tablet taken 2 or 3 times a day, while Cosopt is an eye drop used twice a day. Methazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, whereas Cosopt combines a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (dorzolamide) with a beta blocker (timolol). Methazolamide is available only as a generic, while Cosopt is available in both brand name and generic forms. Methazolamide can cause side effects such as tingling in the arms or legs, stomach upset, and taste changes. Blurry vision and changes in taste are a couple of examples of Cosopt side effects. Additionally, Cosopt is not recommended for people with asthma or severe heart conditions, whereas methazolamide should be used cautiously in people with liver or kidney problems.

  • Methazolamide
    Cosopt (dorzolamide / timolol)
  • Methazolamide
    Cosopt (dorzolamide / timolol)

  • Summary of Neptazane vs. Cosopt

    Summary for Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Methazolamide is used to help lower eye pressure and treats eye conditions like glaucoma in adults. It belongs to the drug class called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Methazolamide is a tablet that's taken by mouth, and the dosage is taken 2 or 3 times a day. This medication has many potential side effects, including tingling in the arms or legs, ringing in the ears, and stomach upset. There are possible interactions with aspirin and steroids.

    Summary for Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor / Beta blocker
    Prescription only

    Cosopt is a combination ophthalmic drop (eye drop) medication that contains dorzolamide (a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor) and timolol (a beta blocker). It's used to lower eye pressure for certain people with glaucoma or high eye pressure. Typically, one drop of Cosopt (dorzolamide / timolol) is placed into the affected eye(s) twice a day. Common side effects of this medication include changes in taste, blurry vision, and itchy eyes. Cosopt (dorzolamide / timolol) is available as both brand name and generic medications. It comes in a multi-dose bottle, as well as single-use, preservative-free vials.

  • Indications of Neptazane vs. Cosopt

    Indications for
    •High pressure in the eye, such as with glaucoma
    Indications for
    •To lower eye pressure in people with open-angle glaucoma or high eye pressure

  • Pros and Cons of Neptazane vs. Cosopt

    Pros and Const for Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
    Pros
    •Works well to lower pressure in the eyes
    •A tablet that's taken by mouth, which might be an option for people who don't like to use eye drops
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Need to take multiple times a day
    •Many potential side effects, so not typically a first-choice option
    •Unknown if safe or works well in children
    Pros and Const for Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor / Beta blocker
    Pros
    •Available in a preservative-free form if you're sensitive to the preservative, benzalkonium chloride
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Combines two medications into one eye drop for convenience
    Cons
    •Might not be safe if you're allergic to sulfa medications
    •Not safe for use in uncontrolled asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
    •Needs to be used twice a day

  • Common Side Effects of Neptazane vs. Cosopt

    Common Side Effects for
    •Tingling or "pins and needles" feeling in the arms or legs
    •Ringing in the ears
    •Weakness
    •Tiredness
    •Loss of appetite
    •Taste changes
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •More urination
    •Vision changes
    Common Side Effects for
    •Changes in taste (up to 30%)
    •Eye burning or stinging (up to 30%)
    •Blurry vision (5-15%)
    •Itchy eye (5-15%)
    •Corneal inflammation (5-15%)
    •Eye redness (5-15%)

  • Warnings of Neptazane vs. Cosopt

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Interaction with aspirin
    •Use with caution in people with breathing or lung problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of difficulty breathing
    •Heart failure
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    •Hiding symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hiding symptoms of overactive thyroid
    •Greater risk during surgery
    •Cornea swelling
    •Eye inflammation and infection
    •Risk of muscle weakness

  • Prices with our coupons for Neptazane vs. Cosopt

    Learn more about Methazolamide
    Learn more about Cosopt

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