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Compare Trusopt vs. Cosopt

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

Key takeaways

Dorzolamide (Trusopt) and dorzolamide/timolol (Cosopt) are both medications used to treat high eye pressure in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension but there are some differences. They both contain dorzolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, which helps lower the amount of fluid in the eye. However, dorzolamide/timolol (Cosopt) also includes timolol, a beta blocker, which provides an additional mechanism to reduce eye pressure. Dorzolamide is typically used as a single medication and is applied as one drop in the affected eye(s) three times a day, while dorzolamide/timolol (Cosopt) is a combination medication used twice a day. Dorzolamide is only available as a generic, whereas dorzolamide/timolol (Cosopt) is available in both brand and generic forms, including a preservative-free option. Common side effects of both medications include burning or stinging in the eye, bluryr vision and bitter taste. Dorzolamide/timolol (Cosopt) may not be suitable for people with asthma or heart problems due to the presence of timolol, which can affect breathing and heart function.

  • Dorzolamide
    Cosopt (dorzolamide / timolol)
  • Dorzolamide
    Cosopt (dorzolamide / timolol)

  • Summary of Trusopt vs. Cosopt

    Summary for Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Dorzolamide is an eye drop medication used to treat high pressure in the eye in people with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The dosage is 1 drop applied directly into the affected eye(s) three times per day. It's available as a generic only as the brand-name medication Trusopt has been discontinued. Dorzolamide is a sulfa medication, so it might not be the best choice if you have a serious sulfa allergy. Side effects include burning or stinging in the eye and a bitter taste in the mouth.

    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 Trusopt vs. Cosopt

    Indications for

    Treatment of high pressure in the eye in people with:

    •Ocular hypertension
    •Open-angle glaucoma
    Indications for
    •To lower eye pressure in people with open-angle glaucoma or high eye pressure

  • Pros and Cons of Trusopt vs. Cosopt

    Pros and Const for Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
    Pros
    •Doesn't typically cause side effects throughout the rest of your body
    •Can be combined with other medications
    •Safe to use in children
    Cons
    •Needs to be used 3 times a day
    •Can cause eye irritation right after applying a drop
    •Not the best option if you're allergic to sulfa medications
    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 Trusopt vs. Cosopt

    Common Side Effects for
    •Burning or stinging in the eye (33%)
    •Bitter taste (25%)
    •Bacterial eye infection (10-15%)
    •Allergic reaction in the eye (10%)
    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 Trusopt vs. Cosopt

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Risk for eye infection (from contamination)
    •Risk for swelling of the cornea
    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 Trusopt vs. Cosopt

    Learn more about Dorzolamide
    Learn more about Cosopt

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