Dorzolamide: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Dorzolamide?

What is dorzolamide for?

This medication is generally used to treat high pressure inside the eye due to glaucoma or other eye diseases (for example, ocular hypertension). Lowering the high pressure inside the eye can help prevent blindness. This drug works by reducing the amount of fluid in the eye. This drug belongs to a class of drugs known as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

How is dorzolamide used?

This medication is for use in the eye, usually one drop in the affected eye 3 times a day, or follow as directed by your doctor.

To drip the medicine, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the tip of the dropper or let it touch your eye or other surface.

The preservatives found in some medicinal products can be absorbed by contact lenses so it's best to remove your contact lenses before using eye drops containing the preservative. Wait about 15 minutes after using this medication before using contact lenses again.

Tilt your head, look up and pull down the lower eyelid to make a 'pocket'. Place the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop over your eye. Look down and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger on the corner of your eye near your nose and apply gentle pressure. Try not to blink and don't rub your eyes to prevent the medicine from drying out. Repeat this step for the other eye if directed.

Do not rinse the dropper. Change the cap after use.

If you are using another type of eye medication such as drops or ointment, wait at least 10 minutes before giving another medication. Use eye drops before using the ointment to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.
Use this drug regularly to get optimal benefits. To help you remember, use this medication at the same time every day. Continue to use this medication even if you feel well. Most people who have glaucoma or high pressure in the eye don't feel pain.

How is dorzolamide stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dorzolamide dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of dorzolamide for adults?

Adult Dose for Intraocular Hypertension

Give 1 drop to the affected eye 3 times a day.

Adult Dose for Intraocular Glaucoma

Give 1 drop to the affected eye 3 times a day.

What is the dose of dorzolamide for children?

Children's Dose for Intraocular Hypertension

Give 1 drop to the affected eye 3 times a day.

Children's Dose for Intraocular Glaucoma

Give 1 drop to the affected eye 3 times a day.

In what dosage is dorzolamide available?

Solution, Ophthalmic:

Trusopt: 2% (0.2 mL)

Dorzolamide side effects

What side effects can I experience due to dorzolamide?

Common side effects include temporary blurred vision, eye burning / stinging / itching / redness, watery eyes, dry eyes, sensitivity to light, bitter taste, or headache.

Stop using this medication if you experience signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this drug and seek medical help if you experience any of the following:

• swelling or redness of your eyelid
• eye redness, pain, discomfort, or sensitivity to light
• dry eyelids, hardened skin, and water flowing from your eyes
• severe skin reaction: fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially on the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling or
• stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects:

• a burning or stinging feeling in your eye
• bitter or unusual taste in your mouth
• blurred vision
• dry or watery eyes
• headache
• tired feeling
• nausea
• dry mouth, sore throat.

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Dorzolamide Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using dorzolamide?

Before starting treatment, you should contact your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this medicine, or to any other medicines.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription or nonprescription drugs you are taking along with any vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or want to take. Be sure to mention medications such as aspirin and vitamins.

Tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, are in the process of becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine. If you become pregnant while taking the medicine, contact your doctor.

If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are currently using this medicine.

If you are using another topical eye medication, use it at least 10 minutes before or after you instill this medication.
Tell your doctor if you wear soft contact lenses. Remove contact lenses before putting this medicine in and use them again at least 15 minutes later.

Is dorzolamide safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

There is not yet sufficient information about the safety of using this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

Dorzolamide Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with dorzolamide?

Although there are certain drugs that should not be used together with this drug, in other cases two different drugs can be used together even if an interaction is possible. In this case, your doctor may want to change the dose, or take other precautions that may be needed.

Can food or alcohol interact with dorzolamide?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with dorzolamide?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• acute glaucoma. Its use in these patients has not been studied. This condition may require medication or other treatment in addition to this drug.
• allergies to sulfa drugs. Use with caution because it can increase the risk of more serious side effects.
• eye infections due to bacteria (for example, keratitis)
• corneal (part of the eye) problem, history
• eye surgery or recently had eye surgery - use with caution as it may make the condition worse
• kidney disease, severe
• liver disease - use with caution as side effects can increase due to the slow removal of drug waste from the body

Dorzolamide overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.