DORZOLAMIDE

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Trusopt

GENERIC NAME(S): DORZOLAMIDE HCL

Description: Dorzolamide is a carbonic anhydrase, that reduces the amount of fluid in the eye, which decrease pressure in the eye.
Duration: 8-12 hr.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Systemically absorbed.
Distribution: Accumulates in RBC during chronic admin. Plasma protein binding: Approx 33%.
Metabolism: Converted to N-desethyl metabolite.
Excretion: Via urine, as unchanged drug and metabolites.

Uses

Indications:

Dorzolamide is used to treat high pressure inside the eye due to glaucoma (open angle-type) or other eye diseases (e.g., ocular hypertension). Lowering high pressure inside the eye helps to prevent blindness.

Contraindications:

Should not be given to patients with hypersensitivity reactions from dorzolamide.

How to use dorzolamide ophthalmic

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

To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.
The preservative that may be found in some products may be absorbed by contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using the eye drops with preservative.
Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medication before putting in your contact lenses.
Tilt your head back, look upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop in your eye. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed.
Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.
If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 10 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. It is important to continue using dorzolamide even if you feel well. Most people with glaucoma or high pressure in the eyes do not feel sick.

Warnings

Please see Precautions section.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

temporary blurred vision,
temporary burning/stinging/itching/redness of the eye,
watery eyes,
dry eyes,
sensitivity of eyes to light,
bitter taste, or
headache

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

vision changes,
signs of a kidney stone (e.g., pain in the back/side/abdomen, nausea/vomiting, blood in the urine),
yellowing eyes or skin,
dark urine,
unusual tiredness or weakness,
easy bruising/bleeding,
signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat)

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: persistent eye redness or discharge, eye or eyelid swelling, eye pain.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Precautions

Precautions:

Allergy: Before using dorzolamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Medical History: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you had: kidney disease, kidney stones, liver disease.
Bacterial Keratitis: There have been reports of bacterial keratitis associated with the use of multiple-dose containers of topical ophthalmic products. These containers had been inadvertently contaminated by patients who, in most cases, had a concurrent corneal disease or a disruption of the ocular epithelial surface.
Corneal endothelium: There is an increased potential for developing corneal edema in patients with low endothelial cell counts.
Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma: The management of patients with acute angle-closure glaucoma requires therapeutic interventions in addition to ocular hypotensive agents.
If you develop an eye infection or injury, or have eye surgery, check with your doctor about whether you should continue to use your current bottle of dorzolamide. You may be advised to start using a new bottle.
Your vision may be temporarily blurred or unstable after applying this drug. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.

Pregnancy Risk: Category C. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Breastfeeding: It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions:

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., acetazolamide, methazolamide), high doses of aspirin or related salicylates.

Low-dose aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually these dosages are 81-325 milligrams per day), should be continued. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Overdose & Brands

Overdose:

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., eye exams) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

This product is normally colorless. Discard the solution if it changes color, becomes cloudy, or develops particles.

If you are using the single-use containers, discard any unused medication immediately after use.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Brands:

There are no brands containing this molecule.