Indications
Dorzolamide eye drops are used to lower raised pressure inside the eye in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension (high eye pressure without nerve damage yet). Lowering eye pressure helps protect the optic nerve and prevent loss of vision. It can be used alone or together with other glaucoma drops such as Timolol.
How It Works
The front of the eye is filled with a clear fluid. Dorzolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor: it blocks an enzyme in the eye that helps make this fluid. Less fluid is produced, so the pressure inside the eye falls.
Dosage and Administration
The usual adult dose is 1 drop of the 2% solution in the affected eye or eyes three times a day. When used with a beta blocker eye drop, it is usually used twice a day, or as prescribed. Wash your hands, tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid, and put 1 drop into the pocket. Close the eye and press gently on the inner corner for 1 to 2 minutes. If you use other eye drops, wait at least 10 minutes between them. Do not let the dropper touch the eye.
Interactions
Avoid using it with carbonic anhydrase inhibitor tablets such as Acetazolamide, as effects add up. Very high doses of Aspirin with this class of medicine may cause problems. Tell your doctor about all other eye drops and medicines you use.
Contraindications
Do not use dorzolamide if you are allergic to it, have severe kidney disease, or have a type of acid build-up in the blood called hyperchloraemic acidosis. People allergic to sulfonamide (sulfa) medicines may also react to it.
Side Effects
Common side effects include burning or stinging on putting in the drops, a bitter taste in the mouth, blurred vision, itchy or watery eyes, and red or swollen eyelids. Less often, headache, tiredness or nausea can occur. Rarely, kidney stones or skin reactions develop.
Get urgent medical help if you have eye pain, a sudden change in vision, severe redness or swelling of the eye, a widespread rash with blistering or peeling skin, or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or trouble breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
There is little information on use in pregnancy, so it should be used only if your doctor feels it is needed. It is not known whether it passes into breast milk; ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
Remove soft contact lenses before putting in the drops and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back, as the preservative can be absorbed by lenses. Use with care in liver disease, a history of kidney stones and in people with a damaged cornea. Blurred vision may occur just after use, so do not drive until your vision is clear. Have your eye pressure checked regularly.
Overdose
Overdose with eye drops is unlikely. If drops are swallowed or too many are used, symptoms may include drowsiness, tingling and changes in blood salts. Rinse eyes with water if too much is used, and seek medical advice if swallowed.
Therapeutic Class
Antiglaucoma agent, carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (ophthalmic).
Storage
Store below 30°C, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep the bottle tightly closed and throw it away 4 weeks after opening, or as stated on the pack. Single-use units should be used once and discarded.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.