Trusopt

dorzolamide

Brand(s):

• Dorzox

Manufacturer:

• Cipla Limited

Disease(s):

• Open-angle Glaucoma / Ocular Hypertension

Dorzolamide Eye Drops

What is Dorzolamide?

Dorzolamide eye drops work by reducing the amount of fluid in your eye. This, in turn, lowers the pressure inside your eye. It's primarily used to treat open-angle glaucoma and other conditions causing high eye pressure. While effective, it's crucial to remember that this information isn't a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before starting any new medication.

Important Information Before Use

Allergic Reactions: Don't use dorzolamide if you're allergic to it (or similar medications like Trusopt or Cosopt).

Talk to Your Doctor: Before starting treatment, be sure to tell your doctor if you have:

• Narrow-angle glaucoma

• Kidney disease

• Liver disease

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Dorzolamide falls under FDA pregnancy category C. This means its effects on unborn babies aren't fully understood. Inform your doctor if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Similarly, it's unclear if dorzolamide passes into breast milk and could harm a nursing infant. Discuss this with your doctor before using dorzolamide while breastfeeding.

How to Use Dorzolamide Eye Drops

Always follow your doctor's instructions precisely. Don't adjust the dosage or duration of treatment without consulting them. Never use more or less than prescribed.

Contact Lenses: Remove contact lenses before using dorzolamide. Some formulations contain preservatives that can discolor soft lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using the drops before reinserting your lenses.

Application Instructions:

• Wash your hands thoroughly.

• Tilt your head back slightly and gently pull down your lower eyelid to form a pocket.

• Hold the dropper above your eye with the tip pointing down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a single drop into the pocket.

• Close your eye gently.

• Gently press your finger against the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about a minute to prevent the liquid from draining into your tear duct.

• If using multiple drops in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes between drops.

• Wait at least 10 minutes before using other eye drops.

• Avoid letting the dropper touch anything, including your eyes or hands. Contamination can lead to infection.

• Discard the bottle if the liquid changes color or contains particles.

Important Note: Report any eye injuries, infections, or planned surgeries (especially eye surgery) to your doctor immediately. You may need to temporarily stop using dorzolamide.

Missed Dose

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Never double up on doses.

Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor about all other medications you're taking, particularly:

• Acetazolamide (Diamox)

• Brinzolamide (Azopt)

• Methazolamide (Neptazane)

This isn't an exhaustive list. Disclose all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal remedies, to ensure there are no harmful interactions.

Possible Side Effects

Seek immediate medical help if you experience: hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat (signs of an allergic reaction).

Serious Side Effects (Stop use and contact your doctor immediately):

• Swollen or red eyelids

• Eye redness, pain, discomfort, or light sensitivity

• Eye or eyelid drainage, crusting, or oozing

• Severe skin reaction: fever, sore throat, facial or tongue swelling, eye burning, skin pain, followed by a red or purple rash that spreads (especially on the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling

• Stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)

Less Serious Side Effects:

• Eye burning or stinging

• Unusual taste

• Blurred vision

• Dry or watery eyes

• Headache

• Weakness or fatigue

• Nausea

• Dry mouth or sore throat

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects.

Important Considerations While Using Dorzolamide

Dorzolamide can cause blurred vision. Exercise caution when driving or performing tasks requiring clear vision. Avoid using other eye medications unless specifically instructed by your doctor.

Storage

Store dorzolamide at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.