5 mins read

Uses

What is dorzolamide used for?

Dorzolamide is commonly used to lower pressure inside the eye in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. These conditions cause increased pressure inside the eye.

Dorzolamide may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does dorzolamide work (mechanism of action)?

High pressure inside the eye can lead to nerve damage and vision loss. Dorzolamide helps to lower pressure inside the eye. It works by decreasing the amount of fluid in your eye.

How is dorzolamide supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Trusopt

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 2% ophthalmic solution (eye drops)

How should I store dorzolamide?

Dorzolamide should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). Avoid storing it in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of dorzolamide?

The most common side effects of dorzolamide are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Burning, stinging, or discomfort after you put the drop in your eye
  • Bitter or unusual taste in your mouth after you put the drop in your eye
  • Eye discomfort, redness, tearing, or dryness
  • Blurry vision
  • Vision that is sensitive to bright light

There may be other side effects of dorzolamide that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of dorzolamide?

While less common, the most serious side effects of dorzolamide are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Dorzolamide may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using dorzolamide and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Skin blisters or peeling
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Eye or Eyelid Inflammation. Dorzolamide may cause severe inflammation of your eye or the inside lining of your eyelid (conjunctivitis). In some cases, this may be a sign of an allergic-type reaction. Stop using dorzolamide and tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of conjunctivitis.

  • Redness or pink color in the white of your eye
  • Eye itchiness
  • Swollen eyelid
  • Eye discharge or crusting
  • Watery eye
  • Eye pain
  • Vision changes that do not go away

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use dorzolamide?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use dorzolamide.

  • Dorzolamide
  • Trusopt
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific dorzolamide products they stock.

What should I know about dorzolamide before using it?

Do not use dorzolamide unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share dorzolamide with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep dorzolamide out of the reach of children.

Dorzolamide is an eye drop medicine. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly administer eye drops. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.

If you use more than one eye medicine, separate them by at least 5 minutes. Ask your healthcare provider if you are unsure about when to use your eye medicines.

Eye infections may occur if your dorzolamide eye drop container gets contaminated with bacteria or other germs. In some cases, eye infections may become severe and lead to vision loss. To help prevent eye infections, be careful not to let the tip of the eye drop container touch your eye, fingers, or any other surfaces. Wash your hands before each use. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have an eye infection, eye injury, vision changes, or eye surgery. Symptoms of an eye infection may include pink or itchy eyes, blurry vision or irritation, eye discharge, swollen eyelids, or fever.

Remove contact lenses before using dorzolamide eye drops. Then wait at least 15 minutes before you put your contacts back in.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using dorzolamide?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if dorzolamide is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Problems with your cornea (the clear layer that covers the front of the eye)
  • Angle-closure glaucoma
  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems

Sulfa Allergy. Some people who have a sulfa allergy may also be allergic to dorzolamide. A sulfa allergy is a rash or more serious reaction to sulfa, or sulfonamide, medicines. Examples of sulfa medicines are sulfamethoxazole, sulfadiazine silver, or sulfasalazine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any allergies to medicines. Your healthcare provider can help you decide if it is safe for you to use dorzolamide.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how dorzolamide could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if dorzolamide passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use dorzolamide while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does dorzolamide interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between dorzolamide and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect dorzolamide.

Does dorzolamide interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking any of the following medicines before using dorzolamide.

  • A carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that you take by mouth, such as zonisamide (Zonegran and others) or acetazolamide (Diamox)
  • A salicylate, such as aspirin or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol)

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with dorzolamide. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much dorzolamide?

If you or someone else has used too much dorzolamide, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of dorzolamide?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.