Dorzolamide
Description
Dorzolamide is a medication used to treat open-angle glaucoma (an eye condition that occurs due to an abnormal drainage system in the eye causing increased fluid pressure within the eyes) or intraocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eyes). This medicine works by decreasing the pressure in the eyes.
Dorzolamide shows common side effects such as burning or stinging sensation in the eye, mild eye discomfort, or bitterness in the mouth. These side effects usually subside with time. However, if they persist or become worse, consult your doctor for further assistance.
Dorzolamide should be instilled as directed by your doctor. Do not instill more than the recommended dose. Wash your hand thoroughly before instilling the eye drop. Remove your contact lenses before instilling the eye drop, and wait for at least 15 to 20 before inserting them back in the eyes post-administration. If you are using any other eye drops, maintain a time gap of ten minutes between the administration of both medications.
Dorzolamide is not recommended if you are allergic to it or have severe kidney problems. It should be used cautiously if you have liver conditions, blood-related problems, or porphyria (a hereditary disorder that may cause nerve and skin problems). Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using Dorzolamide.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Dorzolamide
- Stinging, burning, or discomfort in the eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Bitter taste
- Itching eyes
- Redness or swelling of eyes
- Watery eyes
- Skin rash
- Headache
Uses of Dorzolamide
What is it prescribed for?
- Intraocular hypertension
- Open-angle glaucoma
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe time taken by Dorzolamide to show its effect is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe time duration for which Dorzolamide remains effective in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendency has been reported for Dorzolamide.
- Usage in pregnancy?Dorzolamide is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless necessary. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Dorzolamide may be used while breastfeeding upon your doctor's recommendation.
Allergy
Dorzolamide is not recommended for use if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), etc.
Severe Kidney disease
Dorzolamide is not recommended for use if you have severe kidney problems as it may further worsen your condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Dorzolamide is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless necessary. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant.
Breast-feeding
Dorzolamide may be used while breastfeeding upon your doctor's recommendation.
General warnings
Liver disease
Dorzolamide should be used with caution if you have liver problems as it can worsen your condition.
Corneal oedema
Dorzolamide should be used with caution as it increases the risk of corneal oedema (swelling in the outermost layer of your eyes). Consult your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of swelling in your eyes.
Crystalluria
Dorzolamide should be used with caution as it can cause crystalluria (presence of crystals in the urine due to excess minerals and less liquid in the urine) in some cases. The risk is especially higher if you are dehydrated (e.g. due to severe diarrhoea or vomiting). Hence drink a sufficient amount of water to keep yourself hydrated while using this medicine.
Kidney disease
Dorzolamide should be used with caution if you have kidney problems due to the increased risk of side effects.
Missed Dose
Try not to miss the dose of Dorzolamide. In case you miss a dose, instill it as soon as you remember. However, skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not instill a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Do not instill more than the recommended dose. Consult your doctor in case of an overdose of Dorzolamide.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Aspirin
Bismuth subsalicylate
Choline salicylate
Disease interactions
Bone marrow suppression
Dorzolamide may cause an alteration in blood cell counts. Hence it should be used with caution if you have bone marrow suppression (significantly less amount of blood cells are formed in the body) or other blood disorders.
Porphyria
Porphyria is a hereditary condition that causes abnormal metabolism of the haemoglobin (a substance in the body used to carry oxygen) leading to skin or nerve problems. Dorzolamide should be used with caution if you have porphyria as it can worsen your condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Dorzolamide should be instilled as directed by your doctor. Wash your hand thoroughly before instilling the eye drop.
Tilt your head back and look at the ceiling. Pull down your lower eyelid to create a pocket-like shape. Squeeze the bottle to release a drop into the pocket. Keep your eyes closed for one or two minutes.
Do not touch the tip of the eye drop or let it touch your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination.
Remove your contact lenses before instilling the eye drop and insert them after 15 to 20 minutes.
Maintain a time gap of at least ten minutes before instilling any other eye drops.
Avoid sharing the eye drop with others as it may cause contamination and spread of infection.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Dorzolamide works by decreasing the pressure in the eye by reducing the amount of fluid within the eyes.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Ophthalmic glaucoma agents, Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
Schedule
Schedule H
Drugs, H., 2022. Dorzolamide Ophthalmic: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: [Accessed 5 July 2022].
Hpra.ie. 2022. [online] Available at: [Accessed 5 July 2022].
File.wuxuwang.com. 2022. [online] Available at: [Accessed 5 July 2022].
Information on this page was last updated on 12 Jul 2022
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.