Dorzolamide eye drops

What is this medicine?

DORZOLAMIDE reduces the amount of fluid in the eye, which decreases pressure inside the eye. Dorzolamide ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat open-angle glaucoma and other causes of high pressure inside the eye. Dorzolamide ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to dorzolamide (Trusopt or Cosopt).

To make sure you can safely use dorzolamide ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• narrow-angle glaucoma;

• kidney disease; or

• liver disease.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether dorzolamide ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether dorzolamide ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use this medicine?

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Dorzolamide ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using dorzolamide before putting your contact lenses in.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.

• Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

• Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.

• If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop.

• Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops that your doctor has prescribed.

Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye. Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any eye injury or infection, or if you need to have any type of surgery, especially eye surgery. You may need to stop using dorzolamide ophthalmic for a short time.

What if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What may interact with this medicine?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• acetazolamide (Diamox);

• brinzolamide (Azopt); or

• methazolamide (Neptazane).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with dorzolamide ophthalmic. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although the risk of serious side effects is low when dorzolamide is used in the eyes, you should be aware of side effects that can occur if the medication is absorbed into your bloodstream.

Stop using dorzolamide ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• swelling or redness of your eyelids;

• eye redness, pain, discomfort, or sensitivity to light;

• drainage, crusting, or oozing of your eyes or eyelids;

• severe skin reaction: fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling; or

• stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• burning or stinging in your eye;

• bitter or unusual taste in your mouth;

• blurred vision;

• dry or watery eyes;

• headache;

• weakness, tired feeling;

• nausea; or

• dry mouth, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Dorzolamide ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly. Do not use other eye medications during treatment with dorzolamide ophthalmic unless your doctor tells you to.

Where should I keep this medicine?

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