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Dorzolamide

Pronounced

"door-ZOHL-uh-mide"

Common brand names:

Trusopt

Uses

Dorzolamide is used to treat high pressure inside the eye due to glaucoma (open angle-type) or other eye diseases (such as ocular hypertension). Lowering high pressure inside the eye helps to prevent blindness. This medication works by decreasing the amount of fluid within the eye. It belongs to a class of drugs known as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using dorzolamide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed by your doctor, usually one drop 3 times a day.

To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.

The preservative that may be found in some products may be absorbed by contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using the eye drops with preservative. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medication before putting in your contact lenses.

Tilt your head back, look upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop in your eye. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed.

Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 10 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.

Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Keep using dorzolamide even if you feel well. Most people with glaucoma or high pressure in the eyes do not feel sick.