Dorzolamide HCL Ophthalmic Solution

What is Dorzolamide?
Dorzolamide is a prescription eye medication for cats and dogs. It is used to treat glaucoma or to prevent glaucoma when glaucoma is already present in the other eye.

Who is it for?
Dorzolamide is for cats and dogs.

What are the benefits?

How does Dorzolamide work?
Dorzolamide works by reducing the production of aqueous humour, the fluid within the eye. This decreases the pressure in the eyeball.

Is there a generic equivalent available?
Dorzolamide is the generic equivalent of Trusopt.

How is it given?
Dorzolamide is applied in the eyes. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. If discharge is present, the area should be cleansed with a sterile eyewash solution prior to applying the solution.

Shake the solution well before using. When applying the ophthalmic solution, place one hand under and around your pet's chin and lift upward, so the pet's eyes are looking towards the ceiling. Rest your other hand on top of the pet's head.

Squeeze the drops into the corner of the eye, taking care not to touch the dropper to the eye surface. Continue to hold the head back for a moment while the drops disperse over the whole eye surface.

Take care not to touch the tip of the tube or dropper to the pet's eye, lids, or eyelashes. Do not touch the inside of the cap, the dropper, or tube tip with your fingers, as this will also contaminate the medication. Always wash your hands before and after applying this medication.

If you are applying more than one medication to the eye, allow five minutes between applications so one medication is not washed out by the next. Be sure not to interchange the caps of the medications.

What results can I expect?
Dorzolamide will not cure glaucoma but it can help alleviate the symptoms and prevent glaucoma in the "good" eye when the other eye already has been diagnosed with glaucoma. Symptoms will recur if Dorzolamide is discontinued.

What form(s) does it come in?
Ophthalmic Solution.

Please click on "More Information" for possible drug and food interactions with this medication.

Brand Name
Trusopt

Pronunciation
Door-ZOLE-a-mide

Common Drug Name
Dorzolamide

What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Dorzolamide?
Talk to your veterinarian about what tests and exams may be necessary while using Dorzolamide on your pet's eyes. Also discuss how long the treatment period will be and what type of outcome is expected.

Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your pet is taking, and also if your pet has had any reactions to previous medications.

What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give two doses at once.

What is the most important information I should know?
Dorzolamide needs to be given exactly as your veterinarian prescribes. If it is discontinued, glaucoma may worsen in the affected eye or occur in the unaffected eye.

Who should not take it?
Not for use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to Dorzolamide, sulfonamides (sulfa medicines), furosemide (e.g., Lasix) or thiazide diuretics (water pills), oral diabetes medicines (e.g., Glipizide), or the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor-type glaucoma medicines taken by mouth.

Use with caution in pregnant or lactating animals (female animals nursing their young). Use with caution in animals with liver or kidney disease.

What side effects may be seen when taking Dorzolamide?
Dorzolamide ophthalmic solution stings when placed in the eye. Dorzolamide ophthalmic may cause your pet's eyes to become more sensitive to light. Avoid taking your pet into bright sunlight if your pet seems uncomfortable. May cause redness, itching, swelling, or other signs of eye irritation in animals allergic to Dorzolamide. Consult your veterinarian if you observe any of these side effects.

How is it stored?
Store in a tight, light-resistant, childproof container at room temperature. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
Toxicity is rarely observed. If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe any unusual signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid when giving my pet Dorzolamide?
Consult your veterinarian before using Dorzolamide ophthalmic with vitamins and supplements, or eye medications containing silver, since interactions may occur.

Where is more information available?
Ask your veterinarian, consult with one of our pharmacists at 1-800-447-3021, or see the Patient Information Sheet on this medication.