What is the most important information I should know about dorzolamide ophthalmic?
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
What is dorzolamide ophthalmic?
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 discuss with my healthcare provider before using dorzolamide ophthalmic?
You should not use dorzolamide ophthalmic if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- a sulfa drug allergy;
- narrow-angle glaucoma;
- kidney disease; or
- liver disease.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
How should I use dorzolamide ophthalmic?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Do not use this medicine while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in the medicine could discolor the lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.
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 and squeeze out a drop.
- Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
- Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops.
- Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.
Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.
Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any eye injury, infection, or surgery. You may need to stop using dorzolamide ophthalmic for a short time.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using dorzolamide ophthalmic?
This medicine may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you.
Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.
What are the possible side effects of dorzolamide ophthalmic?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).
Serious side effects are unlikely when dorzolamide is used in the eyes, but can occur if the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
- swelling or redness of your eyelids;
- sensitivity to light; or
-
signs of eye infection --swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage.
Common side effects may include:
- burning or stinging in your eye;
- mild eye discomfort; or
- a bitter taste in your mouth.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect dorzolamide ophthalmic?
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially glaucoma medications taken by mouth.
Other drugs may affect dorzolamide ophthalmic, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about dorzolamide ophthalmic.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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