dorzolamide hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
Main role
Reduces raised pressure inside the eye
After application
Closing the eye and pressing its inner corner reduces absorption into the rest of the body
What is dorzolamide hydrochloride used for?
Used to lower raised pressure inside the eye in:
Ocular hypertension
Open-angle glaucoma
Pseudoexfoliative glaucoma
Additional treatment with an ophthalmic beta-blocker
Treatment on its own when beta-blockers are ineffective or contraindicated
How does dorzolamide hydrochloride work?
Dorzolamide inhibits carbonic anhydrase II in the eye, reducing production of aqueous humour and lowering intraocular pressure.
dorzolamide hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Eye drops
Route: Ophthalmic
Strengths: 20 mg/mL
How to take dorzolamide hydrochloride
Use only in the eye or eyes identified by the prescriber. Follow the specific handling instructions supplied with the preservative-free multidose bottle.
Wash and dry your hands.
Before first use, practise gently releasing a drop away from the eye.
Tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid and apply the prescribed drop without touching the eye, eyelid or another surface with the nozzle.
Blink, then close the eye and press gently at its inner corner.
After use, shake the bottle once downwards before replacing the cap, as described in its leaflet.
Do not use the bottle if its original seal is broken. Discard it 28 days after first opening.
If vision becomes blurred, wait until it is clear before driving, cycling or using machinery.
dorzolamide hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Burning or stinging in the eye
- Eye watering, itching, irritation or inflammation
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Nausea or a bitter taste
- Tiredness
Get urgent medical advice
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, breathing difficulty, hives or another severe allergic reaction
- Severe blistering or peeling skin reactions
- Significant eye pain, corneal swelling or worsening vision
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Symptoms suggesting kidney stones, such as severe side or back pain
dorzolamide hydrochloride in pregnancy
The selected product's SmPC states that dorzolamide should not be used during pregnancy because adequate exposed-pregnancy data are unavailable. Uncontrolled glaucoma can permanently damage sight, so do not stop treatment without prompt review by an ophthalmologist or prescriber.
dorzolamide hydrochloride while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether dorzolamide enters human milk, and the selected SmPC advises against breastfeeding if treatment is required. An ophthalmology and maternity or medicines specialist should assess treatment and feeding options; do not stop glaucoma treatment without review.
dorzolamide hydrochloride interactions
Tell the prescriber about all medicines, including other eye drops and non-prescription products.
Oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, such as acetazolamide
Systemic carbonic anhydrase inhibition may be additive, so concurrent use is not recommended by the selected SmPC.
Other eye drops
One eye preparation may wash out another; follow the instructions supplied with each product.
Miotics or adrenergic agonist eye drops
Their combined use with dorzolamide has not been fully evaluated in glaucoma therapy.
Common questions about dorzolamide hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is dorzolamide hydrochloride a beta-blocker?
No. It is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, although it may be prescribed alongside a beta-blocker eye drop.
Why does it sometimes taste bitter?
A small amount can drain through the tear duct into the nose and throat. Pressing the inner corner of the closed eye reduces this drainage and systemic absorption.
Is stinging normal?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.