Trusopt

Common Name: dorzolamide

How does Trusopt work?

Dorzolamide is a member of the family of drugs known as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Increased pressure in the eye can cause a condition known as glaucoma. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are used to lower increased eye pressure. Dorzolamide is available in eye drop form. Your doctor may choose to use this medication for other conditions not listed here. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, please ask your doctor.

How should I use Trusopt?

The recommended adult dose of dorzolamide eye drops is one drop in the affected eye(s) three times daily. If dorzolamide is used at the same time as beta-blocker eye drops for treating increased pressure in the eye, the recommended dose is one drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily. Dorzolamide eye drops should be used at least 10 minutes before or after other eye drops that are being used. To use the eye drops: First, wash your hands. Remove the cap and place it in a clean location. To avoid possible contamination, keep the tip of the container away from contact with any surface. Tilt the head back and look towards the ceiling. With your index finger, gently pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Apply one drop into the pouch but do not allow the tip of the container to touch the eye or areas around the eye. Apply pressure with the index finger to the inside corner of the eye for one to two minutes. This will prevent the eye drop from dripping down through the tear duct. Repeat with the other eye, if prescribed by your physician. Wash your hands again to remove any medication. It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

What form(s) does Trusopt come in?

Trusopt® is available as an eye drop solution containing dorzolamide 20 mg (2%) per 1 mL of sterile, clear, colourless to nearly colourless solution. Nonmedicinal ingredients include benzalkonium chloride, hydroxyethylcellulose, mannitol, sodium citrate dihydrate, sodium hydroxide, and water for injection.

What should I NOT take with Trusopt?

Dorzolamide should not be used by people who: are allergic to any of the ingredients have severe kidney impairment are taking carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., acetazolamide) by mouth

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Trusopt?

General: Dorzolamide belongs to the family of drugs known as sulfonamides or "sulfas." Although the eye drops are only applied to the eye(s), dorzolamide is absorbed into the blood circulation. Therefore the same types of side effects that occur with sulfonamides may occur with the eye drops. Allergy: Dorzolamide belongs to the family of drugs known as sulfonamides or "sulfas." The same type of allergic reaction can occur with this medication as with other sulfonamides. Stop using the drug if serious reactions or allergic reactions occur. Contact lenses: Dorzolamide eye drops have not been tested with the use of contact lenses. The preservative used in the eye drop (benzalkonium chloride) may be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Contact lenses should be removed before insertion of the eye drops and not reinserted for at least 15 minutes. Eye infections, trauma: Anyone using dorzolamide who has had trauma to the eye or who suspects eye infection should contact their doctor concerning further use of the eye drop. Liver function: Dorzolamide has not been studied in people with impaired liver function. It should be used with caution in these people. Occupational hazards: Side effects such as blurred vision may affect the ability to drive and operate machinery. Pregnancy: The safety of dorzolamide during pregnancy has not been established. It should be used during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the potential risks. Breast-feeding: It is not known whether dorzolamide is excreted in breast milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made to stop nursing or stop the medication, based on the importance of the medication to the mother. Children: The safety and effectiveness of dorzolamide have not been established for children.