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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Dorzolamide

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Dorzolamide

  • Avoid allowing the tip of the dispensing bottle to make contact with your eye.
  • Throw away eye drops one month after opening.
  • If you have single-use containers, throw away any unused solution once opened.

About dorzolamide

Type of medicineCarbonic anhydrase inhibitors
Used forGlaucoma (raised pressure in the eye)
Also calledTrusopt
Available asEye drops

Dorzolamide works by blocking the action of an enzyme in the body called carbonic anhydrase. This results in a decrease in the amount of aqueous humour (watery fluid that fills the space in the front of the eye), and so pressure within the eye is reduced.

Before taking dorzolamide

Before taking dorzolamide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have had any problems with your eyes, or any operations on your eyes.
  • If you wear contact lenses.
  • If you have ever been allergic to drugs called "sulphonamides".

How to take dorzolamide

  • Follow your doctor's instructions.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you are using more than one eye drop, leave at least ten minutes between applications.
  • Avoid allowing the tip of the dispensing bottle to make contact with your eye.
  • Throw away eye drops one month after opening.
  • If you have single-use containers, throw away any unused solution once opened.

Can dorzolamide cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Dizziness and disturbances to eye sightMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer.
Burning, stingingSpeak to your doctor if this does not ease.
NauseaEat little and often.
Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Bitter tasteTry chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets.

How to store dorzolamide

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007DocID:
1413		DocRef:
dils3775		Last Reviewed:
19 Jul 2007		Version:
22
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