Dorzolamide (Micro Labs): Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

What is DORZOLAMIDE used for?

DORZOLAMIDE lowers the pressure in the eye for conditions such as ocular hypertension or open- angle glaucoma.

How does DORZOLAMIDE work?

DORZOLAMIDE belongs to a group of medicines called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. DORZOLAMIDE works by reducing the production of liquid in the eye. This helps lower the pressure in the eye.

What are the ingredients in DORZOLAMIDE?

Medicinal ingredients: dorzolamide (present as the hydrochloride salt)

Non-medicinal ingredients: hydroxyethyl cellulose, mannitol, sodium hydroxide, tri sodium citrate dihydrate, and water for injection.

Benzalkonium chloride 0.0075% is added as a preservative.

DORZOLAMIDE comes in the following dosage forms:

DORZOLAMIDE eye drops 2% are sterile eye drops.

Do not use DORZOLAMIDE if:

• You are allergic to any of its components (see: What are the ingredients in DORZOLAMIDE).
• You have severe kidney problems.
• You are taking oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take DORZOLAMIDE. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:

• Have any medical problems now or have had any in the past, including eye (corneal) problems, or previous eye surgery;
• Have any allergies to any medications;
• DORZOLAMIDE contains the preservative benzalkonium chloride. If you wear contact lenses, you should consult your healthcare professional before using DORZOLAMIDE. Do not use DORZOLAMIDE while wearing (soft) contact lenses. Remove lenses before application and reinsert no earlier than 15 minutes after use.

• Are pregnant or intend to become pregnant;

• Are breast feeding or intend to breast feed;
• Have now or have had in the past liver problems;
• Have now or have had in the past kidney problems.

Other warnings you should know about:

You may find that your vision is blurred for a time just after you put DORZOLAMIDE in your eye. Do not drive or use any tools or machines until your vision is clear.

DORZOLAMIDE is not recommended for children under 18 years of age.

Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.

The following may interact with DORZOLAMIDE:

• Other drugs (including eye drops) that you are using or plan to use;
• Other drugs obtained without a prescription;
• Other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors;
• Large dose of ASA (acetylsalicylic acid);
• A group of drugs known as “sulfa drugs”.

How to take DORZOLAMIDE:

• Do not start taking any other medicines unless you have discussed the matter with your healthcare professional.
• If you use other eye drops, they should be used at least ten minutes apart.
• If you use DORZOLAMIDE with a beta-blocker eye drop, then the dose is one drop of DORZOLAMIDE in the affected eye(s) in the morning and in the evening.
• Do not change how you take this drug without talking to your healthcare professional. If you must stop taking this drug, contact your healthcare professional immediately.

DORZOLAMIDE Eye Drops

1. 1. Before using the medication for the first time, be sure the tamper evident ring between the bottle and the cap is unbroken (See Figure A).

1. 2. Wash your hands.
2. 3. Before opening the bottle for the first time, tear off the tamper evident ring to break the seal (See Figure B).

1. 4. To open the bottle, remove the cap by turning it in the counterclockwise direction (See Figure C).

Giving your dorzolamide eye drops

1. 5. Tilt your head back and pull your lower eyelid down slightly to form a pocket between your eyelid and your eye. (See Figure D).

1. 6. Invert the bottle upside down and hold and press gently middle of the bottle with your thumb until a single drop is placed in your eye as directed by your healthcare professional. (See Figure E).

DO NOT TOUCH YOUR EYE OR EYELID WITH THE DROPPER TIP.

Eye droppers can become contaminated with bacteria from touching the eye or around the eye area. This can cause eye infections leading to serious damage of the eye, even loss of vision. If you think your bottle may be contaminated, or if you develop an eye infection, contact your healthcare professional immediately concerning continued use of this bottle.

1. 7. If drop dispensing is difficult after opening for the first time, replace the cap on the bottle and tighten (DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN). Then, remove by turning the cap in the opposite direction as indicated by the arrows on top of the cap.
2. 8. Repeat steps 4 & 5 with the other eye if instructed to do so by your healthcare professional.
3. 9. Replace the cap by turning until it is firmly touching the bottle. Do not overtighten or you may damage the bottle and cap.
4. 10. The dispenser tip is designed to provide a single drop; therefore, do NOT enlarge the hole of the dispenser tip.
5. 11. After you have used all doses, there will be some DORZOLAMIDE left in the bottle. You should not be concerned since an extra amount of DORZOLAMIDE has been added and you will get the full amount of DORZOLAMIDE that your doctor prescribed. Do not attempt to remove excess medicine from the bottle.

Usual dose:

Your doctor will tell you the right dose and length of time to use DORZOLAMIDE.

When DORZOLAMIDE is used alone, the dose is one drop in the affected eye(s) in the morning, in the afternoon and in the evening.

Overdose:

Missed Dose:

It is important to apply DORZOLAMIDE as prescribed by your physician. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

What are possible side effects from using DORZOLAMIDE?

These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking DORZOLAMIDE. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional.

You may experience eye symptoms such as:

• Burning and stinging
• Blurred vision
• Itching
• Tearing
• Redness of the eye (s)
• Eye pain
• Swelling of the eyelids
• Crusting of the eyelids
• Eyelid irritation
• Sensitivity to light
• A feeling of something in the eye

Other side effects may include:

• Bitter taste after putting in your eye drops
• Headache
• Nosebleed
• Dry mouth
• Throat irritation
• Nausea
• Tiredness
• Dizziness
• Numbness or tingling of the skin
• Itchy skin

If the contents of the container are swallowed, you should contact your healthcare professional immediately.

Serious side effects and what to do about them

This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking DORZOLAMIDE, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Reporting Side Effects

Storage:

DORZOLAMIDE Eye Drops:

Store at 15°-25°C (59° - 77°F). Protect from light. Once opened, the bottle may be stored at 15°-25°C for up to 28 days.

Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

If you want more information about DORZOLAMIDE:

• Talk to your healthcare professional
• Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html); or by calling 1-(800) 715-6915.

Last Revised: June 14, 2022