Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Dorzolamide Pf
What is DORZOLAMIDE PF used for?
DORZOLAMIDE PF lowers the pressure in the eye for conditions such as ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma.
DORZOLAMIDE PF does not contain a preservative. This may be prescribed to you if you are sensitive to a preservative.
How does DORZOLAMIDE PF work?
DORZOLAMIDE PF belongs to a group of medicines called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. DORZOLAMIDE PF works by reducing the production of liquid in the eye. This helps lower the pressure in the eye.
What are the ingredients in DORZOLAMIDE PF?
Medicinal ingredients: dorzolamide (present as the hydrochloride salt)
Non-medicinal ingredients: Hydroxyethyl cellulose, mannitol, sodium citrate dihydrate, sodium hydroxide (to adjust pH) and water for injection.
DORZOLAMIDE PF comes in the following dosage forms:
Solution: 2% dorzolamide (dorzolamide hydrochloride)
Do not use DORZOLAMIDE PF if:
- You are allergic to any of its components (see: What are the ingredients in DORZOLAMIDE PF).
- 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 PF. 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;
- If you wear contact lenses, you should consult your healthcare professional before using DORZOLAMIDE PF. Do not use DORZOLAMIDE PF 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 PF in your eye. Do not drive or use any tools or machines until your vision is clear.
DORZOLAMIDE PF 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 PF:
- 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 PF:
- 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 PF with a beta-blocker eye drop, then the dose is one drop of DORZOLAMIDE PF 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 PF
Use the individual container of DORZOLAMIDE PF immediately after opening. Discard any remaining solution immediately after use.
Usage Instructions:
- 1. Open the foil pouch which contains individual single dose containers.
- 2. Break off one container from the strip and twist open the top of the container as shown in Figure A.
- 3. Tilt your head back and pull your lower eyelid down slightly to form a pocket between your eyelid and eye as shown in Figure B.
- 4. Apply one drop in the affected eye(s) as directed by your healthcare professional. Each container contains enough solution for both eyes.
- 5. After application, discard the used container even if there is solution remaining.
- 6. Store the remaining containers in the foil pouch; the remaining containers must be used within 15 days.
Usual dose:
Your doctor will tell you the right dose and length of time to use DORZOLAMIDE PF.
When DORZOLAMIDE PF is used alone, the dose is one drop in the affected eye(s) in the morning, in the afternoon and in the evening.
Overdose:
| If you think you, or a person you are caring for, have taken too much DORZOLAMIDE PF, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, or regional poison control centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms. |
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Missed Dose:
It is important to apply DORZOLAMIDE PF 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 PF?
These are not all the possible side effects you may have when taking DORZOLAMIDE PF. If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell 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
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||
| UNKNOWN | |||
| Allergic Reaction: rash, hives, swelling of the mouth, throat, and lips, difficulty breathing, blue skin, shock, loss of consciousness, low blood pressure | ✓ | ||
| Stevens-Johnson syndrome (severe skin rash): redness, blistering and/or peeling of the skin and/or inside of the lips, eyes, mouth, nasal passages or genitals, accompanied by fever, chills, headache, cough, body aches or swollen glands | ✓ | ||
| Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (severe skin reaction): redness, blistering and/or peeling of large areas of the skin | ✓ | ||
| Urolithiasis (Kidney stones): pain when urinating, severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs | ✓ | ||
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, tell your healthcare professional.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice. |
|---|
Storage:
Store at 15°-25°C. Do not freeze. Protect from light. Store in protective foil pouch.
After the pouch is opened, store the remaining single-use containers in the foil pouch to protect from light. Discard any unused containers 15 days after first opening the pouch.
Keep out of reach and sight of children.
If you want more information about DORZOLAMIDE PF:
- 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 Approved: October 5, 2023