Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Dorzolamide-Timolol Pf
What is DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF used for?
DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF is used to treat high pressure in the eye in patients with the following conditions:
- Ocular hypertension
- Open-angle glaucoma
It is used along with other medicines. DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF does not contain a preservative. It is used in patients who may be sensitive to a preservative.
How does DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF work?
DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF contain a combination of two medicines. One is called a carbonic anhydrase inhibiting medicine. The other is called a beta-blocking medicine. Each one works in a different way to lower the pressure in the eye.
What are the ingredients in DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF?
Medicinal ingredients: Dorzolamide (as dorzolamide hydrochloride) and timolol (as timolol maleate)
Non-medicinal ingredients: Hydroxyethyl cellulose, mannitol, trisodium citrate dihydrate (sodium citrate), sodium hydroxide, and water for injection.
DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF does not contain benzalkonium chloride.
DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF comes in the following dosage forms:
Solution: 20 mg / mL dorzolamide (as dorzolamide hydrochloride) and 5 mg / mL timolol (as timolol maleate).
Do not use DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF if you:
- are allergic to DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF or any of its ingredient. See “What are the ingredients in DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF?”
- have serious breathing problems such as asthma
- have chronic obstructive lung disease
- have certain heart conditions such as slow or irregular heartbeats or heart failure
- have severe kidney problems
- are taking medicines called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors by mouth
- are less than 18 years of age
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
- have lung or breathing problems such as chronic obstructive lung disease.
- have muscle weakness of the eye.
- have had heart problems such as heart failure in the past.
- have a heart condition called a first degree heart block.
- have an allergy to any medication.
are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed.
- have or have had kidney problems.
- have or have had liver problems.
- have or have had thyroid problems.
- have or have had blood circulation problems such as Raynaud’s syndrome.
- have or have had diabetes or other blood sugar problems.
- have certain eye problems like corneal defects or have had eye surgery in the past.
- are planning to have major surgery, including eye surgery, as DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF may change the effects of some medicines during anesthesia.
Other warnings you should know about:
Contact lenses
If you wear contact lenses, you should consult your healthcare professional before using DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF. Do not use DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF while wearing (soft) contact lenses. Remove lenses before application and reinsert no earlier than 15 minutes after use.
Driving and using machines
Wait until you can see clearly before driving or operating machines after applying DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF.
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-TIMOLOL PF:
- Other drugs (including eye drops) that you are using or plan to use.
- Medicines used to lower blood pressure, called calcium channel blockers or clonidine.
- Medicines used to treat heart problems such as quinidine and medicines called beta-blockers.
- Medicines used to treat diabetes such as insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents.
- Medicines used to treat depression called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
- Acetylsalicylic acid used to reduce fever and pain.
- Medicines called sulfa drugs used to treat bacterial infections.
How to take DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF:
- Take DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF exactly as your healthcare professional has told you to.
- If you are using DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF with another eye drop, the drops should be applied at least 10 minutes apart.
- Be careful not to touch your eye, the area around your eye, or any other surface with the tip of the container. It may become contaminated with bacteria. This can cause eye infections. This could lead to serious damage of the eye including loss of vision. Keep the tip of the container away from contact with any surface. Contact your healthcare professional if you think the bottle might be contaminated or if you think you might have an eye infection.
- If you cannot apply DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF to yourself a family member or caregiver may help you.
- If you are using DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF, the container and any remaining contents must be discarded after each application.
DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF
Use the individual container of DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF immediately after opening. Discard any remaining solution immediately after use.
- 1. Open the foil pouch which contains 15 individual unit dose containers. There are three strips of 5 single-use containers each in the pouch.
- 2. Break off one container from the strip and twist open the top of the container as shown.
- 3. Tilt your head back and pull your lower eyelid down slightly so that a pocket forms between your eyelid and eye as shown. Do not allow the container to touch your eye or any area around your eye. Hold the vial so that the fins at the tip of the container are aligned with the corners of your eye, as shown in the figure below.
- 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, press a finger into the corner of your eye, by the nose (as shown) for 2 minutes. This helps keep DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF in your eye.
- 6. After application, throw away the used container even if there is solution remaining.
- 7. Store the remaining containers in the foil pouch; the remaining containers must be used within 15 days.
Usual dose:
The usual dose is one drop in the affected eye(s) twice a day.
Your healthcare professional will tell you exactly how much DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF you should apply and for how long you should apply it.
Overdose:
If you feel you have taken too much DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF and symptoms may include shortness of breath, low heartbeat, dizziness, headache, etc., seek medical help.
| If you think you, or a person you are caring for, have taken too much DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL 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-TIMOLOL PF as prescribed by your doctor. 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. Do not apply a double dose.
What are possible side effects from using DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF?
These are not all the possible side effects you may have when taking DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF. If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell your healthcare professional.
Side effects may include:
- Burning, stinging, itching or redness of the eye.
- Watery eyes.
- Blurred vision.
- Swelling or crusting of the eyelids.
- Altered sense of taste including a bitter taste.
- Muscle pain.
- Abdominal pain.
- Headache.
- Nosebleed.
- Dry mouth.
- Nausea.
- Tiredness.
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 | ||
| UNCOMMON | |||
| Slow heartbeat | ✓ | ||
| RARE | |||
| Heart problems: irregular heartbeat, heart block, low blood pressure. | ✓ | ||
| Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (severe skin reaction): redness, blistering and/or peeling of large areas of the skin. | ✓ | ||
Allergic Reactions: 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. | ✓ | ||
| 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. |
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Storage:
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68° to 77°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. DORZOLAMIDE-TIMOLOL PF single-use containers should be stored 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-TIMOLOL 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 4, 2023