A disorder called glaucoma, in which there is a rise in eye pressure that can cause a progressive loss of vision, is treated with ophthalmic dorzolamide. The drug dorzolamide belongs to the group of drugs known as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. It operates by lowering the eye’s pressure.

To be injected into the eye, ophthalmic dorzolamide is available as a solution (liquid). Normally, dorzolamide eye drops are applied three times each day. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Dorzolamide eye drops should only be used as instructed. Use these only as directed by your doctor, neither more nor less often.

Glaucoma cannot be cured but is controlled by dorzolamide eye drops. Even if you feel well, keep using the dorzolamide eye drops. Without consulting your doctor, do not stop using dorzolamide eye drops.

Follow these steps to administer the eye drops:

• Use soap and water to thoroughly wash your hands.
• Make sure the dropper tip is not broken or chipped by inspecting it.
• Eye drops and droppers must be kept clean; avoid contacting the dropper tip to your eye or anything else.
• Pull your lower eyelid down to create a pocket with your index finger while cocking your head back.
• Using your other hand, place the dropper as near to your eye as you can without touching it, tip down.
• Place the hand’s remaining fingers to your face.
• Squeeze the dropper gently while looking up so that a single drop falls into the lower eyelid’s pocket. Your index finger should be taken off the lower eyelid.
• Tip your head down so that you are looking at the floor while closing your eyes for two to three minutes. Avoid blinking or squeezing your eyelids.
• Give the tear duct a slight squeeze with your finger.
• Use a tissue to remove any extra liquid from your face.
• Wait at least 5 minutes before administering the subsequent drop if you need to use more than one in the same eye.
• Reinstall and secure the dropper bottle’s cap. Never rinse or clean the dropper tip.
• To get rid of any medication, wash your hands.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you’re interested in using this drug for any other conditions.

Before using dorzolamide eye drops,

• If you have a drug allergy to anything, including other antibiotics, sulfa medications, or dorzolamide, inform your doctor and pharmacist right away.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking, especially vitamins, aspirin-containing products, and eye medications.
• If you have renal illness now or ever have, let your doctor know.
• Inform your doctor if you are expecting, intend to get pregnant, or are nursing a baby. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while using dorzolamide eye drops.
• Inform the surgeon or dentist that you use dorzolamide eye drops if you are having surgery, including dental surgery.
• If you also need to apply any topical eye treatment, do so at least 10 minutes before or after using the dorzolamide eye drops.
• If you wear soft contact lenses, let your doctor know. Put your contact lenses back in at least 15 minutes after using the dorzolamide eye drops.

The missed dose should be administered as soon as you remember. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. To make up for a missing dose, do not provide a second dose.

There may be adverse consequences from dorzolamide eye drops. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• After applying the drops, you may experience ocular stinging, burning, or discomfort
• Bitter once the drops are inserted.
• Responsiveness to light
• Uneasy stomach
• Vomiting

Certain adverse effects can be very harmful. Call your doctor right away and stop using dorzolamide eye drops if you have any of the following signs:

• Scratchy eyes
• Eyes that be swollen or red
• Dripping eyes
• Dryness
• Body rash

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Keep it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom).

Although many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medications website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

Keep all of your doctor’s appointments. To determine how well you respond to dorzolamide eye drops, your doctor will prescribe a number of eye exams.

Do not share your medication with anybody else. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.