Dorzolamide by Sandoz

 

Dorzolamide hydrochloride ophthalmic

Trade Names:
Trusopt®

General Description:

This drug is an eye medication that is used in dogs and cats to decrease the pressure in the eye. It is available in the form of drops.

What is Dorzolamide 2% Ophthalmic Solution?

• A carbonic anhydrase inhibitor

Reasons for eye medication:

• To treat and prevent glaucoma

What dogs/cats should not take Dorzolamide 2% Ophthalmic Solution?

• Animals with liver or kidney disease
• Animals that may be pregnant or nursing
• Dorzolamide is related to sulfonamide drugs - any animals or caregivers with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to this drug should not handle or take this medication

Directions:

• Give this medication for as long as your veterinarian directs.
• Do not skip doses or stop giving the medication without consulting your veterinarian.
• Glaucoma requires long-term eye medications and frequent monitoring of intraocular pressures.
• Dose adjustments will be made based upon these results and an assessment of how your dog or cat is responding clinically.
• If your pet requires more than one medication in the same eye, administer the medications 5 minutes apart.
• If your pet requires more than one medication, discuss with your veterinarian if it is preferable to administer drops before ointments.
• If you are having difficulty applying the medication, contact your veterinarian.
• Call ahead for refills.
• Ideally, give this medication at the same time(s) daily. 

Administration of eye drops

• Wash your hands before applying any eye medication
• Check label directions and shake bottle if necessary
• Remove excess discharge from around the eye with a moistened cloth
• Remove the cap and avoid contaminating the tip of the medication bottle with the environment or your fingers
• Tilt your pet's head back so that they are looking up towards the ceiling
• Gently hold the eyelids open and with the other hand holding the medication bottle, rest your hand above the eye
• Be sure that the tip of the medication bottle is not pointed towards the eye in case of any sudden movements
• Ensure that the tip of the medication bottle does not touch your pet's eye, eyelids, or lashes
• Apply the correct amount of drops into the eye
• Continue to hold your pet's head up and allow them to blink to distribute the drops over the entire eye
• Place the cap back on the medication bottle and avoid contaminating the inside of the cap with your fingers
• Wash your hands after applying any eye medication
• Always praise and reward your pet to encourage cooperation

What if a dose is missed?

If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.

What to tell/ask a veterinarian before giving Dorzolamide 2% Ophthalmic Solution:

Talk to your veterinarian about:

• When your pet will need to be rechecked
• What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
• What are the risks and benefits of using this drug

Tell your veterinarian about:

• If your pet has experienced previous eye problems
• If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products - especially sulfonamide drugs
• If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
• If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
• If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
• All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet's medications can be given together.
• If your pet is pregnant, nursing or if you plan to breed your pet

Storage and Warnings:

• Dorzolamide hydrochloride ophthalmic should be stored in a childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.
• Do not use any eye drops that have become discolored or have particles in them.
• Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.
• Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.

Potential side effects of Dorzolamide 2% Ophthalmic Solution:

• This medication may cause the eye to sting for a short period after application
• This medication can cause local irritation resulting in redness of the tissues surrounding the eye
• If these symptoms persist or you notice anything else unusual, contact your veterinarian

Can this drug be given with other drugs?

• Yes, but possible interactions may occur when giving Dorzolamide hydrochloride ophthalmic in conjunction with: oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (ex.acetazolamide)
• Drugs other than those listed may also interact with Dorzolamide hydrochloride ophthalmic
• Do not give new food or medications without first talking to your veterinarian
• If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian

Overdosing?

Contact your veterinarian immediately if you pet has accidentally ingested this medication or has received more than the prescribed amount.

What else should I know about Dorzolamide 2% Ophthalmic Solution:

Notify your veterinarian if your animal's condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.

As with all prescribed medicines, Dorzolamide hydrochloride ophthalmic should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed.

It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed. Never use skin or ear medications in the eye.

This is just a summary of information about Dorzolamide hydrochloride ophthalmic. If you have any questions or concerns about Dorzolamide hydrochloride ophthalmic or the condition it was prescribed for, please contact your veterinarian.

Dorzolamide Ophthalmic
(Trusopt)

Common Drug Name
Dorzolamide

Common Brand Names
Trusopt
No generic products are available.

Storage
Store at room temperature in a tight, light resistant, childproof container.

Uses
Dorzolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, which decreases pressure in the eye. It is used in the eye for treatment of glaucoma. It may be used in an unaffected eye to prevent glaucoma when glaucoma is already present in the other eye.

Dose and Administration
Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian.
If discharge is present, the area should be cleansed with a sterile eyewash solution prior to applying the ointment or solution.
Shake the solution well before using. When applying the ophthalmic solution, place one hand under and around your pet’s chin and lift upward, so the pet’s eyes are looking towards the ceiling. Rest your other hand on top of the pet’s head. Squeeze the drops into the corner of the eye, taking care not to touch the dropper to the eye surface. Continue to hold the head back for a moment while the drops disperse over the whole eye surface.
Never touch the tip of the tube or dropper to the pet’s eye, lids, or eyelashes. Do not touch the inside of the cap, the dropper, or tube tip with your fingers, as this will also contaminate the medication.
Always wash your hands before and after applying this medication.
If you are applying more than one medication to the eye, allow 5 minutes between applications so one medication is not washed out by the next. Be sure not to interchange the caps of the medications.
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give 2 doses at once.
This medication should only be given to the pet for whom it was prescribed.

Possible Side Effects
Dorzolamide ophthalmic stings when placed in the eye.
Dorzolamide ophthalmic may cause your pet’s eyes to become more sensitive to light. Avoid taking your pet into bright sunlight if your pet seems uncomfortable.
May cause redness, itching, swelling, or other signs of eye irritation in animals allergic to dorzolamide. Consult your veterinarian if you notice any of the above effects.

Precautions
Not for use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to dorzolamide, sulfonamides (sulfa medicines), furosemide (e.g., Lasix) or thiazide diuretics (water pills), oral diabetes medicines (e.g., glipizide), or the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor-type glaucoma medicines taken by mouth.
Use with caution in pregnant or lactating animals (female animals nursing their young).
Use with caution in animals with liver or kidney disease.
Consult with your veterinarian regarding the eye examinations and laboratory testing necessary prior to and during treatment with dorzolamide ophthalmic. 

Drug, Food, and Test Interactions
Consult your veterinarian before using dorzolamide ophthalmic with vitamins and supplements, or eye medications containing silver, since interactions may occur.

Signs of Toxicity/Overdose
Toxicity is rarely observed.
If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe any unusual signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children and pets.

This information may not cover all possible uses, directions, side effects, precautions, allergic reactions, drug interactions, or withdrawal times.  Always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet.