What Dorzolamide Is Used For

Key Takeaways

• Dorzolamide is a topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that lowers elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).

• It’s used to treat open‑angle glaucoma to help reduce the risk of optic nerve damage.

• It treats ocular hypertension by decreasing aqueous humor production in the eye.

• Dorzolamide may be used alone or together with other ocular antihypertensives for greater IOP control.

• Usual dosing is one drop in the affected eye(s) three times daily; local side effects commonly include burning or stinging.

Approved Medical Uses and Indications

Why do doctors prescribe dorzolamide? It’s indicated to lower elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open‑angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. As a topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, its role is to reduce aqueous humor production and help maintain target IOP—not to cure the underlying disease. Clinicians may use dorzolamide as monotherapy or add it to other ocular antihypertensives when further pressure reduction is needed; a fixed‑combination product with timolol is available. Dosing is usually one drop in the affected eye three times daily, adjusted for response and tolerability. The treatment goal is to protect the optic nerve and lower the risk of vision loss by keeping IOP within a target range. A prescription and follow‑up with an eye care professional are required.

How Dorzolamide Lowers Intraocular Pressure

How does dorzolamide work? It lowers intraocular pressure by reducing aqueous humor production through carbonic anhydrase inhibition in the ciliary body. Formulated as a 2% ophthalmic solution, the drops act locally to decrease bicarbonate formation and therefore fluid secretion into the anterior chamber. The pharmacodynamic effect reaches a maximum about two hours after dosing, typically lowering IOP by approximately 4–6 mm Hg at peak, with trough reductions near 3–4.5 mm Hg around eight hours. When monotherapy does not achieve target pressure, dorzolamide can be combined with other glaucoma agents to provide additional lowering and help protect the optic nerve from pressure‑related damage.

Typical Dosing and Administration for Eye Drops

When and how should dorzolamide eye drops be used? Dorzolamide is prescribed for elevated intraocular pressure. The usual dosing is one drop in the affected eye(s) three times daily. For proper administration: wash your hands, check the dropper tip for damage, avoid touching your eye or eyelids with the tip, and gently instill the drop without contaminating the bottle. If you use other eye medications, wait at least five minutes between products. After putting in the drop, keep your eye closed for two to three minutes and apply gentle pressure to the inner corner of the eye (the tear duct) for a short time to reduce systemic absorption. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is near—do not double up. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions.

Common and Serious Side Effects to Watch for

Once dosing is established, be aware of dorzolamide’s side effect profile. Common effects include eye burning or stinging, a bitter taste (often briefly noticed after dosing), blurred vision, redness, tearing, dryness, conjunctivitis, light sensitivity, and temporary irritation. Monitor symptoms that persist or get worse.

Serious reactions require prompt attention. These include allergic reactions—difficulty breathing, facial swelling, hives, or a widespread rash—and eye or eyelid inflammation with discharge, marked redness, significant swelling, or persistent vision changes. Because small amounts can be systemically absorbed, report systemic symptoms such as dizziness, unusual fatigue, or heart‑rate changes to your clinician. If you suspect an allergic reaction or an eye infection, seek urgent medical care to avoid complications.

Who Should Avoid or Take Caution With Dorzolamide

Whether dorzolamide is appropriate depends on your medical history and other medications. Do not use it if you have a known dorzolamide allergy or hypersensitivity to sulfa drugs. People with kidney disease or significant liver disease need evaluation and monitoring because systemic absorption can affect metabolic balance. Consult your eye doctor before use if you have corneal thinning or low endothelial cell count, respiratory conditions such as asthma or reactive airways disease, or significant cardiac disease. Review possible drug interactions—especially with oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors or certain salicylates—before starting therapy.