Dorzolamide: What it is and how to use it safely

Dorzolamide is an eye-drop medicine used to lower pressure inside the eye. Doctors prescribe it for open-angle glaucoma and sometimes for ocular hypertension. If you’ve been told your eye pressure is high, dorzolamide often gets paired with other drops to protect the optic nerve.

It comes as a liquid you put directly into the eye. The usual brand is Trusopt, but generics exist. You generally use it two or three times a day depending on your doctor’s instructions.

How dorzolamide works

Dorzolamide blocks an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase in the eye. That reduces the fluid your eye makes, which lowers pressure. Lower pressure helps slow damage to the optic nerve and can protect your vision over time.

The drop doesn’t change how well you see right away — its benefit is long-term pressure control. Don’t stop it suddenly without talking to your doctor.

Using dorzolamide safely

Wash your hands first. Tilt your head back, pull down the lower lid to make a pocket, squeeze one drop in, then close your eye gently for about a minute. Press lightly on the corner of your eye near the nose to keep the medicine from draining into your throat.

Wait at least 5 minutes before using another eye drop. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using dorzolamide and wait 15 minutes after the drop before putting lenses back in, unless your doctor says otherwise.

Common side effects include a mild stinging or burning when the drop goes in, taste changes (a bitter or metallic taste is reported), and sometimes eye redness or blurred vision. These usually pass. If you get swelling, severe eye pain, signs of an allergic reaction, or breathing trouble, seek medical help right away.

Tell your doctor about other medicines you take, especially oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors like acetazolamide, because combining them can raise the risk of side effects. Also mention sulfa allergies — dorzolamide is related to sulfa drugs, and your doctor will advise if it’s safe for you.

Store dorzolamide at room temperature and keep the bottle tightly closed. Throw away the bottle after the number of days recommended on the label — once opened, some bottles should be discarded after a month to avoid contamination.

Want to save on prescriptions? Look for pharmacy discount cards or compare prices at licensed Canadian pharmacies if you’re ordering from Canada. Only buy from reputable pharmacies that require a prescription.

If pressure stays high despite using dorzolamide, don’t increase the dose yourself. Talk to your eye doctor about adding or switching medicines, or about procedural options like laser therapy. Regular eye pressure checks and follow-up are the best way to protect your vision.

If you’re unsure whether dorzolamide fits your situation, bring a list of symptoms and medications to your appointment. A simple eye exam and pressure test will guide the decision. Note side effects and report them — it helps your doctor adjust treatment and protect your vision.