Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Dorzolamide is an ophthalmic solution (a liquid
that is placed in the eyes) that is for treating glaucoma. It is in a class of
drugs called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors which includes
brinzolamide (Azopt).
Many parts of the body, including the eye, contain the enzyme carbonic anhydrase
which plays a key role in controlling the pressure within the eye. Carbonic
anhydrase controls secretion of fluid within the eye and thereby determines the
pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure): the greater the amount of fluid
that is secreted, the higher the pressure. Patients with glaucoma have increased
intraocular pressure. Dorzolamide blocks carbonic anhydrase thereby decreasing
intraocular pressure. This reduces the risk of nerve damage and loss of vision
that is caused by increased intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. The
FDA approved dorzolamide in December 1994.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Ophthalmic solution 2%: 10 ml.
STORAGE: Dorzolamide should be kept at room temperature, 15-30 C (59-86 F)
and protected from direct light.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Dorzolamide is used for controlling intraocular pressure in
patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma.
DOSING: The usual dose is one drop into the affected eye(s) three times
daily.
Patients should wash both hands before each use of dorzolamide or any other
eye medication to prevent contamination of the eye. The head is tilted back and
the lower eyelid is pulled down with the index finger to form a pouch. The tip
of the dropper should not touch the eye or eyelid. The bottle is squeezed
slightly to allow the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. The eye is
closed gently for one to two minutes without blinking.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Dorzolamide should not be administered with oral carbonic
anhydrase inhibitors because the combination may lead to increased adverse
effects. When used with other eye drops for reducing intraocular pressure,
administration of both drugs should be separated by at least10 minutes.
PREGNANCY: There have been no adequate studies in
pregnant women.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if dorzolamide is excreted into
breast milk.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects of dorzolamide include irritation,
burning, stinging or discomfort of the eye. These effects generally are
temporary and occur immediately after administration. Approximately 1/4 of
patients complain of a bitter taste and 1 in 10 patients experience an
allergic
eye reaction. Other less common side effects include blurred vision, excessive
tearing, dry eyes, and increased sensitivity to light. Bacterial infections of
the eye have been reported and may be due to accidental contamination of the
containers with bacteria during handling. Dorzolamide is a sulfonamide and can
be absorbed into the body. Individuals that are allergic to sulfonamides may
react to dorzolamide. Therefore, dorzolamide should not be administered to
patients with allergies to sulfonamides.
Glaucoma is a common eye condition in which the fluid pressure inside the eye rises because of slowed fluid drainage from the eye. If untreated, glaucoma may damage the optic nerve and other parts of the eye, causing the loss of vision or even blindness.
Glaucoma is a disease of the major nerve of vision, called the optic nerve. The optic nerve receives light-generated nerve impulses from the retina and transmits these to the brain, where we recognize those electrical signals as vision. Glaucoma is characterized by a particular pattern of progressive damage to the optic nerve that generally begins with a subtle loss of side vision (peripheral vision). If glaucoma is not diagnosed and treated, it can progress to loss of central vision and blindness.
Glaucoma is usually, but not always, associated with elevated pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure). Generally, it is this elevated eye pressure that leads to damage of the eye (optic) nerve. In some cases, glaucoma may occur in the presence of normal eye pressure. This form of glaucoma is believed to be caused by poor regulation of blood flow to the optic nerve.
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