Dorzolamide (Trusopt) Drug for Glaucoma: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

Dorzolamide
(Trusopt, United States and Canada)

Use:

Dorzolamide or Trusopt is used to reduce intra ocular pressure in the eye ball in conditions like glaucoma.

How It Works:

Dorzolamide or Trusopt is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor which reduces the production of the fluid - aqueous humour - found in the eye ball. The build up of this fluid increases the pressure in the eye ball and leads to glaucoma.
Other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are available, but they are taken orally and have side effects associated with them - acidosis, electrolyte imbalances.
Dorzolamide or Trusopt is an alternative to other eye drops used for glaucoma or alternatively it can given along with other eye drops.

Side Effects:

Dorzolamide or Trusopt's side effects are mainly eye irritation - burning, conjunctivitis, inflammation, itching. These effects may diminish with time.
Some people experience a bitter taste right after using Dorzolamide or Trusopt.

Cautions for People:

Because Dorzolamide or Trusopt is related to the sulfa drugs, people with sulfa allergies will be allergic to Dorzolamide or Trusopt.

Drug Interactions:

Dorzolamide or Trusopt can be used with other eye drops used to control glaucoma. However, if Dorzolamide or Trusopt is replacing another eye drop, the first drop can be stopped one day, then Dorzolamide or Trusopt can be started the next day.

Further Reading:

Arch Ophth 1993;111:1343
Med Letter 1995;37:76
Arch Ophth 1995;113:985
J Glaucoma 1995;4(5):306

Added to Virtual Drugstore August 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.