Dorzolamide

Dorzolamide: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Reduces intraocular pressure by inhibiting the formation of bicarbonate ions within the ciliary body epithelium, thereby decreasing the rate of aqueous humour production.

Uses of Dorzolamide

• Controlling all types of glaucoma in dogs and cats, either alone or in conjunction with other topical medications.
• In canines, the combination of dorzolamide and timolol may be more effective than either drug alone; in cats, dorzolamide alone is optimal for lowering IOP.
• Due to its pH of 5.6, it could be less well tolerated than brinzolamide.

Dose of Dorzolamide in Dogs and Cats

Dogs, Cats:

1 drop/eye q8–12h.

Side Effects of Dorzolamide in Dogs and Cats

• Local inflammation, blepharitis, keratitis, salivation, and loss of appetite.
• Dorzolamide may induce more local irritation than brinzolamide.
• Timolol is associated with bradycardia and hypotension.
• Systemic absorption of dorzolamide has rarely been reported to induce hypokalaemia in cats and metabolic acidosis in dogs.

Contraindications of Dorzolamide in Dogs and Cats

• Severe hepatic or renal impairment.
• Timolol causes miosis and is therefore not the drug of choice in uveitis or anterior lens luxation.