Trusopt eye drops (dorzolamide)

Trusopt is used to treat high pressure inside the eye due to glaucoma (open angle-type) or other eye diseases (e.g., ocular hypertension). Lowering high pressure inside the eye helps to prevent blindness. This medication works by decreasing the amount of fluid within the eye. It belongs to a class of drugs known as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

Garvan

Pharmacist - M.B.A. (Public Health) D.I.C.

Trusopt eye drops (dorzolamide)

Trusopt eye drops (dorzolamide) Trusopt eye…

Garvan J. Lynch
MBA (Public Health)

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Trusopt eye drops (dorzolamide)

  • Trusopt eye drops contain the active ingredient dorzolamide, which is a type of medicine called a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor.


What is it used for?

  • Open angle glaucoma.
  • Raised pressure within the eye (ocular hypertension).
  • Pseudo-exfoliative glaucoma.

How does it work?

  • Trusopt eye drops contain the active ingredient dorzolamide, which is a type of medicine called a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor.
  • Dorzolamide eye drops are also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.
  • The pressure within the eyeball is normally maintained by a continuous flow of liquid called aqueous humour through the eyeball. Aqueous humour is produced by a part of the eye called the ciliary body. If aqueous humour builds up inside the eyeball, this increases the pressure within the eyeball, known as intraocular pressure. This pressure needs to be reduced, as otherwise it can damage the optic nerve and impair vision.
  • Dorzolamide works by blocking the action of an enzyme in the body called carbonic anhydrase. Carbonic anhydrase is usually responsible for the production of a salt called bicarbonate in the body. Bicarbonate is needed for the production of the aqueous humour. By decreasing the production of bicarbonate, dorzolamide also decreases the production of aqueous humour.
  • Trusopt eye drops are used to treat glaucoma when treatment with a beta-blocker eye drop on its own has not lowered the pressure in the eye sufficiently.
  • Trusopt eye drops are available in multi-dose bottles or preservative-free single-dose containers.

Key Points:

  • This medicine is not to be taken by mouth.
  • When using these eye drops you should take care to not touch the dropper tip to any surface, or to your eye, in order to avoid contaminating the eye drops.
  • Trusopt eye drops contain the preservative benzalkonium chloride, which can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause eye irritation. If you wear soft contact lenses, you should remove them before putting in these eye drops. You should wait at least 15 minutes after using the drops before putting your contact lenses back in. Trusopt eye drops are available in single dose preservative-free vials.
  • This medicine may cause temporary blurred vision after you have applied it to the eye(s). If affected, do not drive or operate machinary until this has worn off. You should also take into account that this medicine can sometimes cause other visual disturbances, eg double vision, and dizziness or fatigue, all of which may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
  • Trusopt eye drops are sterile until opened. The drops contain a preservative that helps keep the eye drops sterile. Any medicine remaining in the bottle four weeks after the first opening should be carefully disposed of, as after this time it is likely to be contaminated with germs. You may find it helpful to write the date of first opening on the packet. Dispose of the bottle carefully, preferably by returning it to your pharmacy. Trusopt single dose containers do not contain a preservative and are for single use only. They should be disposed of after use, even if there is some solution remaining.
  • While using this medicine you should have regular eye examinations.

Use with caution in

  • Decreased liver function.
  • Sulphonamide sensitivity.

Not to be used in

  • Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient.
  • Severely decreased kidney function.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Breastfeeding.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • This medicine can pass into the bloodstream after application into the eye. It should not be used during pregnancy as it may be harmful to a developing baby. Seek further medical advice from your doctor.
  • It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. It should not be used by mothers who are breastfeeding. Seek further medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

 

  • Burning and stinging of the eyes.
  • Inflammation of the surface of the eye (keratitis).
  • Inflammation of the lining of the eye, causing pain and redness (conjunctivitis).
  • Watering eyes.
  • Inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis).
  • Irritation of the eyelids.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Bitter taste.
  • Nausea.
  • Headache.
  • Feeling weak or fatigued.


The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

  • The dorzolamide in these eye drops can be absorbed into the bloodstream after application to the eye and may therefore interact with other medicines that you are taking. It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while using this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.

If you are using more than one type of eye drop you should administer them at least five minutes apart, to prevent the second drop washing away the first. Use eye gels or ointments last.

References:

https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/

https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/eye-care/a7698/trusopt-eye-drops-dorzolamide/

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1009/smpc

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-14697/trusopt-ophthalmic-eye/details

https://www.drugs.com/uk/trusopt-2-eye-drops-solution-leaflet.html

 

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