Dorzolamide

 Action Inhibits carbonic anhydrase enzyme, reducing rate of aqueous humor formation and thus lowering intraocular pressure (IOP).

 Indications Treatment of elevated IOP in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma.

 Contraindications Hypersensitivity to other sulfonamides.

 Route/Dosage

ADULTS: Ophthalmic One drop in affected eye(s) tid.

 Interactions

None well documented.

 Lab Test Interferences None well documented.

 Adverse Reactions

CNS: Headache. EENT: Ocular burning, stinging or discomfort; superficial punctate keratitis; blurred vision; tearing; conjunctivitis; ocular dryness; photophobia; ocular allergic reaction. OTHER: Nausea; bitter taste.

 Precautions

Pregnancy: Category C. Lactation: Unknown. Children: Safety and efficacy not established. Renal impairment: Not recommended for use in patients with severe renal impairment. Hepatic impairment: Use with caution. Contact lenses: Do not administer while wearing soft contact lenses; preservative may be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Concomitant use of oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: Not recommended. Bacterial keratitis: Can occur by using contaminated eye drops.

 Administration/Storage

• Wash hands before and after using.
• To avoid contamination, do not touch tip of container to any surface or to eye structures.
• Administer only to affected eye.
• Gently apply pressure over nasolacrimal drainage system for 1 to 2 min after administration.
• Replace cap after administration and keep tightly closed when not in use.
• If used concomitantly with other topical ophthalmic drug products, wait 10 min between administering medications.
• Do not use with soft contact lenses. They may absorb the preservative.
• Other therapeutic interventions should be used in conjunction with dorzolamide in the treatment of acute narrow angle glaucoma.
• Store at room temperature, protected from light.

 Assessment/Interventions

• Obtain patient history.
• Obtain baseline lab work including electrolytes and RBCs.
• Note baseline intraocular pressure before starting medication.

 Patient/Family Education

• Instruct patient in proper administration of eye drop medications.
• Instruct patient about the need to keep the tip of the dropper clean to prevent eye infections.
• Inform patient that eye drops commonly produce transient stinging or discomfort upon administration, and to notify healthcare provider if they are severe.
• Stress need to return to healthcare provider frequently for monitoring of eye pressure.
• Inform patient not to wear soft contact lenses while using this medication.
• Inform patient that they may experience a bitter taste in mouth immediately after administration.
• Explain the need to be cautions when driving or participating in activities requiring close hand-eye coordination.
• Instruct patient to notify the healthcare provider if any symptoms of eye infection (ie, burning, redness, itching, possible discharge) occur.