Dorzolamide 2% / Timolol 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution

Uses of Dorzolamide 2% / Timolol 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution

Dorzolamide 2% / Timolol 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution  is a fixed combination of two ocular hypotensive drugs (the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor dorzolamide and the beta-adrenoceptor antagonist timolol) that have an additive effect on lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) when administered together. This product is indicated for the treatment of elevated IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (OH) who are insufficiently responsive to topical beta-adrenoceptor antagonist monotherapy. As such, it can be considered for use in individuals who, as a consequence of failing to achieve target IOP with beta-adrenoceptor antagonist monotherapy, require the addition or substitution of another class of topical antiglaucoma medication.

Precautions and Warnings

Before using timolol/dorzolamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to these drugs; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: lung disease (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), certain types of irregular heartbeats (such as sinus bradycardia, second or third degree AV block), certain types of heart disease (such as heart failure), kidney disease (such as kidney stones), liver disease, diabetes, overactive thyroid disease, muscle weakness disorders, low blood flow to the brain (cerebrovascular insufficiency), severe allergies.

If you develop an eye infection or injury, or have eye surgery, check with your doctor about whether you should continue to use your current bottle of timolol/dorzolamide. You may be advised to start using a new bottle.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This product may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). The risk is higher if you have diabetes, or are vomiting, fasting, or not eating regularly. Other symptoms of low blood sugar level, such as dizziness and sweating, are not affected by this drug.

If you have diabetes, this product may make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs clear vision until you can do it safely.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Timolol passes into breast milk. It is unknown if dorzolamide passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Dosage

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For ophthalmic dosage form (eye drops) for glaucoma or hypertension of the eye:

• Adults—Use one drop in the affected eye two times a day (morning and evening).
• Children 2 years of age or older—Dose must be determined by your doctor.
• Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• Temporary blurred vision,
• temporary burning/stinging/itching/redness of the eye,
• watery eyes,
• Dry eyes,
• Feeling as if something is in the eye,
• Sensitivity of eyes to light,
• Strange taste in the mouth,
• Headache may occur.