CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Natasha Mitchell,
Medication: Dorzolamide
Medication: Dorzolamide
Your cat has been prescribed dorzolamide ophthalmic solution to treat glaucoma (high pressure in the eye).
Key points:
• This is not a licensed veterinary product. Your veterinarian will explain about off-license use of medications.
• Apply directly to the eye 3 times daily or as directed.
This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.
Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Dorzolamide (dor-zoh-la-miyd).
Brand name
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing this drug in the UK, Europe or the US. Your veterinarian may prescribe a human medication containing this drug. Your veterinarian can explain off-license use of medications to you.
Class of medication
- Topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor.
Storage
- Store at room temperature.
- Do not refrigerate or freeze.
Why has my cat been prescribed dorzolamide?
Your veterinarian has prescribed dorzolamide to reduce the pressure in your cat’s eye. This medication works by reducing the production of aqueous humor – the liquid in the front half of your pet’s eye ball.
How is the medication given?
Dorzolamide ointment or liquid is applied to the affected eye. It is usually applied once every 8 hours.
If you also applying other medications to the eye, leave at least 5 minutes between applying different products.
When treating the eye, wipe away any excess medication using a clean cloth.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
Side-effects may include transient salivation soon after application, inappetence and sterile conjunctivitis. Human patients have reported that this medication stings on application and can cause a bitter taste in the mouth.
How long will my cat need to receive this medication?
Your veterinarian will advise as to how long your pet may need to be on this medication.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused dorzolamide safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save dorzolamide for future use or give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period.
My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Dorzolamide should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.
If accidentally consumed by, or applied to a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center immediately.
Will my cat need to be monitored while on dorzolamide?
Your cat will be closely monitored by your veterinarian while taking this medication, as glaucoma is painful and can result in blindness if not controlled.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on dorzolamide can be found on the package insert or by contacting your veterinarian.
Europe & UK
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing this drug in the UK or Europe. Your veterinarian may prescribe a human medication containing this drug and will explain off-license use of medications to you.
US
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing this drug in the US. Your veterinarian may prescribe a human medication containing this drug and will explain off-license use of medications to you.
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.
