Product
Info
Dorzolamide
HCL 2% Ophthalmic Solution is an eye medication for dogs and cats. It
is not approved by the FDA for use in animals, but is often
prescribed by veterinarians as off-label use.
What
the product cures
Dorzolamide
HCL decreases ocular pressure in the eyes by reducing the amount of
liquid that is produced. This condition is medically known as
glaucoma.
Glaucoma
is characterized by excessive eye pressure that results from fluid
buildup. Normally, the fluid in the eye circulates as it should, but
it becomes a problem when there is a disruption in circulation,
causing the liquid to accumulate and increase pressure. Glaucoma is a
serious condition that can lead to complete vision loss if not
properly treated. Both canines and felines can be affected by the
disease, although it is more common in dogs due to a hereditary
predisposition.
There
are two types of glaucoma in pets; primary and secondary. Primary
glaucoma has no underlying cause and is usually genetic. It also
typically affects both of the eyes, although not always
simultaneously. Secondary glaucoma is a consequence of an underlying
condition that causes an increase in ocular pressure. Some of these
conditions/factors include; eye injury or trauma, inflammation,
cataracts, and growths. The condition can also be categorized as
acute or chronic, depending on if it occurred all of a sudden (such
as with trauma) or progressed over time.
With
primary glaucoma, symptoms typically appear when the pet is between 3
to 7 years of age. However, the disease can affect animals of all
ages. Both eyes are usually affected, but it can be months until
symptoms start appearing in the other eye. Despite of the cause, the
signs of glaucoma are generally the same and include; pain
(manifested by squinting, pawing at eye, rubbing face on various
surfaces, and appetite loss), cloudy or abnormally pigmented eye,
excessive tear production, redness, light sensitivity, pupil
dilation, decreased vision, and blindness.
The
main goal in treating glaucoma is to improve circulation and
decreasing the ocular pressure to a more stable level. This is
typically achieved with a combination of eye medication and oral
drugs. Your vet may also refer you to an ophthalmologist for a second
opinion. The specialist will also be able to perform surgery if
alternative treatments don’t work.
Pet
Ailments
Pet
ailments associated with the use of Dorzolamide HCL 2% Ophthalmic
Solution include; cataracts, uveitis, lens luxation, and
cancerous/non-cancerous ocular growths.
Pets
with Ailments
Relative
info on breed most associated with this ailment
Primary
glaucoma is thought to have a genetic link to various breeds such as;
Dalmatian, Border Collie, Whippet, Shih Tzu, Boston Terrier, Fox
Terrier, Chihuahua, and Chow Chow. Cat breeds that are genetically
predisposed to the condition include; DSH, Siamese, and Persian.
Questions
for the vet & product
1.
What should I talk about with my vet prior to beginning treatment?
Discuss
any previous drug allergies that your pet has experienced with your
vet, particularly if they include; sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim,
sulfacetamide sodium, and any other drugs containing sulfa. It is
also important for your vet to know if your pet is pregnant, nursing,
or has ever been diagnosed with a serious health problem such as
kidney or liver disease.
2.
What if a dose is accidentally missed?
Apply
the skipped dose right after you remember, unless the next one is
almost scheduled, in which case you can wait until then to give it as
usual. Do NOT double the dose in order to compensate for the missed
dose.
3.
What should I do in case of an overdose?
A
Dorzolamide HCL 2% Solution overdose may cause symptoms such as;
excessive panting, loose bowel movements, vomiting, and reduced
appetite. If your pet experiences any of these symptoms or if you
think an overdose might have occurred, rinse the eyes with clean
water ASAP and seek veterinary help immediately.
4.
Have there been any side effects reported with the use of this
product?
If
a serious side effect or an allergic reaction (swollen face, trouble
breathing, collapse, itchiness, etc.) develops, stop treatment and
seek emergency veterinary attention for your pet. Treatment can be
continued with mild side effects, but you must consult with your vet
as soon as possible for further guidance. Side effects to look out
for include; itching, eye drainage, vision issues, lethargy, and
vomiting.
5.
Are there drugs that should be avoided while my pet is on Dorzolamide
HCL 2%?
Medications
that may cause an interaction with this product include;
methazolamide, acetazolamide, dichlorphenamide, and any other
carbonic anhydrase-based drugs. Other ophthalmic drops/ointments
should also be avoided, as they may cause a bad reaction.
How
it Works
Dorzolamide
HCL 2% Ophthalmic Solution stops the production of carbonic
anhydrase, which in return reduces fluid in the eyes. This leads to a
decrease in IOP (intraocular pressure).
Directions
for use
This
product is for use in the eyes only. Make sure to wait at least 10
min. in between applications if additional eye medications are being
used.
Dosage
and administration: The
recommended dose is 1 drop in the affected eye every 8 hours (three
times daily).
Ingredients
The
ingredients included in this product are; 22.3mg/ml of dorzolamide
hydrochloride, 0.0075% of benzalkonium chloride, hydroxyethyl
cellulose, sodium hydroxide, mannitol, water, and sodium citrate
dihydrate.
Product
Cautions
Let
your vet know of any additional medications your pet is taking before
starting treatment.
Contact
your vet immediately if any side effects develop.
Avoid
placing the dropper in the eye or touching it with your hands, as it
can become contaminated with bacteria or debris and lead to an
infection in your pet.
PHYSICAL
OR CHEMICAL HAZARDS:
Do
NOT contaminate with substances containing oxidizing agents, as this
may cause it to ignite.
This
product is hazardous if ingested.
FIRST
AID:
If
swallowed: Call
the poison control center for instructions in the event that the
medication is ingested. Vomiting should NOT be induced. However, if
the victim vomits on his or her own, place them on in an upright
position so that they’re slightly bending forward and to the left.
This will help keep the airway open and prevent vomit from entering
the lungs.
If
in eyes: Rinse
the eyes with clean, running water for at least 15 minutes. Be sure
to keep the eyes open while flushing takes place, so that all of the
liquid can be removed. If problems develop or worsen, consult with a
physician.
If
on skin: Remove
soiled clothing right away and wash affected skin with soap/water.
Seek health care if irritation or other issues occur.
If
inhaled:
Move victim to an area where fresh air is available and help the
person blow their nose. Get medical help if irritation or additional
problems develop.
Storage
& Disposal
Storage:
This
product should be closed tightly and stored at room temperature. Do
NOT place in an area with moisture or heat.
Disposal:
Read
the product’s material safety data sheet for detailed information
regarding proper disposal of Dorzolamide HCL 2%.
Brand
vs. generic comparison: This
medication is actually a generic version of Trusopt.