Dorzolamide and Timolol Ophthalmic

The combination of dorzolamide and timolol is used to treat eye conditions, including glaucoma and ocular hypertension, in which increased pressure can lead to a gradual loss of vision. Dorzolamide and timolol is used for patients whose eye condition has not responded to another medication. Dorzolamide is in a class of medications called topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Timolol is in a class of medications called topical beta blockers. Dorzolamide and timolol lowers pressure in the eye by decreasing the production of natural fluids in the eye.

The combination of dorzolamide and timolol comes as a solution (liquid) to instill in the eye. It is usually instilled in the affected eye(s) twice a day. To help you remember to use dorzolamide and timolol, use it at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use dorzolamide and timolol exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Dorzolamide and timolol combination controls glaucoma and ocular hypertension but does not cure them. Continue to use dorzolamide and timolol even if you feel well. Do not stop using dorzolamide and timolol without talking to your doctor.

To instill the eye drops, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

2. Check the dropper tip to make sure that it is not chipped or cracked.

3. Avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye or anything else; eye drops and droppers must be kept clean.

4. While tilting your head back, pull down the lower lid of your eye with your index finger to form a pocket.

5. Hold the dropper (tip down) with the other hand, as close to the eye as possible without touching it.

6. Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your face.

7. While looking up, gently squeeze the dropper so that a single drop falls into the pocket made by the lower eyelid. Remove your index finger from the lower eyelid.

8. Close your eye for 2 to 3 minutes and tip your head down as though looking at the floor. Try not to blink or squeeze your eyelids.

9. Place a finger on the tear duct and apply gentle pressure.

10. Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a tissue.

11. If you are to use more than one drop in the same eye, wait at least 5 minutes before instilling the next drop.

12. Replace and tighten the cap on the dropper bottle. Do not wipe or rinse the dropper tip.

13. Wash your hands to remove any medication.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before using dorzolamide and timolol eye drops,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to dorzolamide (Trusopt), timolol (Timoptic), sulfa drugs, or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: beta blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), labetalol (Normodyne), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard), and propranolol (Inderal); calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac, others), felodipine (Plendil), isradipine (DynaCirc), nicardipine (Cardene), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), nimodipine (Nimotop), nisoldipine (Sular), and verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan); carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as acetazolamide (Diamox), dichlorphenamide (Danaride), and methazolamide (GlaucTabs, Neptazane); clonidine (Catapres, Catapres-TTS); digoxin (Lanoxin); diuretics ('water pills'); quinidine (Quinidex); reserpine (Serpalan, Serpasil, Serpatabs); and salicylate pain relievers such as aspirin, choline magnesium trisalicylate, choline salicylate (Arthropan), diflunisal (Dolobid), magnesium salicylate (Doan's, others), and salsalate (Argesic, Disalcid, Salgesic). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• if you are using another topical eye medication, instill it at least 10 minutes before or after you instill dorzolamide and timolol.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma, lung disease (including chronic bronchitis and emphysema), heart disease, diabetes, an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), severe allergic reactions, myasthenia gravis, and kidney or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using dorzolamide and timolol, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using dorzolamide and timolol.
• you should know that dorzolamide and timolol solution contains benzalkonium chloride, which can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying dorzolamide and timolol and put them back in 15 minutes later.
• if you have an eye injury, infection, or surgery while using dorzolamide and timolol, ask your doctor if you should continue using the same eye drops container.
• you should know that if you have allergic reactions to different substances, your reactions may be worse while you are using dorzolamide and timolol, and your allergic reactions may not respond to the usual doses of injectable epinephrine.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Instill the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not instill a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Dorzolamide and timolol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• taste changes (bitter, sour, or unusual taste)

• eye burning or stinging

• itchy eyes

• dry eyes

• eye tearing

• dizziness

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• blurred vision

• skin rash

• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

• shortness of breath

• pink eye

• redness or swelling of the eyelid

• muscle weakness

Dorzolamide and timolol may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• dizziness

• headache

• shortness of breath

• difficulty breathing or swallowing

• chest pain

• confusion

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Last Revised - 03/16/2011