Dorzolamide-timolol is a medication prescribed to help lower high intraocular pressure, or high pressure within the eye. This may be due to glaucoma or other eye conditions. It is a combination of two medications: dorzolamide and timolol. The former is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, while the latter is a beta blocker. Both of these drugs work to lower intraocular pressure by reducing the amount of fluid in the eye.
Adults may typically be prescribed two doses daily. Dorzolamide-timolol is not taken orally, but rather it is available in the form of drops to be applied to the eye. If the doctor has prescribed other eye drops, these should be applied a minimum of 10 minutes following a dose of these eye drops. Before using dorzolamide-timolol, the patient should carefully wash his hands. He may then pull down the lower eyelid, forming a “pouch,” and tilt his head back.
A drop of dorzolamide-timolol can then be placed into the pouch. The patient should remove his finger, look downward, and close his eyes gently for two minutes. Blinking and rubbing the eye must be avoided, because this can cause the medication to leak out. Instead, the patient should place a finger at the inner corner of the eye, which is closest to the nose, and apply a slight amount of pressure.
Some side effects may occur with the use of dorzolamide-timolol, which should be reported to the prescribing physician if they become bothersome. Patients may experience dizziness, drowsiness, or a headache. A strange taste in the mouth may also occur. Some patients have reported temporary stinging, itching, or redness of the eye, along with blurred vision and dry or watery eyes. Sensitivity to light can also occur.
Serious side effects require immediate medical attention. Patients should go to the emergency room if they experience chest pain, weakness on one side of the body, or fainting. Slurred speech, persistent eye discharge, and eye pain have also been reported. Other serious side effects may rarely include unexplained weight gain, muscle weakness, and a shallow or irregular heartbeat. Jaundice, fever, and bloody urine may rarely occur.
Before using dorzolamide-timolol to treat high intraocular pressure, patients must disclose their other medical conditions, medications, and supplements. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid its use. Dorzolamide-timolol may be contraindicated for use by those who have lung disease, kidney stones, or heart disease, as well as diabetes. This drug may interact with other medications, including calcium channel blockers, oral beta blockers, and certain antidepressants.
