Dorzolamide HCl 2% Ophthalmic Solution - 10ml For Pets 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 offlabel 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. Pet Symptoms Glaucoma is characterized by excessiveeye 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.