Trusopt 2% (Dorzolamide)

Trusopt general information

What is Trusopt used for?

Trusopt eye drops are used to lower pressure within the eye caused by a build up of fluid (aqueous humour). This increased pressure, known as intraocular pressure (IOP) can cause glaucoma. Trusopt eye drops are used to treat glaucoma, which helps prevent loss of sight due to increased IOP; also to treat ocular hypertension in people who do not have glaucoma. Trusopt eye drops can either be used alone or in combination with other medications (beta-blockers) or as an alternative if other treatments have not been effective or cannot be used.

How does Trusopt work?

Trusopt eye drops contain dorzolamide which is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Carbonic anhydrase is an enzyme that is found in several tissues in the body, including the ciliary processes of the eye which produce the aqueous humour or eye fluid, as a result of filtration from the capillaries (small blood vessels) in the eye. Inhibition of carbonic anhydrase in the ciliary processes interferes with the formation of bicarbonate ions and ultimately with the filtration process, which decreases secretion of aqueous humour into the eye. The result is a reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) which relieves pressure on the optic nerve and this can prevent loss of sight due to increased IOP.

What does Trusopt contain?

Trusopt eye drops contain the active ingredient dorzolamide hydrochloride 2%. They also contain: hydroxyethylcellulose, mannitol, sodium citrate, sodium hydroxide and benzalkonium chloride as preservative.

Treating glaucoma with Trusopt

Trusopt eye drops contain dorzolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that reduces production of aqueous humour by the ciliary processes of the eye and its secretion into the eye, reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) that can cause glaucoma. Although aqueous humour is important for maintaining normal eye pressure and providing nutrients for the eye, increased production or decreased drainage from the eye increases IOP, which can cause damage to the optic nerve fibres that lead out of the back of the eye to the brain and may lead gradual loss of sight. This starts with loss of peripheral vision and eventually to total blindness in that eye. Trusopt eye drops helps restore the balance in the flow of fluid into and out of the eye and this reduces IOP and the risk of damage to the optic nerve and helps prevent loss of sight that can happen if glaucoma progresses untreated.

What are the side effects of Trusopt?

The most commonly reported side effects when using Trusopt eye drops include: burning, stinging, itching eyes, conjunctivitis, watering of the eye(s), redness of the eye(s), swelling of the eyelids(s), eye pain, blurred vision, crusting of the eyelids, nausea, bitter taste, headache, tiredness, weakness.

When should Trusopt not be used?

You should not use Trusopt eye drops if you:

• are allergic to dorzolamide or any other sulphonamide or any of the ingredients in Trusopt eye drops
• are pregnant, intend to become pregnant or breast feeding
• have liver or kidney disease
• are wearing contact lenses, you should remove your contacts and replace them after using Trusopt eye drops

How should Trusopt be used?

You should use your Trusopt eye drops by applying one drop into the affected eye, three times daily, approximately 8 hours apart, and following the instructions provided. If you are using Trusopt eye drops in addition to beta-blocker eye drop, apply your Trusopt eye drops twice daily. If you are wearing contact lenses, you should remove them before applying your Trusopt eye drops and then replace them at least 15 minutes after applying your drops. You should continue to use your Trusopt eye drops daily for as long as recommended by your doctor, as they will help maintain normal eye pressure but will not cure glaucoma.

How long should you use Trusopt?

You should continue to use your Trusopt eye drops daily for as long as recommended by your doctor, as they will help maintain normal eye pressure but will not cure glaucoma.

Missed dose of Trusopt

If you miss a dose of Trusopt eye drops apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to apply the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not apply a double dose.

How should Trusopt be stored?

You should store your Trusopt eye drops in a cool place where the temperature stays below 30°C and always replace the top on the bottle to prevent contamination. Discard the bottle of Trusopt eye drops 4 weeks after opening.