Dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic

Dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic

Dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic

What is dorzolamide and timolol for ophthalmology?

Dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Side effects of dorzolamide and timolol on the eye

Stop using dorzolamide and timolol in ophthalmology and seek medical help if necessarySigns of an allergic reaction(hives, severe itching, dizziness, sweating, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat)or a severe skin reaction(Fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple rash with blistering and peeling).

If the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream, serious side effects may occur.

This medicine can cause serious breathing problems or heart failure.Get medical help if you have:

• fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat;

• panting;

• Shortness of breath; or

• Swelling of the lower legs, rapid weight gain.

Dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic can cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• worsening muscle weakness;

• eye redness or swelling;

• droopy eyelids, blurred vision; or

• Damage to your cornea (the clear layer in front of the iris and pupil) – eye redness, watery eyes, reduced vision, increased sensitivity to light.

Common ocular side effects of dorzolamide and timolol may include:

• a bitter or unusual taste in the mouth after using the eye drops;

• blurred vision;

• watery eyes; or

• Redness, burning, stinging or itching in your eyes.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

This medicine can cause serious breathing problems or heart failure.Get medical help if you have shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, swelling in your lower legs, or rapid weight gain.

Before you take this medicine

You should not use dorzolamide and timolol for ophthalmic use if you are allergic to dorzolamide or timolol or if you have:

• a history of asthma;

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis or emphysema; or

• heart failure, slow heartbeat;

• heart block or “AV block” (2nd or 3rd degree); or

• Heart muscle damage (e.g. from a heart attack).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• difficulty breathing;

• an allergy to sulfa drugs;

• a genetic predisposition to allergic reactions or if you have had a severe allergic (anaphylactic) reaction;

• muscle weakness, myasthenia gravis;

• a thyroid disease;

• liver or kidney disease;

• Diabetes; or

• if you are planning an operation.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Do not use this medicine in children younger than 2 years.

How should I use dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmically?

Follow all instructions on your prescription label and read any medication guides or instructions for use. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not use if you wear soft contact lenses. A preservative in this medicine could permanently discolor the lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

Carefully read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Wash your hands before applying eye medications.

Only use the number of drops prescribed by your doctor. Wait at least 5 minutes before using other eye drops prescribed by your doctor.

Do not touch the tip of the eyedropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated eyedropper can infect your eye and cause serious vision problems.

Tell your doctor immediately if you have an eye injury or infection, or need surgery (especially eye surgery).

Store at room temperature, protected from moisture, heat and light. Do not use if the drug's expiry date has expired.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not use two doses at the same time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

Certain symptoms may occur when dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic are absorbed into your bloodstream. These include dizziness, muscle pain or weakness, numbness or tingling, difficulty breathing, slow heartbeat, or fluttering in the chest.

What should I avoid when using dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic?

This medicine may cause blurred vision and affect your reactions. Avoid driving and dangerous activities until you know how this medicine affects you.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

What other medicines affect dorzolamide and timolol in ophthalmology?

Many medications can interact with dorzolamide and timolol, and taking certain other medications together is not recommended. Tell your doctor about all other medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

More information

Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the prescribed indication.