Trusopt

This page contains drug information on Trusopt.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Trusopt
the possible side effects of Trusopt
what happens if you miss a dose of Trusopt
what happens if you overdose with Trusopt
the most important information about Trusopt
how to use Trusopt
other drugs that may affect Trusopt
what to avoid while using Trusopt
 
Generic Name: dorzolamide ophthalmic (door ZOLE uh mide)
Brand Names: Trusopt
 
What is the most important information I should know about trusopt?
 •  Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
 •  Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. trusopt may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these activities.

What is trusopt?
 •  trusopt reduces the amount of fluid in the eye. This reduction in fluid decreases pressure inside the eye.
 •  trusopt is used to treat open-angle glaucoma or high pressure in the eye.
 •  trusopt may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using trusopt?
 •  Do not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a sulfa-based drug such as trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra), sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin), sulfamethoxazole (Gantanol), or sulfacetamide sodium (Bleph-10, Sulamyd Sodium). trusopt is also based on a sulfa compound, and you may have an allergic reaction to it.
 •  Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may not be able to use trusopt, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during therapy.
 •  trusopt is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether trusopt will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use trusopt without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
 •  It is not known whether trusopt passes into breast milk. Do not use trusopt without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use trusopt?
 •  Use trusopt eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
 •  Wash your hands before and after using the eye drops.
 •  trusopt contains the preservative (benzalkonium chloride) and soft contact lenses should not be worn when applying this medication. Contact lenses can be inserted 15 minutes after the drops have been applied.
 •  To apply the eye drops:
      · Before using the medication for the first time, make sure the Safety Strip on the front of the bottle is not broken. A gap between the bottle and the cap is normal for an unopened bottle. Tear off the Safety Strip to break the seal and uncap the bottle.
      · Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Press lightly with the thumb or index finger on the "Finger Push Area" until a single drop is dispensed into the eye as directed by your doctor. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down the tear duct. Repeat the process in the other eye if your doctor has prescribed drops in both eyes.
      · The dispenser tip is designed to provide a pre-measured drop. Therefore, do not enlarge the hole of the dispenser tip.
      · Replace the cap by turning until it is firmly touching the bottle. Do not over tighten the cap.
 •  If you are also using another type of eye drop, allow at least 10 minutes between applications of the different medications.
 •  trusopt is usually used three times a day. Follow your doctors instructions.
 •  After you have used all of the prescribed doses, there will be some medication left in the bottle. Do not be concerned as an extra amount of medication has been added to the bottle and you will get the full amount your doctor has prescribed. Do not attempt to remove extra medication from the bottle.
 •  Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection the eye.
 •  Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.
 •  Store trusopt at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  The symptoms of a trusopt overdose are unknown. If you suspect an overdose, flush the eye with water and call an emergency room or poison control left. If the drops have been ingested (taken by mouth), call an emergency left for advice.

What should I avoid while using trusopt?
 •  Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. trusopt may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these activities.
 •  Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
 •  trusopt contains the preservative (benzalkonium chloride) and soft contact lenses should not be worn when applying this medication. Contact lenses can be inserted 15 minutes after the drops have been applied.
 •  Avoid using other eyedrops or eye medications except under the direction of your doctor. If you are using another eyedrop, wait at least 10 minutes between doses of trusopt and the other medication.

What are the possible side effects of trusopt?
 •  If you experience an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, face, or tongue difficulty breathing closing of the throat or hives) to trusopt, stop using the medication and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately.
 •  Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use trusopt and talk to your doctor if you experience
      · burning, stinging, itching, or watering of the eye
      · blurred vision
      · sensitivity of the eye to sunlight
      · a change in taste
      · headache
      · fatigue
      · a rash or
      · nausea.
 •  Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect trusopt?
 •  Before using trusopt, tell your doctor if you are taking a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor by mouth. Oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors include acetazolamide (Diamox), dichlorphenamide (Daranide), and methazolamide (Neptazane).
 •  Avoid using other eyedrops or eye medications except under the direction of your doctor. If you are using another eyedrop, wait at least 10 minutes between doses of trusopt and the other medication.
 •  Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with trusopt. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.