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Dorzolamide

Prescription
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (topical ophthalmic)
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Formulations
1

Mechanism of action

Inhibits carbonic anhydrase II in the ciliary body, reducing aqueous humor secretion and lowering intraocular pressure

At a glance

Class
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (topical ophthalmic)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Glaucoma
Dose
0 mg/kg
Route
Ophthalmic
Frequency
TID
Max dose
0 mg
Duration: Long-term; 1 drop per affected eye
🐈

Cat

Glaucoma
Dose
0 mg/kg
Route
Ophthalmic
Frequency
TID
Max dose
0 mg
Duration: Long-term; 1 drop per affected eye
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

🧴

Ophthalmic solution — 1

Strength
2%
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Sulfonamide hypersensitivity
    Dorzolamide is a sulfonamide derivative

Use with caution

  • Hepatic or renal insufficiency
    Systemic absorption possible

Adverse effects

Common
Ocular stinging/irritation
Conjunctival hyperemia
Serious
Corneal edema (rare)
Systemic acidosis (very rare)

Monitoring parameters

Intraocular pressureCorneal health
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

No documented interactions.

Brands

International

Trusopt
Merck

India

Dorzox
Cipla
Dortas
Sun Pharma

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Dorzolamide?
Dorzolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (topical ophthalmic) used in pets. Inhibits carbonic anhydrase II in the ciliary body, reducing aqueous humor secretion and lowering intraocular pressure
What is Dorzolamide used for in pets?
Dorzolamide is used in veterinary medicine for: Glaucoma.
What is the Dorzolamide dose for dogs?
For dogs, Dorzolamide is typically dosed as follows — Glaucoma: 0 mg/kg Ophthalmic TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Dorzolamide dose for cats?
For cats, Dorzolamide is typically dosed as follows — Glaucoma: 0 mg/kg Ophthalmic TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What are the side effects of Dorzolamide?
Common: Ocular stinging/irritation, Conjunctival hyperemia. Serious (call your vet immediately): Corneal edema (rare), Systemic acidosis (very rare).
Does Dorzolamide need a prescription?
Yes. Dorzolamide is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
When should Dorzolamide not be used?
Do not use Dorzolamide if: Sulfonamide hypersensitivity.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor).

Acetazolamide
Rx
Reversibly inhibits carbonic anhydrase in the ciliary body, renal tubules, and CNS. Reduces aqueous humor production (lowers IOP), promotes bicarbonate diuresis (alkaline urine), and has weak anticonvulsant effects by altering neuronal pH.
dogcat
Dichlorphenamide
Rx
Potent carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (10x more potent than acetazolamide) that reduces aqueous humor formation, promotes bicarbonate diuresis, and causes systemic metabolic acidosis. Used for glaucoma when acetazolamide is insufficient.
dogcat
Methazolamide
Rx
Sulfonamide-derived carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that reduces aqueous humor production in the ciliary body. Better CNS penetration and longer duration than acetazolamide. Less metabolic acidosis than dichlorphenamide.
dogcat
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