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)
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from light
Dosing
Glaucoma
Duration: Long-term; 1 drop per affected eye
Glaucoma
Duration: Long-term; 1 drop per affected eye
Safety
Absolute contraindications — do not use
Adverse effects
Common
Ocular stinging/irritation
Conjunctival hyperemia
Serious
Corneal edema (rare)
Systemic acidosis (very rare)
Intraocular pressureCorneal health
Interactions
No documented interactions.
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.
References
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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.
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