DIRECTIONS:

Once the drops are in, lie back with your eyes closed for at least three minutes. Using your thumb and first finger, lightly push in on your nose where the two eye lids come together (See: Proper eye drop insertion). This will give you the maximum pressure lowering effect on your eyes with minimum side effects.  

HOW IT WORKS:

Trusopt is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (CAI). Carbonic anhydrase is an enzyme that is used by the body to produce aqueous (one of the fluids inside the eye). By inhibiting this enzyme the body produces less aqueous and therefore the pressure in the eye is reduced by 15 to 20 percent.  For many years there has been a search for an eye drop form of oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors like Acetzolamide or diamox. This has now been achieved in the form of dorzolamide. Dorzolamide has proved a satisfactory eye pressure lowering drop by reducing the production of aqueous fluid.  It is used twice daily in combination with a beta blocking drop, or three times daily on its own.

ADVERSE REACTIONS:

Although Trusopt is sulfa-based, it probably does not share "sulfa allergy" with sulfonamide antibacterials because of a significantly different chemical structure. No measurable amount of the drug is found in the blood plasma, so there is little or no impact on the kidney. One quarter of patients notice stinging and a bitter taste in their throat when taking Trusopt. Gentle eyelid closure and punctual pressure for three minutes after instillation tends to eliminate or minimize this (see instructions for: Proper eye drop insertion). Other side effects may include dry mouth, fatigue, headache, increased eye redness, stinging, burning and blurred vision. If headaches do occurs they tend to go away within a short period of time.

ADVANTAGES:

Trusopt has good pressure lowering ability. It causes little if any discomfort to the eyes or vision in most patients.

Breast-feeding/ Pregnant:

Trusopt passes into breast milk and may reduce the milk supply. The British National Formulary states "the amount is too small to be harmful to the baby" however, the manufacture of Dorzolamide (Trusopt) advises against use in pregnancy or during breast feeding. The use of these drugs must be discussed with your doctor’s. Examples of these drugs are: Diamox Tablets, Diamox SR Capsules, Daranide Tablets, Trusopt and Azopt Eye Drops.