Dorzolamide; Timolol eye solution

What is this medicine?

DORZOLAMIDE; TIMOLOL (dor ZOLE a mide; TYE moe lole) is used in the eye to treat open-angle glaucoma and high pressure in the eye.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is only for use in the eye. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Shake well before using. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper or tube to your eye, fingertips, or other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye gently to spread the drops. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if your condition is better. Do not stop using except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional. If you use other eye medicines, they should be used at least 10 minutes before or after this medicine.

Talk to your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• chest pain

• hard, irregular heartbeat

• infected eyes, eyelids

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• unusually weak or tired

• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• bitter taste in the mouth

• burning, stinging, or discomfort immediately after using the solution

• dry eyes

• feeling as if there is something in the eye

• increased flow of tears

• nausea

• sensitivity of the eyes to light

What may interact with this medicine?

• beta-blockers like atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol and others

• calcium channel blockers like diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil and others

• carbonic anhydrase inhibitors like acetazolamide or methazolamide

• clonidine

• digoxin

• quinidine

• reserpine

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma, bronchitis or bronchospasm, emphysema, or other lung disease

• closed-angle glaucoma

• diabetes

• eye infection or damage

• heart or blood vessel disease

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• thyroid disease

• wear contact lenses

• an unusual or allergic reaction to dorzolamide, sulfa drugs, timolol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Report any serious side effects right away. Stop using this solution if your eyes get swollen, painful, or have a discharge, and see your doctor or health care professional as soon as you can.

You may get dizzy while using this medicine. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you.

Wear dark glasses if this eye drop makes your eyes more sensitive to light.

If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor or health care professional when you can use your lenses again.