Dorzolamide Ophthalmic Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 25, 2024.

Applies to dorzolamide ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, dorzolamide ophthalmic may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking dorzolamide ophthalmic:

More common side effects

• burning, stinging, or discomfort when medicine is applied
• itching, redness, swelling, or other sign of the eye or eyelid irritation

Less common side effects

• burning, dry, or itching eyes
• discharge from the eye
• excessive tearing
• redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid

Rare side effects

• blood in the urine
• blurred vision
• nausea or vomiting
• pain in the side, back, or abdomen
• skin rash
• tearing

Incidence not known

• blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
• change in vision
• chills
• cough
• diarrhea
• difficult or labored breathing
• flashes of light
• floaters in vision
• hives or welts
• itching skin
• joint or muscle pain
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• noisy breathing
• redness of the skin
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• tightness in the chest
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking dorzolamide ophthalmic:

Symptoms of overdose

• confusion
• irregular heartbeat
• muscle cramps or pain
• numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the hands or feet
• seizures
• trembling
• weakness and heaviness of the legs

Other side effects

Some side effects of dorzolamide ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• bitter taste
• feeling of something in the eye

Less common side effects

• changes in color vision
• difficulty seeing at night
• dryness of the eyes
• eyelid reactions
• headache
• increased sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight

Incidence not known

• bloody nose
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• change in distance vision
• difficulty in focusing the eyes
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• eyelid crusting
• lack or loss of strength
• scaling of the skin
• severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin

For healthcare professionals

Applies to dorzolamide ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects were ocular burning, stinging, or discomfort, and bitter taste.^[Ref]

Ocular

• Very common (10% or more): Superficial punctate keratitis (up to 15%), burning/stinging
• Common (1% to 10%): Tearing, conjunctivitis, eyelid inflammation, eye itching, eyelid irritation, blurred vision
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Iridocyclitis
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Irritation, pain, eyelid crusting, transient myopia, corneal edema, ocular hypotony, choroidal detachment following filtration surgery^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Very common (10% or more): Ocular allergic reaction (10%)
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Signs and symptoms of local reactions (palpebral reactions) and systemic allergic reactions including angioedema, urticaria, pruritus, rash, shortness of breath, bronchospasm^[Ref]

Renal

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Urolithiasis^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Epistaxis
• Frequency not reported: Dyspnea^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Contact dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Skin rash^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Biter taste (up to 25%)
• Frequency not reported: Headache^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Throat irritation, dry mouth^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia/fatigue^[Ref]

Further information

Dorzolamide ophthalmic side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer