Orzolol
Orzolol Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Orzolol is a brand name. Its generic name is Dorzolamide + Timolol.
Orzolol: Introduction
Orzolol is a combination medication used to treat glaucoma, a condition in which increased pressure in the eye may gradually damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss or blindness. Orzolol works by reducing pressure in the eye and is a combination of two drugs that act to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP). Usually, these two drugs are used together for the best results.
Uses for Orzolol
Orzolol is used to treat patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eye). This medication is used to reduce IOP by increasing aqueous humor outflow and by decreasing aqueous humor production, thereby reducing the risk of blindness caused by glaucoma.
Mechanism of Action
Dorzolamide is a topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and it works by inhibiting carbonic anhydrase activity in the ciliary processes of the eye. This action reduces the formation of aqueous humour and thereby decreases the intraocular pressure. Timolol is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent which works by blocking the beta-adrenergic receptor, thereby preventing vasoconstriction of the ciliary body. This causes a decreased resistance to the drainage of fluid, reducing the intraocular pressure.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
The effects of the Orzolol combination can be felt as soon as the first dose is given. It generally takes 2-3 weeks for a full therapeutic effect to be felt.
Absorption
Dorzolamide is only absorbed from the ocular surface and is poorly absorbed systemically, with a relative bioavailability of 0.2%. Timolol is rapidly absorbed into the systemic circulation and reaches peak plasma concentrations within 2-4 hours of administration. Dorzolamide is a weak base with a pKa of 8.3 and is poorly soluble in aqueous solution, whereas Timolol is a neutral compound with a pKa of 7.6 and is highly soluble.
Route of Elimination
The components of Orzolol are eliminated mainly through the kidneys, via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. A small amount of Dorzolamide is metabolized to its active sulfate conjugate, which is then excreted in the bile.
Dosage and Administration
Orzolol should be administered twice daily, with the dose depending on the patient's individual condition and response to treatment. The recommended starting dose for adults is 1 drop of the solution in each affected eye twice daily. The dose can be increased up to three times daily as necessary for the patient's condition.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Orzolol include: conjunctival hyperemia, burning sensation, dry mouth, itching, stinging in the eyes, bitter taste, chest congestion, headache, blurred vision, and eye pain. Other possible side effects include: diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, cough, depression, increased sensitivity to light, nasal congestion, and nausea.
Toxicity
Orzolol is a safe medication when used as prescribed. Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion. If an overdose is suspected, contact your healthcare provider or seek medical attention immediately.
Precautions
Before taking Orzolol, tell your doctor if you have a history of any serious eye conditions, vision problems, lung problems, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or thyroid disease. Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, including non-prescription medications and supplements. Orzolol can cause an allergic reaction, so if you have swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat stop using the medication immediately and contact your healthcare provider.
Interactions
Orzolol should not be used with certain drugs as it may cause serious interactions. These include other eye medications, certain antibiotics, eye drops that contain preservatives, ritonavir, certain inhalers, epinephrine, antipsychotics, and anti-seizure medications. Orzolol may also interact with certain herb supplements and herbal teas.
Disease Interactions
The use of Orzolol may be contraindicated in certain conditions. Patients with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, diabetes, seizures, heart disease, lung disease, and thyroid disease should not use this medication. Pregnant and nursing mothers should not use this medication as well.
Drug Interactions
Orzolol may interact with several drugs. Common drug interactions include other eye medications, certain antibiotics, epinephrine, ritonavir, anti-seizure medications, and certain inhalers. Always tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including over the counter medications and supplements.
Food Interactions
Orzolol may interact with certain foods. Grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and grapefruit seed extract can increase the concentration of Dorzolamide and therefore should not be consumed while using this medication.
Pregnancy Use
The safety of Orzolol during pregnancy has not been established. This medication should not be used while pregnant unless the benefits to the mother outweigh any potential risks to the unborn child.
Lactation Use
Orzolol is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women. It is not known whether this medication is excreted into human milk, and potential risks to a nursing infant should be carefully considered before using this medication.
Acute Overdose
The signs and symptoms of an acute overdose of Orzolol may include nausea, vomiting, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, bradycardia, hypotension, and respiratory depression. If an overdose is suspected, contact your healthcare provider or seek medical attention immediately.
Contraindications
Orzolol has several contraindications. This medication should not be used in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchial asthma, diabetes, seizures, heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, and thyroid dysfunction. Patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the components of this medication should not use it. Orzolol should also not be used in pregnancy and lactation.
Use Direction
Patients taking Orzolol should use the medication exactly as directed by their doctor. The medication should not be applied more frequently than recommended. The patient should not stop taking this medication unless advised by their doctor. If the patient misses a dose, they should take the missed dose as soon as they remember.
Storage Conditions
Orzolol should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse the medication container and discard any unused medication.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of Orzolol is not known. However, Dorzolamide exhibits low ampilification in both eyes and plasma and is not protein bound, while Timolol has a high distribution volume in plasma and is 76-88% protein bound.
Half Life
The half-life of Orzolol is not known. The half-life of Dorzolamide is about 3 hours and the half-life of Timolol is about 8 hours.
Clearance
The clearance of Orzolol is not known. The clearance of Dorzolamide is 0.32 L/h/kg, while the clearance of Timolol is 0.95 L/h/kg.
Dosage Information
The recommended starting dose for adults is 1 drop of the solution in each affected eye twice daily. The dose can be increased up to three times daily as necessary for the patient's condition. Patients should not exceed more than six drops a day. It is important to always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions when taking Orzolol.
Here you find in details version of Orzolol
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Orzolol
What is Orzolol?
Orzolol is a combination medication containing dorzolamide and timolol, two medications used to treat glaucoma. It works by decreasing the production of fluid within the eye, which decreases eye pressure.
What is Dorzolamide?
Dorzolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. It works by decreasing the production of fluid in the eye, thereby reducing eye pressure.
What is Timolol?
Timolol is a beta blocker. It works by decreasing the amount of fluid in the eye, thereby reducing eye pressure.
How is Orzolol used?
Orzolol is usually used once or twice a day, depending on the severity of your condition. Your doctor will advise you on how often to use Orzolol.
What should I do if I forget to take a dose of Orzolol?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
Is Orzolol safe?
Orzolol is generally safe if used as prescribed by your doctor. However, it may cause side effects such as eye irritation, headaches, and nausea. If you experience any side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
Does Orzolol have any interactions?
Orzolol may interact with other medications, especially beta blockers. Be sure to inform your doctor of all medications you are taking. Also, discuss any allergies you may have to avoid possible interactions.
What are the most common side effects of Orzolol?
The most common side effects of Orzolol are eye irritation, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and nausea.
What should I do if I have an allergic reaction to Orzolol?
If you experience a severe allergic reaction to Orzolol, stop using the medication immediately and seek medical help right away. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include rash, itching, difficulty breathing, and tightness in the chest.
What should I do if I experience eye irritation while taking Orzolol?
If you experience eye irritation while taking Orzolol, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor. Eye irritation may be a sign that the medication is not working properly.
Is Orzolol available over the counter?
No, Orzolol is not available over the counter. It is a prescription medication and can only be obtained with a valid prescription from a doctor.
How long does it take for Orzolol to start working?
It typically takes a few weeks for Orzolol to start working. Your doctor will monitor your progress and adjust the dose as needed.
Does Orzolol cause weight gain?
No, Orzolol does not cause weight gain. If you experience weight gain, contact your doctor as it could be a sign of another medical condition.
Can I use Orzolol with other medications?
It is important to inform your doctor of all medications you are taking before starting Orzolol as it may interact with other medications, or affect their effectiveness. Speak with your doctor before taking any other medications.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Orzolol?
It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Orzolol as it can increase the side effects of the medication. Speak with your doctor before having a drink.
Can I take other eye drops while taking Orzolol?
No, it is not recommended to use other eye drops while taking Orzolol, as it may interfere with the effectiveness or cause side effects. Speak with your doctor before using any other eye drops.
Can Orzolol lower blood pressure?
Yes, as Timolol is a beta blocker, Orzolol may lower blood pressure. Your doctor may recommend that you monitor your blood pressure while taking this medication.
Does Orzolol treat glaucoma?
Yes, Orzolol is used to treat glaucoma by decreasing production of fluid within the eye, which decreases eye pressure.
Does Orzolol make your vision worse?
No, Orzolol should not make your vision worse. If your vision changes or decreases, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Can I use contact lenses while taking Orzolol?
It is not recommended to wear contact lenses while taking Orzolol, as the medication may cause eye irritation. Speak with your doctor before using contact lenses while taking this medication.
Can I use other eye medications while taking Orzolol?
No, other eye medications, such as those for dry eyes or allergy relief, should not be used while taking Orzolol. Speak with your doctor before using any other eye medications.
Can Orzolol be used for children?
Yes, Orzolol can be used in children. The dosage and frequency may need to be adjusted depending on the age and severity of the child's condition.
Can pregnant women use Orzolol?
Women who are pregnant should not use Orzolol unless prescribed by their doctor. The medication may have an adverse effect on a developing fetus, so speak with your doctor before taking this medication.
Can Orzolol cause dry eyes?
Yes, Orzolol can cause dry eyes as a side effect. If you experience dry eyes, contact your doctor.
Can Orzolol cause blurred vision?
Yes, blurred vision can be a side effect of taking Orzolol. If you experience blurred vision, contact your doctor.
What should I do if I experience nausea while taking Orzolol?
If you experience nausea while taking Orzolol, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor. It may be a sign that the medication is not working properly.
Does Orzolol interact with birth control?
Orzolol may interact with certain birth control medications, so it is important to inform your doctor of any medications you are taking before starting this medication. Speak with your doctor about any possible interactions.
Can Orzolol cause hyperglycemia?
Yes, Orzolol can cause hyperglycemia in some people. If you experience any of the symptoms of hyperglycemia (increased thirst or urination, increased hunger, fatigue, or weight loss), contact your doctor immediately.
Can I take other medications while taking Orzolol?
It is important to inform your doctor of all medications you are taking before starting Orzolol as it may interact with other medications or affect their effectiveness. Speak with your doctor before taking any other medications.
Can I take cold medicine while taking Orzolol?
It is not recommended to take cold medicine while taking Orzolol as it may interact with the medication. Speak with your doctor before taking cold medicine while taking this medication.
Can I take other eye medications while taking Orzolol?
No, other eye medications, such as those for dry eyes or allergy relief, should not be used while taking Orzolol. Speak with your doctor before using any other eye medications.
Can I wear sunglasses while taking Orzolol?
Yes, you can wear sunglasses while taking Orzolol. Sunglasses may be beneficial in reducing glare and protecting your eyes.
Is Orzolol available in generic form?
Yes, Orzolol is available in generic form. Some brands of Orzolol may not be available in generic form.
Can I stop taking Orzolol suddenly?
No, you should not stop taking Orzolol suddenly as this can cause your eye pressure to increase suddenly. Check with your doctor before stopping the medication.
Can I take other glaucoma medications while taking Orzolol?
No, it is not recommended to take other glaucoma medications while taking Orzolol, as this may interfere with the effectiveness or cause side effects. Speak with your doctor before taking any other glaucoma medications.
Can I take other health supplements while taking Orzolol?
Yes, other health supplements, such as vitamins or herbal products, can be taken while taking Orzolol. Speak with your doctor before taking any other supplements.
Can Orzolol cause headaches?
Yes, headaches can be a side effect of taking Orzolol. If you experience severe or frequent headaches, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
What should I do if I experience dizziness while taking Orzolol?
If you experience dizziness while taking Orzolol, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor. It may be a sign that the medication is not working properly.