Dorzolamide
Encyclopedia
Dorzolamide is a carbonic anhydrase
inhibitor. It is an anti-glaucoma agent and topically applied in the form of eye drops. This drug, developed by Merck
, was the first drug in human therapy (market introduction 1995) which resulted from structure-based drug design
. Dorzolamide hydrochloride is used to lower increased intraocular pressure
in open-angle glaucoma
and ocular hypertension
.
The combination of dorzolamide with timolol
is marketed under the trade name Cosopt
.
Carbonic anhydrase
The carbonic anhydrases form a family of enzymes that catalyze the rapid interconversion of carbon dioxide and water to bicarbonate and protons , a reversible reaction that occurs rather slowly in the absence of a catalyst...
inhibitor. It is an anti-glaucoma agent and topically applied in the form of eye drops. This drug, developed by Merck
Merck & Co.
Merck & Co., Inc. , also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme or MSD outside the United States and Canada, is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. The Merck headquarters is located in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, an unincorporated area in Readington Township...
, was the first drug in human therapy (market introduction 1995) which resulted from structure-based drug design
Drug design
Drug design, also sometimes referred to as rational drug design or structure-based drug design, is the inventive process of finding new medications based on the knowledge of the biological target...
. Dorzolamide hydrochloride is used to lower increased intraocular pressure
Intraocular pressure
Intraocular pressure is the fluid pressure inside the eye. Tonometry is the method eye care professionals use to determine this. IOP is an important aspect in the evaluation of patients at risk from glaucoma...
in open-angle glaucoma
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disorder in which the optic nerve suffers damage, permanently damaging vision in the affected eye and progressing to complete blindness if untreated. It is often, but not always, associated with increased pressure of the fluid in the eye...
and ocular hypertension
Ocular hypertension
Ocular hypertension is intraocular pressure higher than normal in the absence of optic nerve damage or visual field loss.Current consensus in ophthalmology defines normal introcular pressure as that between 10 mmHg and 21 mmHg...
.
The combination of dorzolamide with timolol
Timolol
Timolol maleate is a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocker.-Uses:In its oral form , it is used:* to treat high blood pressure* to prevent heart attacks* to prevent migraine headaches...
is marketed under the trade name Cosopt
Cosopt
Dorzolamide/timolol eyedrops are used for lowering pressure in the eye to normal levels, and a treatment for glaucoma. The drug is a combination of two chemicals: dorzolamide hydrochloride and timolol maleate. It gained Food and Drug Administration approval in April 1998, and is supplied by...
.