Dorzolamide/Timolol 20 Mg/Ml + 5 Mg/Ml Eye Drops Solution
Out of date information, search anotherSUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Dorzolamide/Timolol 20 mg/ml + 5 mg/ml eye drops, solution
2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Each ml contains 20mg dorzolamide (as Dorzolamide hydrochloride) and 5mg timolol (as timolol maleate).
Excipients with known effect: each ml of eye drops solution contains 0.075mg benzalkonium chloride.
For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Eye drops, solution.
Clear, slightly viscous, colourless aqueous solution.
4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1 Therapeutic indications
Dorzolamide/Timolol is indicated in the treatment of elevated intra-ocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or pseudo-exfoliative glaucoma when topical beta-blocker monotherapy is not sufficient.
4.2 Posology and method of administration
The dose is one drop of Dorzolamide/Timolol in the (conjunctival sac of the) affected eye(s) two times daily.
If another topical ophthalmic medicinal product is being used, the other agent should be administered at least ten minutes apart.
Paediatric population:
Efficacy in paediatric patients has not been established.
Safety in paediatric patients below the age of two years has not been established. (For information regarding safety in paediatric patients ^ 2 and < 6 years of age, see section 5.1).
Patients should be informed of the correct handling of the ophthalmic Dorzolamide/Timolol bottles.In order to secure correct dosage - the dropper tip should not be enlarged.
When using nasolacrimal occlusion or closing the eyelids for 2 minutes, the systemic absorption is reduced. This may result in a decrease in systemic side effects and an increase in local activity.
4.3 Contraindications
Dorzolamide/Timolol is contra-indicated in patients with:
• hypersensitivity to one or both active substances or to any of the excipients
• reactive airway disease, including bronchial asthma or a history of bronchial asthma, or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• sinus bradycardia, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block, overt cardiac failure, cardiogenic shock
• severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30ml/min) or hyperchloraemic acidosis
The above are based on the components and are not unique to the combination.
4.4 Special warnings and special precautions for use
Like other topically applied ophthalmic agents timolol is absorbed systemically. Due to beta-adrenergic component, timolol, the same types of cardiovascular, pulmonary and other adverse reactions seen with systemic beta-adrenergic blocking agents may occur. Incidence of systemic ADRs after topical ophthalmic administration is lower than for systemic administration. To reduce the systemic absorption, see section 4.2.
Cardiac disorders
In patients with cardiovascular diseases (e.g. coronary heart disease, Prinzmetal's angina, cardiac failure) and hypotension, therapy with beta-blockers should be critically assessed and therapy with other active substances should be considered. Patients with cardiovascular diseases should be watched for signs of deterioration of these diseases and of adverse reactions.
Due to its negative effect on conduction time, beta-blockers should only be given with caution to patients with first degree heart block.
Vascular disorders
Patients with severe peripheral circulatory disturbance/disorders (i.e. severe forms of Raynaud’s disease or Raynaud’s syndrome) should be treated with caution.
Respiratory disorders
Respiratory reactions, including death due to bronchospasm in patients with asthma have been reported following administration of some ophthalmic beta-blockers.Dorzolamide/Timolol should be used with caution, in patients with mild/moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk.
Hypoglycaemia/diabetes
Beta-blockers should be administered with caution in patients subject to spontaneous hypoglycaemia or to patients with labile diabetes, as beta-blockers may mask signs and symptoms of acute hypoglycaemia.
Hyperthyroidism
Therapy with beta-blockers may mask signs of hyperthyroidism. Abrupt withdrawal of beta-blocker therapy may precipitate a worsening of symptoms.
Corneal diseases
Ophthalmic beta-blockers may induce dryness of eyes. Patients with corneal diseases should be treated with caution.
Other beta-blocking agents
The effect on intraocular pressure or the known effects of systemic beta-blockade may be potentiated when Dorzolamide/Timolol is given to patients already receiving an oral beta-blocking agent. The response of these patients should be closely monitored. The use of two local beta-blockers or two local prostaglandins is not recommended (see section 4.5).
Anaphylactic reactions
While taking beta-blockers, patients with a history of atopy or a history of severe anaphylactic reaction to a variety of allergens may be more reactive to accidental, diagnostic, or therapeutic repeated challenge with such allergens. Such patients may be unresponsive to the usual doses of epinephrine used to treat anaphylactic reactions.
Choroidal detachment
Choroidal detachment has been reported with administration of aqueous suppressant therapy (e.g. timolol, acetazolamide) after filtration procedures.
Surgical anaesthesia
Beta-blocking ophthalmological preparations may block systemic beta-agonist effects e.g. of adrenaline. The anaesthesiologist should be informed when the patient is receiving Dorzolamide/Timolol.
Hepatic impairment
Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution has not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment and therefore should be used with caution in such patients.
Immunology and hypersensitivity
As with other topically-applied ophthalmic agents, this drug may be absorbed systemically. The dorzolamide component is a sulphonamide. Therefore the same types of adverse reactions found with systemic administration of sulphonamides may occur with topical administration. If signs of serious reactions or hypersensitivity occur, discontinue use of this preparation.
Local ocular adverse effects, similar to those observed with dorzolamide hydrochloride eye drops, have been seen with Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution. If such reactions occur, discontinuation of Dorzolamide/Timolol should be considered.
Concomitant therapy
The following concomitant medication is not recommended:
- dorzolamide and oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
- topical beta-adrenergic blocking agents.
Withdrawal of therapy
As with systemic beta-blockers, if discontinuation of ophthalmic timolol is needed in patients with coronary heart disease, therapy should be withdrawn gradually.
Additional effects of beta-blockade
Therapy with beta-blockers may aggravate symptoms of myasthenia gravis.
Additional effects of carbonic anhydrase inhibition Therapy with oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors has been associated with urolithiasis as a result of acid-base disturbances, especially in patients with a prior history of renal calculi. Although no acid-base disturbances have been observed with Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution, urolithiasis has been reported infrequently. Because Dorzolamide/Timolol contains a topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that is absorbed systemically, patients with a prior history of renal calculi may be at increased risk of urolithiasis while using Dorzolamide/Timolol.
Other
The management of patients with acute angle-closure glaucoma requires therapeutic interventions in addition to ocular hypotensive agents. Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution has not been studied in patients with acute angle-closure glaucoma.
Corneal oedema and irreversible corneal decompensation have been reported in patients with pre-existing chronic corneal defects and/or a history of intraocular surgery while using dorzolamide. Topical dorzolamide should be used with caution in such patients.
As with the use of other antiglaucoma drugs, diminished responsiveness to ophthalmic timolol maleate after prolonged therapy has been reported in some patients. However, in clinical studies in which 164 patients have been followed for at least three years, no significant difference in mean intra-ocular pressure has been observed after initial stabilisation.
Contact lens use
Dorzolamide/Timolol contains the preservative benzalkonium chloride, which may cause eye irritation. Benzalkonium chloride is known to discolour soft contact lenses. Remove contact lenses prior to application and wait at least 15 minutes before reinsertion.
Paediatric use See section 5.1.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Specific drug interaction studies have not been performed with Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution.
In clinical studies, Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution was used concomitantly with the following systemic medications without evidence of adverse interactions: ACE-inhibitors, diuretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including aspirin, and hormones (e.g. oestrogen, insulin, thyroxine).
There is a potential for additive effects resulting in hypotension and/or marked bradycardia when timolol maleate ophthalmic solution is administered concomitantly withoral calcium channel blockers, beta-adrenergic blocking agents, antiarrhythmics (including amiodarone), digitalis glycosides, parasympathomimetics, gaunethidine, narcotics, and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.
Potentiated systemic beta-blockade (e.g. decreased heart rate, depression) has been reported during combined treatment with CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g. quinidine, SSRIs) and timolol.
Mydriasis resulting from concomitant use of ophthalmic beta-blockers and adrenaline (epinephrine) has been reported occasionally.
The dorzolamide component of Dorzolamide/Timolol is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and although administered topically, is absorbed systemically. In clinical studies, dorzolamide hydrochloride ophthalmic solution was not associated with acid-base disturbances. However, these disturbances have been reported with oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and have in some instances, resulted in drug interactions (e.g., toxicity associated with high-dose salicylate therapy). Therefore, the potential for such drug interactions should be considered in patients receiving Dorzolamide/Timolol.
Beta-blockers may increase the hypoglycaemic effect of antidiabetic agents.
Oral beta-adrenergic blocking agents may exacerbate the rebound hypertension which can follow the withdrawal of clonidine.
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
Dorzolamide/Timolol should not be used during pregnancy.
Timolol
There are no adequate data for the use of timolol in pregnant women. Timolol should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary.
To reduce the systemic absorption, see section 4.2. Epidemiological studies have not revealed malformative effects but show a risk for intra uterine growth retardation when betablockers are administered by the oral route. In addition, signs and symptoms of beta-blockade (e.g. bradycardia, hypotension, respiratory distress and hypoglycaemia) have been observed in the neonate when beta-blockers have been administered until delivery. If Dorzolamide/Timolol is administered until delivery, the neonate should be carefully monitored during the first days of life.
Dorzolamide
No adequate clinical data in exposed pregnancies are available. In rabbits, dorzolamide produced teratogenic effects at maternotoxic doses (see section 5.3).
Lactation
Beta-blockers are excreted in breast milk. However, at therapeutic doses of timolol in eye drops it is not likely that sufficient amounts would be present in breast milk to produce clinical symptoms of beta-blockade in the infant.
It is not known whether dorzolamide is excreted in human milk. In lactating rats receiving dorzolamide, decreases in the body weight gain of offspring were observed. To reduce the systemic absorption, see section 4.2.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. Possible side effects such as blurred vision may affect some patients' ability to drive and/or operate machinery.
4.8 Undesirable effects
In clinical studies no adverse experiences specific to Dorzolamide/Timolol have been observed; adverse experiences have been limited to those that were reported previously with dorzolamide hydrochloride and/or timolol maleate. In general, common adverse experiences were mild and did not cause discontinuation.
During clinical studies, 1,035 patients were treated with Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution. Approximately 2.4% of all patients discontinued therapy with Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution because of local ocular adverse reactions, approximately 1.2% of all patients discontinued because of local adverse reactions suggestive of allergy or hypersensitivity (such as lid inflammation and conjunctivitis).
Like other topically applied ophthalmic drugs, timolol is absorbed into the systemic circulation. This may cause similar undesirable effects as seen with systemic betablocking agents. Incidence of systemic ADRs after topical ophthalmic administration is lower than for systemic administration. Listed adverse reactions include reactions seen within the class of ophthalmic beta-blockers. The following adverse reactions have been reported with
Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution or one of its components either during clinical trials or during post-marketing experience:
The following table summarises adverse drug reactions of Dorzolamide/Timolol divided into groups according to MedDRA terminology together with their frequency: very common (>1/10); common (> 1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (> 1/1,000 to < 1/100); rare (> 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000); very rare (< 1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data):
Dorzolamide hydrochloride ophthalmic solution:
|
MedDRA system organ class |
Frequency |
Undesirable effect |
|
Nervous system disorders |
Common |
headache* |
|
Rare |
dizziness*, paresthesia* | |
|
Eye disorders |
Common |
eyelid inflammation*, eyelid irritation* |
|
Uncommon |
iridocyclitis* | |
|
Rare |
irritation including redness*, pain*, eyelid crusting*, transient myopia (which resolved upon discontinuation of therapy), corneal oedema*, ocular hypotony*, choroidal detachment (following filtration surgery)* | |
|
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders |
Rare |
epistaxis* |
|
Gastrointestinal disorders |
Common |
nausea* |
|
Rare |
throat irritation, dry mouth* | |
|
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders |
Rare |
rash* |
|
General disorders and administration site conditions |
Common |
asthenia/fatigue* |
Timolol maleate ophthalmic solution:
|
MedDRA system organ class |
Frequency |
Undesirable effect |
|
Immune system disorders |
Not known |
systemic allergic reactions including angioedema, urticaria, localized and |
|
generalized rash, pruritus, anaphylactic reaction | ||
|
Metabolism and nutrition disorders |
Not known |
hypoglycaemia |
|
Psychiatric disorders |
Uncommon |
depression* |
|
Rare |
insomnia*, nightmares*, memory loss | |
|
Nervous system disorders |
Common |
headache* |
|
Uncommon |
dizziness*, syncope* | |
|
Rare |
paraesthesia*, increase in signs and symptoms of myasthenia gravis, cerebrovascular accident*, cerebral ischemia | |
|
Eye disorders |
Common |
signs and symptoms of ocular irritation (e.g. burning, stinging, itching, tearing, redness)*, blepharitis*, keratitis*, decreased corneal sensitivity, dry eyes* |
|
Uncommon |
visual disturbances including refractive changes(due to withdrawal of miotic therapy in some cases)* | |
|
Rare |
ptosis, diplopia, choroidal detachment following filtration surgery* | |
|
Not known |
blurred vision following filtration surgery, corneal erosion | |
|
Ear and labyrinth disorders |
Rare |
tinnitus* |
|
Cardiac disorders |
Uncommon |
bradycardia* |
|
Rare |
chest pain*, palpitation*, oedema*, arrhythmia*, congestive heart failure*, cardiac failure*, |
|
atrioventricular block*, cardiac arrest* | ||
|
Vascular disorders |
Rare |
hypotension*, Raynaud's phenomenon*, cold hands and feet*, claudication |
|
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders |
Uncommon |
dyspnoea* |
|
Rare |
bronchospasm (predominantly in patients with preexisting bronchospastic disease)*, cough* | |
|
Gastrointestinal disorders |
Uncommon |
nausea*, dyspepsia* |
|
Rare |
diarrhoea, dry mouth* | |
|
Not known |
dysgeusia, abdominal pain, vomiting | |
|
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders |
Rare |
alopecia*, psoriasiform rash or exacerbation of psoriasis* |
|
Not know |
skin rash | |
|
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders |
Rare |
systemic lupus erythematosus |
|
Not known |
myalgia | |
|
Reproductive system and breast disorders |
Rare |
Peyronie's disease*, decreased libido* |
|
Not known |
sexual dysfunction | |
|
General disorders and administration site conditions |
Uncommon |
asthenia/fatigue* |
Dorzolamide/Timolol ophthalmic solution:
|
MedDRA system organ class |
Frequency |
Undesirable effect |
|
Immune system disorders |
Rare |
systemic allergic reactions including angioedema, urticaria, localized and generalized rash, pruritus,anaphylactic reaction |
|
Eye disorders |
Very common |
burning and stinging |
|
Common |
conjunctival injection, blurred vision, corneal |
|
erosion, ocular itching, tearing | ||
|
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders |
Common |
sinusitis |
|
Rare |
shortness of breath, respiratory failure, rhinitis, bronchospasm | |
|
Gastrointestinal disorders |
Very common |
dysgeusia |
|
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders |
Rare |
contact dermatitis |
|
Renal and urinary disorders |
Uncommon |
urolithiasis |
*These adverse reactions were also observed with Dorzolamide/Timolol ophthalmic solution during post-marketing experience.
Laboratory findings
Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution was not associated with clinically meaningful electrolyte disturbances in clinical studies.
4.9 Overdose
No data are available in humans in regard to overdosage by accidental or deliberate ingestion of Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution.
There have been reports of inadvertent overdosage with timolol maleate ophthalmic solution resulting in systemic effects similar to those seen with systemic beta ~ adrenergic blocking agents such as dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, bradycardia, bronchospasm, and cardiac arrest. The most common signs and symptoms to be expected with overdosage of dorzolamide are electrolyte imbalance, development of an acidotic state, and possibly central nervous system effects.
Only limited information is available with regard to human overdosage by accidental or deliberate ingestion of dorzolamide hydrochloride. With oral ingestion, somnolence has been reported. With topical application the following have been reported: nausea, dizziness, headache, fatigue, abnormal dreams, and dysphagia.
Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Serum electrolyte levels (particularly potassium) and blood pH levels should be monitored. Studies have shown that timolol does not dialyse readily.
5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antiglaucoma preparations and miotics, BetaBlocking Agents, Timolol, Combinations.
ATC code: S01E D51
Mechanism of action
Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution is comprised of two components: dorzolamide hydrochloride and timolol maleate. Each of these two components decreases elevated intra-ocular pressure by reducing aqueous humor secretion, but does so by a different mechanism of action.
Dorzolamide hydrochloride is a potent inhibitor of human carbonic anhydrase II. Inhibition of carbonic anhydrase in the ciliary processes of the eye decreases aqueous humor secretion, presumably by slowing the formation of bicarbonate ions with subsequent reduction in sodium and fluid transport. Timolol maleate is a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent. The precise mechanism of action of timolol maleate in lowering intra-ocular pressure is not clearly established at this time, although a fluorescein study and tonography studies indicate that the predominant action may be related to reduced aqueous formation. However, in some studies a slight increase in outflow facility was also observed. The combined effect of these two agents results in additional intra-ocular pressure reduction compared to either component administered alone.
Following topical administration, Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution reduces elevated intra-ocular pressure, whether or not associated with glaucoma. Elevated intra-ocular pressure is a major risk factor in the pathogenesis of optic nerve damage and glaucomatous visual field loss.
Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution reduces intra-ocular pressure without the common side effects of miotics such as night blindness, accommodative spasm and pupillary constriction.
Pharmacodynamic effects
Clinical effects:
Adult Patients
Clinical studies of up to 15 months duration were conducted to compare the IOP-lowering effect of Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution b.i.d. (dosed morning and bedtime) to individually- and concomitantly-administered 0.5% timolol and 2.0% dorzolamide in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension for whom concomitant therapy was considered appropriate in the trials. This included both untreated patients and patients inadequately controlled with timolol monotherapy. The majority of patients were treated with topical beta-blocker monotherapy prior to study enrollment. In an analysis of the combined studies, the IOP-lowering effect of Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution b.i.d. was greater than that of monotherapy with either 2% dorzolamide t.i.d. or 0.5% timolol b.i.d. The IOP-lowering effect of Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution b.i.d. was equivalent to that of concomitant therapy with dorzolamide b.i.d. and timolol b.i.d. The IOP-lowering effect of Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution b.i.d. was demonstrated when measured at various time points throughout the day and this effect was maintained during long-term administration.
Paediatric Population
A three month controlled study, with the primary objective of documenting the safety of 2% dorzolamide hydrochloride ophthalmic solution in children under the age of 6 years has been conducted. In this study, 30 patients under six and greater than or equal to two years of age whose IOP was not adequately controlled with monotherapy by dorzolamide or timolol received Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution in an open label phase. Efficacy in those patients has not been established. In this small group of patients, twice daily administration of Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution was generally well tolerated with 19 patients completing the treatment period and 11 patients discontinuing for surgery, a change in medication, or other reasons.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
Dorzolamide hydrochloride:
Unlike oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, topical administration of dorzolamide hydrochloride allows for the drug to exert its effects directly in the eye at substantially lower doses and therefore with less systemic exposure. In clinical trials, this resulted in a reduction in IOP without the acid-base disturbances or alterations in electrolytes characteristic of oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
When topically applied, dorzolamide reaches the systemic circulation. To assess the potential for systemic carbonic anhydrase inhibition following topical administration, drug and metabolite concentrations in red blood cells (RBCs) and plasma and carbonic anhydrase inhibition in RBCs were measured. Dorzolamide accumulates in RBCs during chronic dosing as a result of selective binding to CA-II while extremely low concentrations of free drug in plasma are maintained. The parent drug forms a single N-desethyl metabolite that inhibits CA-II less potently than the parent drug but also inhibits a less active isoenzyme (CA-I). The metabolite also accumulates in RBCs where it binds primarily to CA-I. Dorzolamide binds moderately to plasma proteins (approximately 33%). Dorzolamide is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine; the metabolite is also excreted in urine. After dosing ends, dorzolamide washes out of RBCs non-linearly, resulting in a rapid decline of drug concentration initially, followed by a slower elimination phase with a half-life of about four months.
When dorzolamide was given orally to simulate the maximum systemic exposure after long term topical ocular administration, steady state was reached within 13 weeks. At steady state, there was virtually no free drug or metabolite in plasma; CA inhibition in RBCs was less than that anticipated to be necessary for a pharmacological effect on renal function or respiration. Similar pharmacokinetic results were observed after chronic, topical administration of dorzolamide hydrochloride. However, some elderly patients with renal impairment (estimated creatinine clearance 30-60 ml/min) had higher metabolite concentrations in RBCs, but no meaningful differences in carbonic anhydrase inhibition and no clinically significant systemic side effects were directly attributable to this finding.
Timolol maleate:
In a study of plasma drug concentration in six subjects, the systemic exposure to timolol was determined following twice daily topical administration of timolol maleate ophthalmic solution 0.5%. The mean peak plasma concentration following morning dosing was 0.46ng/ml and following afternoon dosing was 0.35ng/ml.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
The ocular and systemic safety profile of the individual components is well established.
Dorzolamide
In rabbits given maternotoxic doses of dorzolamide associated with metabolic acidosis, malformations of the vertebral bodies were observed.
Timolol
Animal studies have not shown a teratogenic effect.
Furthermore, no adverse ocular effects were seen in animals treated topically with dorzolamide hydrochloride and timolol maleate ophthalmic solution or with concomitantly-administered dorzolamide hydrochloride and timolol maleate. In vitro and in vivo studies with each of the components did not reveal a mutagenic potential. Therefore, no significant risk for human safety is expected with therapeutic doses of Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution.
6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1 List of excipients
Mannitol (E421)
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose Sodium Citrate (E331)
Sodium Hydroxide (E524)(for pH adjustment) Benzalkonium chloride Water for injections
6.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable.
6.3 Shelf life
2 years
After first opening: 28 days
6.4 Special precautions for storage
This medicinal product does not require any special temperature storage conditions.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
White opaque medium density polyethylene bottle ophthalmic dispenser with a sealed LDPE dropper tip and a HDPE screw cap with tamper proof seal in a cardboard box.
Pack size: 1, 3 or 6 bottles of 5 ml each Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling
Patients should be instructed to wash their hands before use and avoid allowing the tip of the dispensing container to contact the eye or surrounding structures.
Patients should also be instructed that ocular solutions, if handled improperly, can become contaminated by common bacteria known to cause ocular infections. Serious damage to the eye and subsequent loss of vision may result from using contaminated solutions.
Usage instructions:
1. The tamper-proof seal on the bottle neck must be unbroken before the product is being used for the first time. A gap between the bottle and the cap is normal for an unopened bottle.
2. The cap of the bottle should be taken off.
3. The patient’s head must be tilted back and the lower eyelid must be pulled gently down to form a small pocket between the eyelid and the eye.
4. The bottle should be inverted and squeezed until a single drop is dispensed into the eye. THE EYE OR EYELID MUST NOT BE TOUCHED WITH THE DROPPER TIP.
5. After using Dorzolamide/Timolol, press a finger into the corner of your eye, by the nose by 2 minutes. This helps to stop active substances getting into the rest of the body.
6. If you use drops in both eyes, repeat the steps for your other eye.
7. The cap must be put back on and the bottle must be closed straight after it has been used.
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
Winthrop Pharmaceuticals UK Limited
One Onslow Street
Guildford
Surrey
GU1 4YS
UK
Trading as: Zentiva, One Onslow Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4YS, UK.
8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
PL 17780/0575
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION
11/03/2011
10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
01/02/2012