What drug class is dorzolamide in?
Dorzolamide belongs to the drug class of topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs), used to lower eye pressure in conditions such as glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
How does dorzolamide’s carbonic anhydrase inhibitor class work in the eye?
As a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, dorzolamide reduces the activity of carbonic anhydrase in ocular tissues, which decreases aqueous humor production. Lower aqueous humor production leads to reduced intraocular pressure.
Is dorzolamide a beta-blocker, prostaglandin, or alpha-agonist?
No. Dorzolamide is not a prostaglandin analog, beta-blocker, or alpha-agonist. It is specifically a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor within the glaucoma medication classes.
What are common related drug classes for glaucoma besides CAIs?
Other major topical glaucoma classes include beta-blockers, prostaglandin analogs, alpha-adrenergic agonists, and cholinergic agents, but dorzolamide’s class is CAIs.
What does “topical” mean for dorzolamide?
Dorzolamide is typically formulated as an eye drop for local effect in the eye rather than as a systemic medication for whole-body carbonic anhydrase inhibition.