Last reviewed 2026-05-14 · How we verify

Comparator: dorzolamide hydrochloride

Dorzolamide hydrochloride inhibits carbonic anhydrase II in the eye, reducing aqueous humor production and lowering intraocular pressure.

Dorzolamide hydrochloride inhibits carbonic anhydrase II in the eye, reducing aqueous humor production and lowering intraocular pressure. Used for Glaucoma, Ocular hypertension.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Carbonic anhydrase is an enzyme that catalyzes the production of aqueous humor in the ciliary body of the eye. By inhibiting this enzyme, dorzolamide decreases aqueous humor secretion, which lowers intraocular pressure. This mechanism makes it effective for treating glaucoma and ocular hypertension, conditions where elevated intraocular pressure can damage the optic nerve.

Approved indications

• Glaucoma
• Ocular hypertension

Common side effects

• Ocular burning or stinging
• Blurred vision
• Tearing
• Bitter taste
• Ocular allergic reactions

Key clinical trials

• Dorzolamide-timolol in Combination With Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Injections for Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (PHASE2, PHASE3)
• MK0507A Clinical Study in Patients With Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension (0507A-149)(COMPLETED) (PHASE3)
• A Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Cosopt® as First Line Therapy (MK-0507A-153) (PHASE3)
• Comparison of the Effects of Two Glaucoma Drugs Over 24 Hours (0507A-137)(COMPLETED) (PHASE3)

Primary sources

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Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Comparator: dorzolamide hydrochloride CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Comparator: dorzolamide hydrochloride updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC portfolio CI