Dorzolamide is an eye drop a veterinarian may prescribe to lower a cat’s intraocular pressure, usually as part of treatment for glaucoma. It is used off label in cats in the United States, and feline studies suggest it can lower pressure—but they do not establish how well it will work for every cat or every cause of glaucoma. Use it only as prescribed, and contact the veterinarian about significant irritation, appetite changes, or a worsening-looking eye.
What is dorzolamide used for in cats?
Dorzolamide is a topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. It reduces production of aqueous humor, the fluid inside the eye, which can help lower intraocular pressure. Veterinary references describe its use in cats with glaucoma.
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In the United States, dorzolamide use in cats is off label, also called extra label. The human product label covers elevated intraocular pressure in people with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma; it does not establish feline approval. The VCA medication guide identifies its use in cats as off label, while DailyMed’s human labeling describes the human indications.
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How is it given?
Dorzolamide is supplied as liquid eye drops and is applied directly to the eye. The Merck Veterinary Manual lists topical 2% dorzolamide generally every eight hours as reference context for glaucoma treatment. That schedule is not an individualized prescription: the veterinarian must set the dose and frequency for the cat and its diagnosis.
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- Daily Dosage and Frequency: 1. For initial use, apply 2 drops twice daily to your pet for 15 consecutive days. Starting on the 16th day, apply once daily. 2. Under normal circumstances, apply once daily. If the condition has recovered, apply once every two days.
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Follow the product and prescription instructions from the treating veterinarian. The VCA administration guidance advises washing hands, avoiding contact between the dropper tip and the eye or other surfaces, and leaving at least five minutes between different eye medications. Do not change the schedule or add another eye medication without veterinary direction.
What side effects should you watch for?
Some cats experience stinging or irritation after application. Merck notes that the acidic formulation can sting, and local effects can include contact irritation and hair loss around the eye. VCA lists eye inflammation—such as redness, watering, or light sensitivity—as well as dry eyes, runny nose, nausea, and vomiting. A feline drug review also reports transient salivation, inappetence, and sterile conjunctivitis as possible effects.
Some cats may be very sensitive to dorzolamide and develop hypokalemia, or low blood potassium, during acute or chronic use, according to Merck. Monitoring needs depend on the cat’s situation; ask the veterinarian what signs or checks matter for the prescribed treatment.
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Contact the veterinarian about marked or persistent eye irritation, appetite or other systemic changes, or an eye that looks worse. A cloudy or blue-looking eye warrants prompt veterinary guidance. Do not stop treatment, alter its frequency, or substitute another eye drug unless the veterinarian directs you to do so.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What does feline evidence show?
Published studies in healthy cats support dorzolamide’s potential to lower intraocular pressure, but they do not prove a particular outcome for every cat with glaucoma. The populations studied were small and clinically normal, rather than cats representing every cause and severity of glaucoma.
2003 study
Rainbow and Dziezyc studied eight healthy cats treated with 2% dorzolamide twice daily. Mean intraocular pressure during treatment was 9.7 ± 1.5 mmHg, compared with 12.2 ± 2.0 mmHg during the final two control days. The authors concluded that dorzolamide could potentially be used to treat feline glaucoma; the study did not establish results across all affected cats.
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2012 study abstract
An abstract in the American Journal of Veterinary Research described 20 clinically normal cats. Fifteen received one drop of 2% dorzolamide in each eye every eight hours for five days; five received control solution. The authors concluded that topical dorzolamide may be effective for cats with glaucoma. This short study in normal cats is not proof of benefit for every glaucoma cause, nor does its schedule prescribe treatment for an individual cat.
How does it compare with brinzolamide?
Both dorzolamide and brinzolamide are topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors referenced for feline glaucoma. Merck notes that brinzolamide may cause less ocular irritation but can be less effective. That trade-off does not establish a universal best choice: the veterinarian selects treatment based on the cat’s diagnosis, response, and other health considerations.
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