Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAI) for eye drops, dorzolamide, brinzolamide, Trusopt, Azopt, effect, side effects

👁 Glaucoma Meds – Topical CAIs (Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors)

Topical CAIs lower intraocular pressure (IOP) by
inhibiting carbonic anhydrase-2, which reduces aqueous humor production.

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💊 Key CAI Eye Drops

Drug NameBrandIOP Reduction (3 mo)

Dorzolamide	Trusopt	-2.49 mmHg
Brinzolamide	Azopt	-2.42 mmHg

➡ Commonly used in combination therapies

 

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⚠️ Common Side Effects

Side EffectFrequency & Notes

Bitter taste	27%, from systemic absorption via nasolacrimal duct
Burning sensation	12%, generally mild
Conjunctival hyperemia	3%, leading cause of discontinuation

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✅ Summary

• Topical CAIs reduce aqueous production → lower IOP
• Not very potent alone, but useful in combo therapies
• Side effects are mostly local and manageable

📌 Next post: Oral CAIs and their systemic effects