Dorzolamide-induced immune thrombocytopenia: a case report and literature review.
OBJECTIVE
To report a severe case of dorzolamide-induced immune thrombocytopenia, to review the literature on this topic, and to draw attention to the serious potential side effects of this topical sulfonamide.


METHODS
An 83-year-old man with primary open-angle glaucoma in both eyes who was taking topical dorzolamide therapy for 3.5 years developed a severe thrombocytopenia (10,000 platelets/microL). The amount of platelets was not influenced by prednisone therapy but increased rapidly to 100,000/microL after the withdrawal of dorzolamide.


METHODS
Although the potential capacity of sulfonamides to induce thrombocytopenia is well known, no case of dorzolamide-induced immune thrombocytopenia was published in the medical literature until July 2000.


CONCLUSIONS
Considering the possible severe side effects that can be induced by topical dorzolamide 2%, ophthalmologists should carefully evaluate during the medical history of their patients the risk of sensitivity to sulfonamides.
Martin
X D
XD
Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.
Danese
M
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002257:Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010976:Platelet Count; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013876:Thiophenes / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced*
D002257:Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors; D013449:Sulfonamides; D013876:Thiophenes; C062765:dorzolamide