Dorzolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor; which statement is true?

• A. It is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
• B. It is a beta blocker
• C. It is an antibiotic
• D. It is a prostaglandin analog

Answer: (A)

The main concept is that dorzolamide lowers intraocular pressure by inhibiting carbonic anhydrase in the ciliary body, which reduces bicarbonate formation and, consequently, aqueous humor production. That mechanism makes the statement true: it is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. This class acts by cutting the fluid production in the eye, helping to lower pressure in glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

It’s not a beta blocker, antibiotic, or prostaglandin analog, because those classes influence eye pressure or treat infections in different ways. Dorzolamide is used as a topical ophthalmic agent, sometimes in fixed combinations (for example with timolol) to enhance pressure lowering. Common side effects include stinging on instillation and a bitter taste, with rare sulfa allergies being relevant to its class.