Key takeaways
Dorzolamide and Lumigan (bimatoprost) are both eye drop medications used to treat high pressure in the eye, such as in conditions like ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma. However, they belong to different medication classes. Dorzolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, while Lumigan is a prostaglandin. Dorzolamide is typically used three times a day, whereas Lumigan is used once daily in the evening. Dorzolamide is available as a lower-cost generic, while Lumigan's 0.01% strength is only available as a brand-name product. Common side effects of dorzolamide include burning or stinging in the eye and a bitter taste in the mouth, while Lumigan can cause eye redness, eyelash growth, and eye itching. Dorzolamide may not be suitable for those with a sulfa allergy, and Lumigan can cause permanent darkening of the eye color. Both medications require careful handling to avoid contamination and potential eye infections.
