Metabolic Acidosis with Ophthalmic Dorzolamide in a Neonate

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are a common cause of normal anion gap metabolic acidosis; however, development is less commonly associated with ophthalmic administration of these agents. We report a case of a premature neonate who was being treated at our institution with betaxolol, dorzolamide, and latanoprost ophthalmic products for suspected bilateral congenital glaucoma. In addition, the patient was also receiving caffeine, ursodiol, and acidified liquid human milk fortifier. The patient developed a normal anion gap metabolic acidosis, and both dorzolamide ophthalmic solution and the acidified human milk fortifier were considered potential causes. Upon discontinuation of the dorzolamide ophthalmic solution and the switching of liquid human milk fortifiers, the normal anion gap metabolic acidosis gradually resolved. As a result of the pH and acidity, the acidified liquid human milk fortifier is thought to be associated with an anion gap acidosis; therefore, dorzolamide is suspected to be the primary cause of a normal gap acidosis. This case demonstrates that systemic effects can occur with ophthalmic administration of dorzolamide in a premature neonate. Ophthalmic agents should not be overlooked as a potential cause of systemic toxicity.