What is Azopt (Brinzolamide Ophthalmic)?

Brinzolamide reduces the amount of fluid in the eye, which decreases pressure inside the eye.

Brinzolamide ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat certain types of glaucoma and other causes of high pressure inside the eye.

Brinzolamide ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Azopt (Brinzolamide Ophthalmic)?

Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using the eye drops before putting your contact lenses in.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have narrow-angle glaucoma.

Do not allow the dropper to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Do not use any other eye medication unless your doctor has prescribed it for you. If you use another eye medication, use it at least 10 minutes before or after using brinzolamide ophthalmic. Do not use the medications at the same time.

Brinzolamide ophthalmic can cause blurred vision. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Azopt (Brinzolamide Ophthalmic)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to brinzolamide.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have narrow-angle glaucoma.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether brinzolamide ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Azopt Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Azopt (Brinzolamide Ophthalmic)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

swelling or redness of your eyelids
eye redness, discomfort, or sensitivity to light
drainage, crusting, or oozing of your eyes or eyelids
fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash
pain in your upper stomach, jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes)
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding; or
chest pain

Less serious side effects may include:

blurred vision, double vision, drooping eyelid
burning or stinging in your eye
bitter or unusual taste in your mouth
stomach or back pain
dry eyes, feeling that something is in your eye
headache; or
nausea, diarrhea

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Azopt Interactions

What other drugs affect Azopt (Brinzolamide Ophthalmic)?

Before using brinzolamide ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

salicylates such as aspirin, Novasal, Doan’s Extra Strength, Salflex, Tricosal, and others

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with brinzolamide ophthalmic. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Azopt (Brinzolamide Ophthalmic)?

Brinzolamide ophthalmic can cause blurred vision. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

Azopt Dosage

How should I take Azopt (Brinzolamide Ophthalmic)?

Use brinzolamide ophthalmic exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct
If you use the drops in both eyes, repeat the steps above in your other eye. Also wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops that your doctor has prescribed

Do not use this medicine if it has changed colors or has particles in it.

Tell your doctor right away if you have an eye infection, injury, or plan to have any type of eye surgery. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I overdose on Azopt (Brinzolamide Ophthalmic)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

An overdose of brinzolamide ophthalmic is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What happens if I miss a dose of Azopt (Brinzolamide Ophthalmic)?

Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Edited from everydayhealth.com

Azopt Brinzolamide Ophthalmic

Azopt (Brinzolamide Ophthalmic)