Azopt

brinzolamide

Brand(s):

• Azopt

Manufacturer:

• Alcon Inc.

Disease(s):

• Open-angle Glaucoma / Ocular Hypertension

Brinzolamide Ophthalmic Solution

What is Brinzolamide?

Brinzolamide ophthalmic solution is a medication that helps to reduce the amount of fluid in your eye. This, in turn, lowers the pressure inside your eye. It's primarily used to treat certain types of glaucoma and other conditions that cause high eye pressure. Keep in mind that this information is for general knowledge and doesn't substitute professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or ophthalmologist for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Important Information for Your Doctor

Before starting brinzolamide, it's crucial to inform your healthcare provider about your complete medical history. This includes any allergies you might have, particularly an allergy to brinzolamide itself. Mentioning any existing eye conditions, such as narrow-angle glaucoma, is also vital. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should definitely discuss the use of this medication with their doctor, as it falls under FDA pregnancy category C, meaning its effects on pregnancy haven't been fully studied.

How to Use Brinzolamide Eye Drops

Using brinzolamide correctly is essential. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Remove contact lenses before application. Wait at least 15 minutes after using the drops before reinserting lenses. Some preservatives in the drops can be absorbed by soft contact lenses.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly.
3. Tilt your head back. Gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
4. Hold the dropper above your eye, keeping the tip pointing downwards. Look upwards and away from the dropper.
5. Squeeze a single drop into the pocket you created.
6. Close your eye and gently press your finger against the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about a minute. This helps prevent the medication from draining into your tear duct.
7. Repeat for the other eye if necessary, waiting at least 10 minutes between applications if using in both eyes and using other eye drops.
8. Avoid letting the dropper touch your eyes, hands, or any other surface. Contamination can lead to serious eye infections.
9. Discard the bottle if the solution changes color or contains particles.
10. Inform your doctor about any eye infections, injuries, or planned eye surgery; you might need to temporarily discontinue use.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Don't double up on doses to compensate for a missed one.

Possible Drug Interactions

It’s important to tell your doctor about all medications you're currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies. Some medications may interact with brinzolamide. For example, the interaction with salicylates (like aspirin) should be discussed with your doctor. This isn't an exhaustive list, so complete transparency with your doctor is key.

Things to Watch Out For

Remember, brinzolamide may cause blurred vision. Avoid activities requiring sharp vision, like driving, until your vision clears. Also, be mindful of the warnings about contact lens use and dropper hygiene to prevent eye infections.

Side Effects

Seek immediate medical help if you experience allergic reactions: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these serious side effects:

• Swelling or redness of eyelids
• Eye redness, discomfort, or light sensitivity
• Eye or eyelid drainage, crusting, or oozing
• Fever, sore throat, headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash
• Upper stomach pain, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
• Pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding
• Chest pain

Less serious side effects might include:

• Blurred or double vision, drooping eyelid
• Burning or stinging in the eye
• Bitter or unusual taste
• Stomach or back pain
• Dry eyes, foreign body sensation
• Headache
• Nausea, diarrhea

This isn't a comprehensive list of all possible side effects.

Storage

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