Azopt (Brinzolamide)

How does it work?

It works by inhibiting carbonic anhydrase, an enzyme that increases secretion by the aqueous humor of the eye. By preventing this enzyme from working, it reduces the amount of fluid produced by the eye and this then reduces the pressure inside the eye. Increased pressure in the eye can cause pain and if left untreated can permanently damage vision.

How to use Azopt

Eye drops can be administered alone or with the help of someone else.

Remove any contact lenses before applying eye drops. A preservative in this medicine can cause staining of soft contact lenses. Any contact lenses can be replaced 15 minutes after administration of medication.

Shake the bottle before use.

1. Wash your hands and dry thoroughly.
2. Remove the cap and place in a clean area.
3. Tilt your head back and gently pull down on the lower lid of the affected eye.
4. Using your other hand, apply one drop to the space created by pulling down on the lower lid.
5. Do not touch the eye or the skin with the tip of the dropper. A contaminated dropper could result in an infection of the eye.
6. Repeat with the other eye if advised to do so by your doctor.
7. Replace the cap and ensure a tight seal.
8. Wash your hands again to remove any medication that may have transferred to your hands.

Storage

This medication should be stored at room temperature, between 39°F and 86°F (or between 4°C and 30°C). Keep out of reach of children. Avoid storing in areas that could become damp or wet. Do not ingest this medication orally.

Dosage

The recommended dose is one drop of solution to the affected eye(s), two times daily. Your doctor may prescribe Azopt up to three times per day depending on your situation.

Side Effects

If you experience an allergic reaction,  stop taking the medication immediately and seek medical attention. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can show up in the form of hives, difficulty breathing and/or swelling of the face or throat.

Stop taking the medication immediately and seek medical attention if you experience a skin reaction to this medication. This can include blistering, peeling of the skin, or a rash that covers a large area, spreads quickly or is associated with a fever.

Blurred vision and altered taste are common side effects. These typically affect 5-10% of people using Azopt.

Uncommon side effects, reported in 1-5% of those using Azopt are chest discomfort, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, eye discomfort, dryness, or redness if the eye, nasal or throat discomfort

Rare side effects seen in <1% of people include alopecia, angina, drowsiness, irritability, optic nerve dysfunction, respiratory disorders, blood disorders, and tinnitus.

You may experience side effects other than those listed above. Always check with your doctor if you are concerned.

Warnings and Precautions

It is important to let all of your healthcare providers know all of the medication that you are taking, diagnosed medical conditions and any allergies. Remember to include any over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, herbal medicines, and recreational drugs.

It is advised against using Azopt with patients with hepatic impairment.

Use with caution if patients have renal tubular immaturity or abnormality, due to the risk of metabolic acidosis. This medication should not be used by patients with severe impairment of kidney function. Azopt can lead to systemic sulfonamide-like side effects in very rare cases. This includes lethargy, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, and photosensitivity. Serious skin rashes may also occur such as Steven-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Discontinuation of Azopt may be required if severe side effects occur and consult your physician.

It has not been established if this medication is safe and/or effective when used by children.

Avoid using medication if pregnant since possible side effects are unknown.

Since it is unclear if Azopt is passed through breastmilk, it is best to avoid for breastfeeding mothers.

Interactions

Medications known to interact with Azopt include:

• Acetazolamide
• Alpha/Beta-agonists (e.g. epinephrine, norepinephrine)
• “Azole” antifungals (e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)
• Aspirin
• Bismuth subsalicylate
• Boceprovir
• Choline salicylate
• Clarithromycin
• Conivaptan
• Delavirdine
• Dichlorphenamide
• Diflunisal
• Dorzolamide
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g. atazanavir, darunavir, lopinavir, ritonavir)
• Magnesium salicylate
• Methazolamide
• Nelfinavir
• Telaprevir
• Salsalate
• Sodium salicylate
• Sodium thiosalicylate
• Topiramate
• Zonasamide

If you are currently taking any medications mentioned above, consult with your doctor or pharmacist. It may be necessary to stop taking one of the medications; change one of the medications to an alternative; change how or when you take one or both medications, or your healthcare professional may decide it is best to leave all medications as they are.

The list above may not contain all medications known to interact with Azopt. It is important that you inform your doctor of all medications, herbal medications, supplements, over-the-counter medication and recreational drugs that you are taking.

Contraindications

• Do not use during pregnancy
• Do not use if you are breastfeeding
• If you have a known allergy to brinzolamide
• If you have a known allergy to any drug in the sulfonamides group
• If you have hyperchloremic acidosis (an increase in the acidity of the blood)
• If you are taking oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors – e.g., acetazolamide or methazolamide.
• Do not use if you have severe kidney disease. This can reduce the ability of the body to process the active ingredient of Azopt.
• Do not use if you are allergic to any of the listed ingredients in the solution.

Inform your doctor if any of the contraindications mentioned above apply to you.

Frequently Asked Questions