Azopt

The active ingredient in Azopt is brinzolamide, which is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. The mechanism of action involves lowering the amount of fluid in the eye to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) or eye pressure. High pressure inside the eye can lead to optic nerve damage and loss of vision.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Azopt. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Azopt:

1. Shake well before use.

2. During handling and installation, do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eye, as this can cause an eye infection or injury.

3. Always wash your hands before and after using this product.

4. Tilt your head back, looking straight up.

5. Pull down on your lower eyelid with one hand to form a pocket.

6. Then, with your free hand, hold the bottle upside down above your eye and squeeze one drop of Azopt into the pocket of the affected eye. Do not allow the tip of the vial to touch your eye or fingers.

7. Next, release your eyelid and close your eye, pressing your finger to the inner corner (tear duct) of your eye for two minutes.

8. Then repeat steps 4-7 for the other affected eye.

9. Recap the bottle.

10. These eye drops are typically instilled 2-3 times daily, as directed by a prescribing physician.

The most common side effects of Azopt seen in high incidence in clinical studies as compared to placebo include:

• Unusual taste.
• Temporary blurred vision (lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes).
• Runny nose (rhinitis).
• Eye pain, dryness, itching, discharge, or irritation.
• Corneal or eyelid inflammation (blepharitis).
• Dry mouth.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Azopt. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Allergic reactions would present as red/ itchy skin (dermatitis, urticaria, or hives) or trouble breathing (anaphylaxis).
• Severe hypersensitivity reactions such as severe skin rash and blistering skin, indicative of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Azopt. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Azopt, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you:

• Wear soft contact lenses. If you do, they should be removed when administering the ophthalmic solution and can be re-inserted 15 minutes after administration. This is because Azopt contains a preservative, benzalkonium chloride, that can discolor them.
• Have a known hypersensitivity to brinzolamide, sulfonamides, or any of the inactive ingredients in the formulation. This includes benzalkonium chloride, mannitol, carbomer 974P, tyloxapol, edetate disodium, sodium chloride, hydrochloric acid/sodium hydroxide (to adjust pH), and purified water.
• Have kidney disease.
• Have acute angle-closure glaucoma.
• Have conditions where the cornea is compromised, such as dry eye or low endothelial cell counts.

You should not use Azopt if you are allergic to brinzolamide, sulfonamides, or any of the inactive ingredients in the product.

Azopt starts to work after the first dose, but you may not notice a difference until a few months after using these eye drops.

When Azopt is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as acetazolamide.
• NSAIDs or salicylates such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen.
• CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, clotrimazole, and ritonavir may increase levels of brinzolamide in the body.

Azopt is available in an ophthalmic suspension containing 1% of brinzolamide.

Store at room temperature, and discard after 4 weeks of opening. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

It is manufactured by Novartis.

Yes, there is a generic equivalent to brand-name Azopt, as well as similar products such as dorzolamide or timolol.

If you are having a severe reaction to Azopt, discontinue it immediately. Otherwise, do not stop this medication suddenly unless under the advice of a physician.

Brinzolamide eye drops are known to be absorbed systemically after topical administration. No specific studies have been done on the use of brinzolamide in human pregnancy and its effect on a developing fetus, so use in pregnancy should be avoided unless clearly necessary. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Brinzolamide eye drops are known to be absorbed systemically after topical administration. No specific studies have been done on the use of brinzolamide in human lactation and its effect on a developing infant, so use in breastfeeding should be avoided unless clearly necessary. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.