DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: brinzolamide ophthalmic (brin ZOE lah mide)
Brand Names: Azopt

What is Azopt (brinzolamide ophthalmic)?

Brinzolamide ophthalmic reduces the amount of fluid in the eye. This reduction in fluid decreases pressure inside the eye.

Brinzolamide ophthalmic is used to treat open-angle glaucoma or high pressure in the eye.

Brinzolamide ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Azopt (brinzolamide ophthalmic)?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

Apply light pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down the tear duct.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Azopt (brinzolamide ophthalmic)?

Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a sulfa-based drug such as trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra), sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin), sulfamethoxazole (Gantanol), or sulfacetamide sodium (Bleph-10, Sulamyd Sodium). Brinzolamide ophthalmic is also based on a sulfa compound, and you may have an allergic reaction to it.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may not be able to use brinzolamide, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment. Brinzolamide ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether brinzolamide ophthalmic will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use brinzolamide ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether brinzolamide passes into breast milk. Do not use brinzolamide ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Azopt (brinzolamide ophthalmic)?

Use brinzolamide ophthalmic eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops. Shake the container well.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying brinzolamide ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Brinzolamide ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of contact lenses.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt the head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid. Position the dropper above the eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close the eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down the tear duct. If you are using more than 1 drop in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops. Repeat the process in the other eye if needed.

Brinzolamide ophthalmic is usually used three times a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye. Do not use any eye drop that is discolored or has particles in it. Store brinzolamide ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and apply only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of a brinzolamide ophthalmic overdose are unknown. If you suspect an overdose or if the drops have been ingested (taken by mouth), flush the eye with water and call an emergency room or poison control center for advice.

What should I avoid while using Azopt (brinzolamide ophthalmic)?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying an ophthalmic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Brinzolamide ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of contact lenses.

Do not use other eye medications during treatment with brinzolamide ophthalmic except under the direction of your doctor.

Azopt (brinzolamide ophthalmic) side effects

If you experience a rare but serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives) to brinzolamide ophthalmic, stop using the medication and seek emergency medical attention.

Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use brinzolamide ophthalmic and talk to your doctor if you experience

• burning, stinging, itching, or watering of the eye;

• blurred vision;

• sensitivity of the eye to sunlight;

• a change in taste;

• headache;

• fatigue;

• a rash; or

• nausea.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Azopt (brinzolamide ophthalmic)?

Do not use other eye medications during treatment with brinzolamide ophthalmic except under the direction of your doctor.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with brinzolamide ophthalmic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about brinzolamide ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Brinzolamide ophthalmic is available with a prescription under the brand name Azopt in a 1% solution. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.01. Revision Date: 1/30/04 1:37:49 PM.