Azopt® (Brinzolamide) Eye Drops 10 mg/ml, 5 ml

What is Azopt® (Brinzolamide) Eye Drops?

Azopt® eye drops contain brinzolamide, an active ingredient used to lower intraocular pressure in adults with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. It works by reducing the production of fluid within the eye, which in turn helps decrease the pressure inside the eye. This medicine is typically prescribed when beta-blockers are ineffective or unsuitable for the patient or as an additional treatment alongside other medications such as beta-blockers or prostaglandin analogs.

What are the Indications for Using Azopt®?

Azopt® is primarily indicated for reducing elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in the following conditions:

• Ocular hypertension
• Open-angle glaucoma

It can be used as a monotherapy or in combination with other treatments, such as beta-blockers or prostaglandin analogs, to help manage eye pressure.

Who Should Not Use Azopt®?

Azopt® should not be used by individuals with:

• Hypersensitivity to brinzolamide or any of the inactive ingredients in the formulation.
• Allergy to sulfonamides.
• Severe kidney impairment or hyperchloremic acidosis.

What Precautions Should Be Taken When Using Azopt®?

Despite being applied locally to the eyes, brinzolamide can still be absorbed systemically, meaning it can affect other parts of the body. Rare but serious side effects such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis can occur, so it's important for patients to monitor for skin reactions and discontinue use immediately if any serious symptoms develop. Patients with kidney issues should also be cautious, as the medication may increase the risk of metabolic acidosis.

Can Azopt® Interact with Other Medications?

Azopt® has not been specifically studied for drug interactions, but clinical trials suggest it can be safely used with prostaglandin analogs and ophthalmic beta-blockers like timolol. However, caution should be taken when using it with other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, as this combination can amplify systemic effects.

Azopt® is metabolized by enzymes in the liver, particularly CYP3A4. Medications that inhibit these enzymes, such as ketoconazole or ritonavir, may potentially alter how Azopt® is processed in the body. Nonetheless, accumulation of the drug is unlikely, as it is primarily excreted through the kidneys.

What Should You Know About Using Azopt® During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding?

Azopt® is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. The effects on fertility have not been studied, and the risk to breastfed infants is not well understood. Therefore, women should either stop breastfeeding or discontinue the use of Azopt® based on the doctor's advice.

How Should Azopt® Be Used?

The typical dosage is one drop in the affected eye(s) two times a day. Some patients may respond better to three times a day dosing. The bottle should be shaken well before each use to ensure the proper suspension of the medication. If multiple eye medications are being used, a gap of at least 5 minutes should be maintained between applications.

What are the Common Side Effects of Azopt®?

Frequent side effects include:

• Blurred vision
• Eye irritation or discomfort
• A bitter or unusual taste (dysguesia)

Less commonly, some patients may experience:

• Respiratory issues like a sore throat or nasal congestion
• Headaches or dizziness
• Gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea or abdominal pain

How Should Azopt® Be Stored?

Azopt® should be stored at temperatures between 4°C and 30°C (39°F to 86°F).

Once opened, the bottle must be used within 4 weeks. It is crucial to keep the medication out of reach of children.

What Should You Do If You Miss a Dose or Overdose on Azopt®?

If a dose is missed, it should be applied as soon as remembered, but never double the dose.

In case of accidental ingestion or overdose, immediate medical attention should be sought, as it could lead to issues like electrolyte imbalances or central nervous system disturbances.