Brinzolamide eye drops, suspension

What is this medication?

BRINZOLAMIDE (bryn XOE la mide) is used in the eye to treat open-angle glaucoma and high pressure in the eye.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Azopt

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• closed-angle glaucoma
• eye infection or damage
• kidney or liver disease
• wear contact lenses
• an unusual or allergic reaction to brinzolamide, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Shake the suspension well before using. Remove contact lenses. Tilt the head back slightly and pull down the lower lid with the index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye gently. Do not blink. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. If you use other eye medicines, they should be used at least 10 minutes before or after this medicine.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• high doses of salicylates like aspirin, diflunisal, and others

Do not use any other eye products without asking your doctor or health care professional.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor for regular checks on your progress. Stop using this medicine if your eyes get inflamed, painful, or have a discharge, and see your doctor as soon as you can.

If you wear contact lenses, take them out before using this medicine. Wait 15 minutes before putting them back into your eyes.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
• New or worsening eye pain, redness, irritation, or discharge

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Change in taste
• Dizziness
• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Eye irritation or itching
• Headache
• Increased tears after use

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 4 and 30 degrees C (39 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What are brinzolamide eye drops used for?

Brinzolamide is a medication that comes in eye drop or eye solution forms and reduces intraocular pressure (“intraocular” means “inside the eye”). It has approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma.

How does brinzolamide work?

Brinzolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. In your eyes, carbonic anhydrase helps with producing aqueous humor fluid. That fluid fills spaces at the front of your eye and helps your eye maintain its shape. Slowing down production of aqueous humor reduces the pressure inside your eye.

How do I store brinzolamide eye drops?

Brinzolamide should be kept in a medicine cabinet or similar location. Don’t refrigerate or freeze it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend a refrigerator temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius) or below, and brinzolamide’s minimum safe storage temperature is 39 degrees F (3.9 degrees C). You should also be careful not to leave it somewhere that heats above 86 degrees F (30 degrees C), like a hot car or in front of a window that gets direct sunlight.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Brinzolamide is a medication that helps treat intraocular hypertension (high pressure inside your eye) and open-angle glaucoma. That means it’s a key treatment that helps protect your eyes and preserve your vision. Taking it as recommended and storing it correctly are key to making sure your eyes continue to serve you well for the foreseeable future.