Brinzolamide (Into the eye)

Introduction:

Brinzolamide (brin-ZOE-la-mide)

Reduces pressure inside the eye that is caused by ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma.

Brand Name(s):

Azopt

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to brinzolamide or sulfa drugs.

How to Use This Medicine:

Drop

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This medicine is not for long-term use.
  • Wash your hands before and after using the medicine. Remove contact lenses before placing the drops in your eyes. You may put the lenses back in 15 minutes after using the medicine.
  • Shake the eye drops well just before each use.
  • Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
  • To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away.
  • Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
  • Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using dichlorphenamide (Darande®), acetazolamide (Diamox®), or high doses of salicylates such as aspirin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney or liver disease.
  • Your vision may be blurred after using this medicine. Be careful when driving or operating machinery.
  • Do not put other eye drops in your eyes at the same time that you use this medicine. Wait at least 10 minutes before putting anything else in your eyes.
  • If you have an eye injury or infection, or if you need to have surgery on your eye, do not keep using this medicine without first asking your doctor.
  • Even though this medicine is used as an eyedrop, your body will absorb the medicine, and this may cause side effects in your mouth, nose, or other body areas.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Fainting
  • Skin rash, hives, or itching
  • Severe eye irritation, redness, or swelling
  • Swelling in the face, lips, or throat
  • Wheezing or trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Blurred vision
  • Bitter, sour, or unusual taste
  • Itching, pain, watering, or dryness of the eyes
  • Feeling that something is in your eye
  • Headache
  • Runny nose
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