Azopt

(Azopt) Brinzolamide is used to treat high pressure inside the eye due to glaucoma (open angle-type) or other eye diseases (e.g., ocular hypertension). Lowering high pressure inside the eye helps to prevent blindness. This medication works by decreasing the amount of fluid within the eye. It belongs to a class of drugs known as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

Apply this medication in the affected eye(s), usually one drop 3 times a day or as directed by your doctor. Shake the bottle well before using. To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. The preservative in this product may be absorbed by contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using your eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes after each dose before putting your lenses back in. Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use. If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 10 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same times each day. Keep using brinzolamide even if you feel well. Most people with glaucoma or high pressure in the eye do not feel sick.

Before using brinzolamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other eye conditions, kidney problems, liver disease. If you develop an eye infection or injury, or have eye surgery, check with your doctor about whether you should continue to use your current bottle of brinzolamide. You may be advised to start using a new bottle. Your vision may be temporarily blurred or unstable after applying this drug. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Your healthcare professionals (such as your doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: high doses of aspirin or related salicylates (e.g., high doses used for arthritis). Low-dose aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually 81-162 milligrams a day), should be continued. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Temporary blurred vision, bitter/sour/unusual taste in your mouth, dry eyes, temporary discomfort/itching/redness of the eye, feeling as if something is in your eye, eye discharge, and headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Seek immediate medical attention if you have any of these rare but very serious side effects: eye or eyelid swelling/pain, stomach/side/back pain, persistent nausea or vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual tiredness, signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat), chest pain. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Store between 39-86 degrees F (4-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.