Manufacturer: Alcon
Pharmaceutical name: Brinzolamide Ophthalmic
Pack: 1 bottle (5 ml (1%))
Azopt Eye Drops contain Brinzolamide as their active ingredient, which is part of a class of medications known as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. These drops are utilized to manage eye conditions, such as glaucoma, that lead to elevated pressure inside the eye.
Carbonic anhydrase is a substance in the body that plays a role in forming and breaking down carbonic acid. This process involves the creation of bicarbonate. Brinzolamide reduces the activity of carbonic anhydrase, thus lowering bicarbonate production. Bicarbonate is essential for generating the fluid (aqueous humour) that fills the posterior segment of the eye.
The eye contains two compartments filled with fluid, and excessive fluid production (or insufficient drainage) can result in increased intraocular pressure. Such elevated pressure levels can harm the eye and possibly lead to vision loss.
By reducing bicarbonate production, Brinzolamide also lowers the volume of aqueous humour formed in the eye, assisting in decreasing the pressure from the fluid in cases like glaucoma.
Azopt Eye Drops may be used alone or alongside beta-blocker eye drops, such as Betagan, or with prostaglandin analogue eye drops.
Azopt Eye Drops can be prescribed when a patient has not responded to beta-blocker eye drops or is unable to use them. They can also be combined with other eye drop treatments.
These eye drops are not intended for oral use. When applying them, ensure that the dropper tip does not touch any surfaces or your eye to prevent contamination. If using multiple types of eye drops, administer them with a minimum five-minute interval to ensure that the second drop does not wash away the first. Eye gels or ointments should be applied last.
Azopt Eye Drops contain benzalkonium chloride as a preservative, which may be absorbed by soft contact lenses and can lead to eye irritation. If you wear soft contact lenses, remove them before instilling these drops and wait at least 15 minutes after application before reinserting your lenses.
You may experience temporary blurred vision after using Azopt Eye Drops. Avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision clears. It is advisable to press on the tear duct (located at the inner corner of the eye) or gently close your eyes for approximately three minutes after applying the drops to reduce systemic absorption and enhance the local effect in the eye.
Azopt Eye Drops contain benzalkonium chloride as a preservative, which may be absorbed by soft contact lenses and can lead to eye irritation. If you wear soft contact lenses, remove them before instilling these drops and wait at least 15 minutes after application before reinserting your lenses.
You may experience temporary blurred vision after using Azopt Eye Drops. Avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision clears. It is advisable to press on the tear duct (located at the inner corner of the eye) or gently close your eyes for approximately three minutes after applying the drops to reduce systemic absorption and enhance the local effect in the eye.
Even though the medicine is applied to the eye, it may enter the bloodstream, leading to potential hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions. If you experience severe reactions such as a significant skin rash after using these eye drops, discontinue use and consult your physician.
Reactions to medications and their side effects can vary from person to person. The following are some known side effects related to this drug. However, just because a side effect is listed, it does not imply that every person taking this medication will experience it.
Reactions to medications and their side effects can vary from person to person. The following are some known side effects related to this drug. However, just because a side effect is listed, it does not imply that every person taking this medication will experience it.