Brinzolamide Ophthalmic

Conditions Treated
Ophthalmic Brinzolamide is used to treat glaucoma, a condition that increases pressure in the eye and leads to vision loss. Brinzolamide is in a class of medications called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. It decreases the pressure in the eye.

Possible Side Effects
What Side Effects Can This Cause?
Brinzolamide eye drops may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- blurred vision
- bitter, sour, or unusual taste after instilling the drops
- dry eyes
- feeling that something is in your eye
- headache
- runny nose
If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using brinzolamide eye drops and call your doctor immediately:
- itching eyes or skin
- redness or swelling of eyes, lips, tongue, or skin
- watery eyes
- eye pain
- skin rash, hives, or skin changes
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- sore throat
- fever
- chest pain

Usage Instructions
How Should This Medication Be Used
Ophthlamic brinzolamide comes as a solution (liquid) to instill in the eyes. It is usually instilled three times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use brinzolamide eye drops exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Brinzolamide eye drops control glaucoma but do not cure it. Continue to use brinzolamide eye drops even if you feel well. Do not stop using brinzolamide eye drops without talking to your doctor. To instill the eye drops, follow these steps:
Are There Any Special Instructions
Before using brinzolamide eye drops, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to brinzolamide eye drops, other antibiotics, sulfa drugs, or any other medicationss. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially acetazolamide (Diamox), dichlorphenamide (Daranide), eye medications, methazolamide (Neptazane), products that contain aspirin, and vitamins and herbal products. if you are using another topical eye medication, instill it 10 minutes before or 10 minutes after you instill brinzolamide eye drops. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using brinzolamide eye drops. if you get an eye injury or infection, call your doctor to see if you should still use the same eye drop bottle. tell your doctor if you wear soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using the medicine to put in soft contact lenses. use caution when driving or operating machinery because vision may be blurred after inserting the drops.

Brand Names
Common Brand Names for This Medication
- Azopt®

Forgotten Doses
What Should I Do If I Forget A Dose?
Instill the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not instill a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Additional Information
What Are the Storage Conditions for this Medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
What Other Information Should I Know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor will order certain eye tests to check your response to brinzolamide eye drops. Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

