Azopt 1% Eye Drops (Brinzolamide)

Azopt general information

What is Azopt used for?

Azopt eye drops 1% are used to lower pressure within the eye caused by a build-up of fluid (aqueous humour).  This increased pressure, known as intraocular pressure (IOP) can cause glaucoma, which is when damage occurs to the optic nerve resulting in loss of visual field.  Azopt eye drops are used to treat glaucoma, which helps prevent loss of sight due to increased IOP; also to treat ocular hypertension in people who do not have glaucoma.  Azopt eye drops can either be used alone or in combination with other medications (beta-blockers) or as an alternative if other treatments have not been effective or cannot be used. 

How does Azopt work?

Azopt eye drops 1% contain brinzolamide which is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor.  Carbonic anhydrase is an enzyme found in several tissues in the body, including the ciliary processes of the eye.  The ciliary processes produce the aqueous humour or eye fluid, as a result of filtration from the capillaries (small blood vessels) in the eye.  Brinzolamide in Azopt eye drops 1% inhibits the action of carbonic anhydrase in the ciliary processes, which interferes with the formation of bicarbonate ions and ultimately with the filtration process.  This action decreases secretion of aqueous humour into the eye, resulting in a reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP), which relieves pressure on the optic nerve and this can prevent loss of sight due to increased IOP.  

What does Azopt contain?

Azopt eye drops contain the active ingredient brinzolamide 10 mg/mL (1.0%), a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that is used to treat glaucoma.  They also contain the preservative benzalkonium chloride 0.1 mg/mL, sodium chloride, tyloxapol, mannitol, carbomer, disodium edetate, purified water.

Treating condition with Azopt

Azopt eye drops contain brinzolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that reduces production of aqueous humour by the ciliary processes of the eye and its secretion into the eye, reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) that can cause glaucoma.  Although aqueous humour is important for maintaining normal eye pressure and providing nutrients for the eye, increased production or decreased drainage from the eye increases IOP, which can cause damage to the optic nerve fibres that lead out of the back of the eye to the brain and may lead gradual loss of sight.  This starts with loss of peripheral vision and eventually to total blindness in that eye.  Azopt eye drops helps restore the balance in the flow of fluid into and out of the eye and this reduces IOP and the risk of damage to the optic nerve and helps prevent loss of sight that can happen if glaucoma progresses untreated. 

What are the side effects of Azopt?

The most commonly reported side effects when using Azopt eye drops include: burning, stinging, itching eyes, conjunctivitis, watering of the eye(s), redness of the eye(s), swelling of the eyelids(s), eye pain, blurred vision, crusting of the eyelids, bitter taste, headache.

When should Azopt not be used?

You should not use Azopt eye drops1% if you:

• are allergic to brinzolamide or any other sulphonamide or any ingredients in Azopt eye drops
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have kidney or liver disease
• are wearing contact lenses, you should remove your contacts and replace them after using

How should Azopt be used?

You should take your Azopt eye drops 1% by applying one drop into the affected eye, twice daily, morning and evening, and following the instructions provided.  If you are using Azopt eye drops in addition to other eye drops you should leave an interval of 5 minutes between applications.  If you are wearing contact lenses, you should remove them before applying your Azopt eye drops and then replace them at least 15 minutes after applying your drops.  You should continue to use your Azopt eye drops daily for as long as recommended by your doctor, as they will help maintain normal eye pressure but will not cure glaucoma

How long should you use Azopt?

You should continue to use your Azopt eye drops daily for as long as recommended by your doctor, as they will help maintain normal eye pressure but will not cure glaucoma

Missed dose of Azopt

If you miss a dose of Azopt take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Azopt be stored?

You should store your Azopt below 25°C in a cool dry place but do not freeze.  Always replace the top on the bottle to prevent contamination.