Brinzolamide (Into the eye)

Introduction

Brinzolamide (brin-ZOE-la-mide)

Treats increased pressure in the eye that is caused by glaucoma or a condition called ocular hypertension.

Brand Name(s)

Azopt

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Liquid, 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.
• If you normally wear soft contact lenses, remove them before you use brinzolamide eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes before putting the contact lenses back in.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this 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. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

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

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. You may also keep the medicine in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Also, keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

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

• If your doctor ordered other eye drops for you to use, do not put the other drops in at the same time as this medicine. Wait at least 10 minutes between using this medicine and any other eye medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using acetazolamide (Ak-Zol®, Diamox®) or dichlorphenamide (Daranide®) before you start using this eye drops.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, an eye infection, or other eye problems. Tell your doctor if you plan to have eye surgery. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfa drugs.
• If your eyes or eyelids become red, itchy, or swollen when you use the drops, stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away.
• Serious allergic reactions may occur while using this medicine. Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms: black, tarry stools; blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin; chills; dark urine; joint or muscle pain; rash; red skin lesions, often with a purple center; sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness; or yellow eyes or skin.
• This medicine may cause some people to have blurred vision for a short time. Be careful when driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you cannot see properly.
• If you hurt your eye, develop an eye infection, or need to have eye surgery, talk with your doctor right away. You may need to change your medicine or stop using it.
• 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.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

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

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
• Blurred vision or changes in vision.
• Fainting.
• Fast or uneven heartbeat.
• Fever or chills.
• Red, itchy, or swollen eyelids or eyes.
• Sores, ulcers, or white patches in your mouth.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

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

• Bitter, sour, or unusual taste.
• Feeling that something is in your eye.
• Headache.
• Itching, pain, watering, or dryness of the eyes.
• Mild skin rash.
• Stuffy or runny nose.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088