Brinzolamide (Azopt) Drug for Glaucoma: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

Brinzolamide
(Azopt, United States)

Use:

Brinzolamide or Azopt is used to reduce intra ocular pressure in the eye ball in conditions like glaucoma.

How It Works:

Brinzolamide or Azopt is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor which reduces the production of the fluid - aqueous humour - found in the eye ball. The build up of this fluid increases the pressure in the eye ball and leads to glaucoma.
Dorzolamide is another carbonic anhydrase inhibitor eye drop. Other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are available, but they are taken orally and have side effects associated with them - acidosis, electrolyte imbalances.

Side Effects:

Brinzolamide or Azopt's side effects are mainly eye irritation - burning, conjunctivitis, inflammation, itching. These effects may diminish with time and are less than those experienced with dorzolamide.
Some people experience a bitter taste right after using Brinzolamide or Azopt.

Cautions for People:

Because Brinzolamide or Azopt is related to the sulfa drugs, people with sulfa allergies will be allergic to it as well.

Drug Interactions:

Brinzolamide or Azopt can be used with other eye drops used to control glaucoma. However, if Brinzolamide or Azopt is replacing another eye drop, the first drop can be stopped one day, then it can be started the next day.

Further Reading:

Arch Ophth 1993;111:1343
Med Letter 1995;37:76
Arch Ophth 1995;113:985
J Glaucoma 1995;4(5):306

Added to Virtual Drugstore May 1998.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.