What Is Azopt Used For?

Azopt is an eye drop medication that helps treat conditions involving high pressure in the eye. It works by reducing the amount of fluid your eye naturally produces.

Primary Uses

Azopt treats ocular hypertension (high pressure in the eye) and open-angle glaucoma (an eye disorder that damages the optic nerve). It can be used alone or combined with other eye medications.

How It Works

Azopt belongs to a class of drugs called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. It helps lower eye pressure by reducing the production of fluid that the eye naturally produces.

How to Take Azopt

Azopt is an eye drop that should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Proper technique is important for the medication to work effectively.

Dosage Instructions

Put one drop of Azopt in the affected eye(s) twice daily. Remove contact lenses before using and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them. If using other eye medications, wait at least 5 minutes between different drops. Use eye ointments last. Shake the bottle well before each use. Wash your hands before and after use. Tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid to form a pocket, and place one drop in the pocket. Close your eye and press gently on the inside corner for about 2 minutes. Do not touch the dropper tip to your eye or any surface.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose, use the eye drops as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Available Tablet Strengths

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Dry or itchy eyes
• Eye discomfort
• Eye discharge
• Headache
• Nervousness
• Foreign body sensation in eye
• Eye pain
• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Indigestion
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Hives
• Itching
• Sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose

Important Warnings

Before using Azopt, it’s important to know about certain conditions and situations where this medication should not be used or requires special caution.

Who Should Not Take Azopt

Do not use Azopt if you are allergic to brinzolamide or any ingredients in the medication, have kidney problems or hyperchloraemic acidosis (high chloride levels in blood), or are allergic to sulfonamide medications. Signs of serious allergic reactions include Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis (severe skin conditions with blistering, sores, and peeling skin).

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have acute angle-closure glaucoma, diabetes, corneal problems or dystrophies, liver or kidney disease. Do not use while wearing contact lenses as it may cause irritation and discolor soft lenses.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will advise you about the potential risks and benefits of using Azopt during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Some medications may interfere with how Azopt works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.

• High doses of salicylate-containing pain killers
• Other oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Alcohol & Driving

Azopt may affect your vision and nervous system, so take precautions when driving or operating machinery.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Azopt may cause blurred vision or other visual disturbances after putting the drops in. Wait until your vision clears before driving or using machinery. The medication may also cause nervous system problems, so use caution when driving or operating equipment.

Storage

Store Azopt below 25°C (77°F). Do not freeze the eye drops. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use to avoid contamination. Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children. Discard the bottle 4 weeks after opening and start a new bottle.

Overdose Information

If you think you have used too much Azopt, seek urgent medical attention. Symptoms may include electrolyte imbalance, development of acidosis, and nervous system problems. If you accidentally put several drops in your eyes, immediately wash with warm tap water and contact your doctor. For overdose emergencies, call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26, contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Frequently Asked Questions