Brinzolamide

What is brinzolamide?

Brinzolamide is a prescription-only eye drop medication that reduces high pressure inside the eye and helps to treat glaucoma. Known by the brand name Azopt, it belongs to a group of drugs known as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors[1]. 

What is brinzolamide used for?

Brinzolamide is prescribed for the management of certain eye conditions that can lead to vision loss. Specifically, it is used to treat[1]: 

• Ocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eye) 

• Open-angle glaucoma, the most common type of glaucoma 

These conditions can cause damage to the optic nerve if not properly managed. 

How does brinzolamide work?

Brinzolamide works by decreasing the amount of fluid (aqueous humour) produced in the eye. This helps lower intraocular pressure and reduces the risk of damage to the optic nerve[1]. 

Who can take brinzolamide?

Most adults can use brinzolamide. However, it may not be suitable for[1]: 

• People with severe kidney disease or liver problems 

• People allergic to sulphonamides or brinzolamide specifically 

• People with certain types of glaucoma 

• People with dry eyes or cornea problems 

• People who wear contact lenses 

• People with hyperchloraemic acidosis (excess acidity in the blood) 

• Children under 18 years of age unless advised by a specialist 

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist about any conditions you may have or medication you take before you start treatment, and always follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet[2].  

What is the typical dosage of brinzolamide?

The standard dose is[1]: 

• One drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily 

• In some cases, your doctor may increase this to three times daily 

Always follow your pharmacist or doctor’s directions and the information leaflet provided with your medication. 

How do you take brinzolamide?

To apply the drops correctly[1]: 

• Wash your hands 

• Shake the bottle well before use 

• Tilt your head back and pull down the lower eyelid 

• Apply one drop into the eye 

• Press the inner corner of the eye gently for 1 minute to prevent the drop from draining away 

• Wait 15 minutes before reinserting contact lenses 

• If using other eye drops, allow at least 5 minutes between applications 

You should always use the brinzolamide eye drops before the expiry date on the bottle or within 4 weeks of opening. Check product literature for more information[1].  

Can you stop taking brinzolamide?

Do not stop taking this medication without speaking to your doctor. Sudden discontinuation may cause eye pressure to rise again, increasing the risk of vision damage[1]. 

What do you do if you take too much brinzolamide?

If you use too many drops or accidentally swallow the medication, you may experience tiredness, dizziness or stomach upset. Contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately if this occurs[1]. 

What do you do if you forget to take brinzolamide?

If you forget to use your drops, apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not use a double dose to make up for the missed one[1]. 

How do you store brinzolamide?

To store brinzolamide safely, you should[1]: 

• Store at room temperature (between 4°C and 30°C) 

• Keep the bottle tightly closed 

• If using the multi-dose bottle, discard four weeks after opening 

• Keep out of reach of children 

What medicines can’t you take with brinzolamide?

Brinzolamide may interact with other medications. Use caution or consult your doctor if taking[1]: 

• Other carbonic anhydrase inhibitor eye drops (e.g., dorzolamide, acetazolamide) 

• High-dose aspirin or other salicylates 

• Antifungals like itraconazole or clotrimazole 

• HIV medication like ritonavir 

• Diuretics, diabetes medications, or anticonvulsants 

Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications and supplements you take before you start a new medicine, and follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet[2]. 

What are the side effects of brinzolamide?

Common side effects include[1]: 

• Blurred vision or sensitivity to bright light 

• Unusual or bitter taste in the mouth 

• Eye discomfort, itchiness, watering, redness, or dryness 

Some people get rashes while taking brinzolamide. Most are not serious, but Stevens-Johnson syndrome can potentially be. It presents flu-like symptoms and a red or purple rash that spreads and forms blisters, eventually drying and peeling off. This is more common in children, people who have developed rashes as a medicinal side effect in the past, people who are allergic to an antibiotic called trimethoprim, and people taking sodium valproate. To reduce the risk, do not try new medicines or food during the first 3 months of taking brinzolamide, and do not start taking it within 2 weeks of a viral infection, medicine, vaccination, or rash[1]. 

Other serious side effects include [1]: 

• Breathing problems with a history of asthma or COPD 

• General shortness of breath 

• Heart palpitations 

• Chest pain 

You should contact your GP if you experience any of these symptoms. In rare cases, the medicine may cause a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). You should call 999 or visit A&E immediately if you believe this is happening[1]. 

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include[1]:  

• Difficulty breathing  

• Tightness in throat and chest  

• Swelling of the tongue or throat  

• Feeling faint or dizzy  

• Blue/grey skin or lips  

• Loss of consciousness 

If you experience any side effects, including those not listed, you are encouraged to report them via the Yellow Card Scheme or contact your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This information is intended as a summary for general awareness and does not replace professional medical advice. 

The information provided in the side effects section is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects associated with this medication. For a complete list of side effects, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) provided with your medication or consult your healthcare professional[2]. 

Frequently asked questions about brinzolamide

How often should I use it? 
Usually twice daily or as prescribed by your doctor[1]. 

Can I use it with contact lenses? 
Yes but remove lenses before application and wait 15 minutes before reinserting[1]. 

Can I stop using it if my eyes feel better? 
No, continue using it unless your doctor advises otherwise. The purpose of the medication is to prevent or slow disease progression[1]. 

Can children use brinzolamide? 
Only under specialist supervision[1]. 

How long does a bottle last after opening? 
You should throw the multi-dose bottle away after it’s been open for four weeks, even if you’ve not finished it[1]. 

Can I use other eye drops with it?  
Yes, but wait at least 5 minutes between applications as your eyes can only hold a small amount of liquid[1]. 

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding? 
Not usually recommended. Speak with your doctor[1]. 

For the official NHS guide to brinzolamide, visit their website.