Brinzolamide is the active ingredient of Azoptic eye drop suspension (Nappi
code: 701523-001).
General information
Brinzolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
are drugs that block the effect of an enzyme in the red blood cells, carbonic
anhydrase, which is responsible for the formation of bicarbonate in the
blood/body. Intra-ocular pressure is reduced as a result of this process.
In South Africa it is either used on its own, or in combination with a
beta-receptor blocker for the reduction of elevated intra-ocular pressure in
ocular hypertension, and also for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma.
For this medication to be effective, it has to be taken regularly, even if
you do not notice an immediate effect.
It is recommended that after administering these eye drops, you press on the
tear duct (at the corner of the eye closest to your nose), or gently close your
eyes for about three minutes. This process, nasolacrimal occlusion, may possibly
reduce systemic side effects and also increase the local effect of the
medication in the eye.
It should be noted that because this drug may cause visual disturbances
and/or dizziness, driving and any hazardous tasks should be avoided until you
know how this medication affects you.
Brinzolamide ophthalmic drops should not be used if you have soft contact
lenses in your eyes.
How does brinzolamide work?
Bicarbonate is required for the production of the watery fluid inside the
eye. When brinzolamide blocks the production of bicarbonate, the production of
watery fluid within the eye is also reduced. As a result the aqueous humour
filling the eye is decreased, and subsequently the intra-ocular pressure within
the eye is reduced.
Fast facts
Drug schedule:
schedule 3
Available as:
brinzolamide is
available as eye drops.
What does it do?
Brinzolamide reduces pressure
within the eye
Overdose risk:
low
Dependence
risk:
low
Is brinzolamide available as a generic?
no
Is
brinzolamide available on prescription
only?
yes
User information
Onset of effect: within 1 hour
Duration of
action: 4 - 8 hours
Stopping this medicine: do not stop taking
this drug without consulting your doctor.
Prolonged use: no problems
expected
Special
precautions
Consult your doctor before using this drug
if:
- you are allergic to sulphonamides, such as the
antibiotic sulphametoxazole
- you have liver disease
- you have been diagnosed with high levels of chloride in
the blood
- you have diabetes
- you are taking any other
medication
Pregnancy: avoid. Potential risk to the foetus
has been reported. Consult your doctor before use, or if you are planning to
fall pregnant.
Breastfeeding: avoid. It is unknown how this medication
may affect your baby. Consult your doctor before use.
Porphyria:
avoid. This medication may cause serious adverse effects. Consult your doctor
before use.
Infants and children: this medication is not intended for
use in children under the age of 18 years.
The elderly: caution is
advised in the elderly as side effects are more likely to occur.
Driving
and hazardous work: caution is advised as use of this medication may lead to
dizziness, light-headedness and/or sedation. Avoid such activities until you
know how this medication affects you.
Alcohol: no special precautions
need to be taken.
Possible side
effects
Side Effect |
Frequency |
Consult your
doctor |
|
Common |
Rare |
Only if severe
|
In all cases
|
burning |
X |
|
X |
|
stinging |
X |
|
X |
|
tingling sensation |
X |
|
X |
|
local irritation |
X |
|
X |
|
blurred vision |
X |
|
X |
|
dry eyes |
|
X |
X |
|
sensation of having a foreign body in the
eye |
|
X |
X |
|
double vision |
|
X |
|
X |
drooping eyelid |
|
X |
|
X |
taste disturbance |
|
X |
X |
|
abdominal pain |
|
X |
X |
|
back pain |
|
X |
X |
|
headache |
|
X |
X |
|
nausea |
|
X |
X |
|
eyelid oedema |
|
X |
|
X |
crusting, or oozing of your eyes or
eyelids |
|
X |
|
X |
fever |
|
X |
|
X |
sore throat |
|
X |
|
X |
chest pain |
|
X |
|
X |
Interactions
Drug interactions
acetazolamide |
risk of added systemic
toxicity |
topical beta-blockers |
additive effect in reducing intra-ocular
pressure |
aspirin |
risk of brinzolamide
toxicity |
Overdose action
A small overdose is no cause for concern. In case of
intentional large overdose, seek emergency medical
attention.
Recommended
dosage
Adults: 1 drop 2 - 3 times
daily.
(This material is not intended to substitute medical
advice, but is for informational purposes only. Please consult a physician for
specific treatment and recommendations.)