Azopt (Brinzolamide Ophthalmic Suspension) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

Pill Identifier Search

February 9, 2012

Azopt

Glaucoma »

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease of the major nerve of vision, called the optic nerve. The optic nerve receives light-generated nerve impulses from the retina and transmits these to the brain, where we recognize those electrical signals as vision. Glaucoma is characterized by a particular pattern of progressive damage to the optic nerve that generally begins with a subtle loss of side vision (peripheral vision). If glaucoma is not diagnosed and treated, it can progress to loss of central vision and blindness.

Glaucoma is usually, but not always, associated with elevated pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure). Generally, it is this elevated eye pressure that leads to damage of the eye (optic) nerve. In some cases, glaucoma may occur in the presence of normal eye pressure. This form of glaucoma is believed to be caused by poor regulation of blood flow to the optic nerve.

How common is glaucoma?

Worldwide, glaucoma...

Read the Glaucoma article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
next »

Azopt User Reviews >>

Azopt

Eye Diseases and Conditions Slideshow Pictures

Pink Eye Slideshow Pictures

Cataracts Slideshow Pictures

font size

AZOPT®
(brinzolamide ophthalmic suspension)

DRUG DESCRIPTION

AZOPT® (brinzolamide ophthalmic suspension) 1% contains a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor formulated for multidose topical ophthalmic use. Brinzolamide is described chemically as: (R)-(+)-4-Ethylamino-2-(3-methoxypropyl)-3,4-dihydro2H-thieno [3,2-e]-1,2-thiazine-6-sulfonamide-1,1-dioxide. Its empirical formula is C₁₂H₂₁N₃O₅S₃, and its structural formula is:

AZOPT® (brinzolamide) Structural Formula Illustration

Brinzolamide has a molecular weight of 383.5 and a melting point of about 131°C. It is a white powder, which is insoluble in water, very soluble in methanol and soluble in ethanol.

AZOPT® (brinzolamide ophthalmic suspension) 1% is supplied as a sterile, aqueous suspension of brinzolamide which has been formulated to be readily suspended and slow settling, following shaking. It has a pH of approximately 7.5 and an osmolality of 300 mOsm/kg.

Each mL of AZOPT® (brinzolamide ophthalmic suspension) 1% contains: Active ingredient: brinzolamide 10 mg. Preservative: Benzalkonium chloride 0.01 mg. Inactives: mannitol, carbomer 974P, tyloxapol, edetate disodium, sodium chloride, purified water, with hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide to adjust pH.

What are the possible side effects of brinzolamide ophthalmic (Azopt)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

swelling or redness of your eyelids;
eye redness, discomfort, or sensitivity to light;
drainage, crusting, or oozing of your eyes or eyelids;
fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Azopt »

What are the precautions when taking brinzolamide ophthalmic suspension (Azopt)?

Before using brinzolamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other eye conditions, kidney problems, liver disease.

If you develop an eye infection or injury, or have eye surgery, check with your doctor about whether you should continue to use your current bottle of brinzolamide. You may be advised to start using a new bottle.

Your vision may be temporarily blurred or unstable after applying this drug. Do not drive, use...

Read All Potential Precautions of Azopt »

Last reviewed on RxList: 4/28/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.