Brinzolamide eye suspension

What is brinzolamide eye suspension?
BRINZOLAMIDE (Azoptreg;) helps to reduce pressure in the eye for patients with increased eye pressure or open-angle glaucoma. Generic brinzolamide eye suspension is not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I use brinzolamide?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• eye infection or damage
• kidney or liver disease
• wear contact lenses
• closed-angle glaucoma
• an unusual or allergic reaction to brinzolamide, acetazolamide, dorzolamide, sulfonamides, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?
Brinzolamide eye suspension is only for use in the eye. If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using the eye suspension. Contact lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes after using the eye suspension. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Shake the suspension well before using. Tilt the head back slightly and pull down the lower lid with the index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye gently; do not blink. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with brinzolamide?
There have not been any interactions with other medicines. If you are using other eye medications, use them at least 10 minutes apart.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from using brinzolamide?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• blurred vision
• fever
• inflamed or infected eyes or eyelids
• skin rash, peeling, blistering or loosening of skin
• unusual bleeding
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• bitter taste in the mouth
• burning, stinging, or discomfort immediately after using the suspension
• dry eyes
• increased flow of tears

What should I watch for while taking brinzolamide?
Visit your doctor for regular checks on your progress. Report any serious side effects promptly. Stop using brinzolamide if your eyes get inflamed, painful, or have a discharge, and see your doctor as soon as you can.

Be careful not to touch the tip of the dispensing container onto the eye, or any other surface. Serious eye infections can result from contamination of eye suspensions.

If you are using another eye preparation, there should be an interval of at least ten minutes between use of brinzolamide and the other eye preparation.

Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 2 and 25 degrees C (36 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Drugs & Medications

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.