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Azopt
Available only by prescription, Azopt is used to treat open-angle glaucoma and high pressure in the eyes. It comes in the form of eye drops and is used in the affected eye(s) three times daily. Potential side effects include blurred vision and an unusual taste.
from eMedTV.comWhat Is Azopt?
Azopt® (brinzolamide) is a prescription eye medication. It is approved to treat high eye pressure in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It comes in the form of an eye drop and is available only by prescription.(Click Azopt Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
How Does Azopt Work?
Azopt belongs to a group of drugs called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Carbonic anhydrase is an enzyme found in many places throughout the body, including the eye. By inhibiting this enzyme, Azopt lowers eye pressure by decreasing the amount of fluid produced by the eye (known as aqueous humor).When and How to Use It
Some general considerations to keep in mind during treatment include the following:- This medication comes in the form of an eye drop. It is used in the affected eye(s) three times daily.
- Because Azopt is a suspension and the medication settles to the bottom, you must shake it before every dose.
- Soft contact lenses can absorb the preservative in these eye drops. In order to avoid this problem, you must remove the lenses before using Azopt and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.
- If you use other eye drops in addition to Azopt, make sure to wait at least 10 minutes between using Azopt and another eye medication.
- In order to prevent contamination of the drops, do not touch the tip of the dropper to any surface, including the surface of the eye or the skin.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be used as directed.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD