Azopt

Azopt contain the active ingredient Brinzolamide, which belongs to a group of medicines called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. They are used to treat eye disorders, such as glaucoma, which cause an increase in pressure within the eye.

Carbonic anhydrase is a chemical in the body that is responsible for the production and breakdown of carbonic acid. Part of this reaction results in the production of bicarbonate. Brinzolamide inhibits the action of carbonic anhydrase and thereby decreases the production of bicarbonate. Bicarbonate is required for the production of the fluid (aqueous humour) that fills the back of the eye.

The eye has two fluid-filled spaces, and if too much fluid is produced (or not enough is allowed to drain away) this can lead to an increase in intraocular pressure) within the eye. Such increases in pressure can damage the eye leading to loss of sight.

By decreasing the production of bicarbonate, Brinzolamide decreases the amount of aqueous humour produced in the eye. This helps reduce the pressure caused by the fluid within the eye in conditions such as glaucoma. Azopt can be used either on their own or in conjunction with beta-blocker eye drops, such as Betagan or prostaglandin analogue eye drops, such as Xalatan.

Azopt can be used when an inidividual has not responded to treatment with beta-blocker eye drops or cannot use beta-blocker eye drops. They can also be used in together with other eye drops, such as Betagan or Xalatan.

These eye drops must not be taken by mouth. When using Azopt you should take care to not allow the dropper tip to come into contact with any surface, or your eye, to avoid contaminating the eye drops. If you are using more than one type of eye drop you should administer them at least five minutes apart, to prevent the second drop washing away the first. Use eye gels or ointments last.

Azopt contain the preservative benzalkonium chloride, which can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause eye irritation. If you wear soft contact lenses, you should remove them before putting in these eye drops. You should wait at least 15 minutes after using the drops before putting your contact lenses back in.

Azopt may cause your vision to blur temporarily after you have applied it. Do not drive or operate machinery until this has worn off. It is recommended that after administering this eye preparation, 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, in order to minimise the amount of medicine absorbed into the bloodstream and increase the local effect in the eye. Although applied to the eye, Azopt may be absorbed into the bloodstream, where it can cause hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions. If signs of serious reactions to these eye drops occur, such as severe skin rash, stop using them and consult your doctor.

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individuals in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.