Azopt is a brand-name prescription medication. It’s FDA-approved to treat increased eye pressure in adults who have either:

  • ocular hypertension (high blood pressure in the eye), or
  • open-angle glaucoma, which is the most common type of glaucoma (an eye disease that’s usually caused by increased pressure inside the eye)

Azopt contains the active drug brinzolamide. It belongs to a class of drugs called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. (A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way.) Azopt works to decrease pressure inside your eye by reducing the amount of fluid the eye naturally produces.

Azopt comes as a liquid solution in a dropper bottle. The bottle has a tip that you’ll use to dispense drops of Azopt into your eye. Azopt is available in one strength: 10 milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL).

Effectiveness

For information about the effectiveness of Azopt, see the “Azopt uses” section below.

Azopt is a brand-name drug that contains the active drug brinzolamide. This drug is also available as a generic medication. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication.

Generics tend to cost less than the brand-name medications. In some cases, the brand-name drug and the generic version may be available in different forms and strengths. Talk with your doctor if you’re interested in taking the generic form of Azopt.

Azopt can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while using Azopt. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Azopt, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips about how to deal with any side effects that may be bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to report to the FDA a side effect you’ve had with Azopt, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Mild side effects of Azopt can include:*

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If a side effect becomes more severe or doesn’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* This is a partial list of mild side effects from Azopt. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or visit Azopt’s prescribing information.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Azopt aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. But call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Allergic reaction is a possible serious side effect of Azopt. It’s described below in the “Side effect details” section.

Side effect details

You may wonder how often certain side effects occur with this drug. Here’s some detail on certain side effects this drug may cause.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after using Azopt. During clinical studies, less than 1% of people using Azopt had an allergic reaction to the drug.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

  • skin rash
  • itchiness, which may occur anywhere on your body
  • flushing (warmth and redness in your skin)

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. A severe allergic reaction can cause:

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Azopt. But call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Eye side effects

Blurred vision was one of the most common side effects of Azopt in clinical studies. This side effect was reported in 5% to 10% of people who used the drug. It isn’t known how often blurred vision occurred in people who used a different medication or placebo in clinical studies. (A placebo is a treatment that contains no active drug.)

It isn’t unusual to have blurred vision for a short period of time after you use Azopt drops. But the blurred vision should go away soon after you’ve used a dose of the drug. If you have blurred vision that doesn’t go away, call your doctor right away.

In addition to blurred vision, the following eye side effects occurred in 1% to 5% of people who used Azopt during clinical studies:

  • dry eye
  • discharge from the eye
  • discomfort, pain, or itchiness in the eye
  • blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
  • feeling like something was in the eye
  • keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)

It isn’t known how frequently, if at all, these side effects occurred in people who used a placebo or different medication in clinical studies.

If you have eye side effects while using Azopt, talk with your doctor. Some of these side effects could be a sign that your eye condition is getting worse. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best treatment for your condition.

Bitter or unusual taste in your mouth

While using Azopt, you may have an unusual taste in your mouth. In clinical studies, 5% to 10% of people who used Azopt had a bitter, sour, or unusual taste in their mouth. It isn’t known how often this side effect occurred in people who used a different medication or placebo. (A placebo is a treatment with no active drug.)

If you develop an unusual taste in your mouth while using Azopt, talk with your doctor. If this side effect impacts your daily life, your doctor may recommend a different medication for you.

Dermatitis

It’s possible to have dermatitis (skin inflammation) while you’re using Azopt. In clinical studies, 1% to 5% of people who used Azopt had dermatitis. It isn’t known how often this side effect occurred in people who used a different medication or placebo. (A placebo is a treatment with no active drug.)

Symptoms of dermatitis may include:

  • blisters
  • dry, cracked skin
  • itchy skin
  • rash
  • red, swollen skin

If you develop dermatitis while you’re using Azopt, talk with your doctor. They may recommend medication for symptoms such as itching. And they’ll likely have you stop using Azopt. Dermatitis usually goes away once Azopt is stopped, but you shouldn’t stop using Azopt unless your doctor recommends that you do so.

If your doctor recommends that you stop using Azopt due to dermatitis, they’ll likely discuss other treatment options with you.

Keep in mind that in some cases, skin rash may occur with allergic reaction. For more information about this, see the “Allergic reaction” section above. And if you think you may be having an allergic reaction to Azopt, call your doctor right away.

Headache

It’s possible that you’ll experience headache as a side effect of Azopt. In clinical studies, 1% to 5% of people who used Azopt had a headache. It isn’t known how often this side effect occurred in people who used a different medication or placebo. (A placebo is a treatment with no active drug.)

Headaches are common, so it can be hard to tell if your headache is a side effect of Azopt, or if it has a different cause. Having an occasional headache while using Azopt usually isn’t an alarming sign.

If you’re using Azopt and you develop frequent headaches that affect your daily life, talk with your doctor. You and your doctor can discuss possible causes of your headaches. Your doctor may recommend a medication other than Azopt for your condition.

The following information describes Azopt dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Drug forms and strengths

Azopt comes as a liquid solution inside dropper bottles. These bottles have a tip that you’ll use to dispense the drug as drops into your eye.

Azopt is available in only one strength: 10 milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL). And bottles of Azopt come in two sizes: 10 mL and 15 mL.

Dosage for increased eye pressure

The recommended dosage of Azopt for treating increased eye pressure is one drop in the affected eye (or eyes) three times a day.

Note: If you use other eye drops, check with your doctor about whether you can continue using the eye drops in addition to Azopt. If you do use other eye drops with Azopt, be sure to wait at least 10 minutes between using each product.

What if I miss a dose?

If you forget to take a dose of Azopt, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled.

Don’t take two doses of Azopt at once. “Doubling up” to make up for a missed dose can increase your risk of side effects from the drug.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm on your phone or downloading a reminder app. A kitchen timer can work, too.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

Azopt is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Azopt is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely use it long term.

If you have questions about how long you’ll need to use Azopt, talk with your doctor.

Other drugs are available that can treat increased eye pressure. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Azopt, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Note: Some of the drugs listed below are used off-label to treat these specific conditions. Off-label use is when a drug that’s approved to treat one condition is used to treat a different condition.

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat increased eye pressure include:

  • bimatoprost (Lumigan)
  • brimonidine/timolol (Combigan)
  • brinzolamide/brimonidine (Simbrinza)
  • dorzolamide (Trusopt)
  • dorzolamide/timolol (Cosopt)
  • latanoprost (Xalatan)
  • travoprost (Travatan Z)
  • timolol maleate (Timoptic)

You may wonder how Azopt compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how Azopt and Trusopt are alike and different.

Ingredients

Azopt contains the active drug brinzolamide, while Trusopt contains the active drug dorzolamide.

Azopt is a brand-name medication that’s also available as the generic drug brinzolamide. Trusopt is available as the generic drug dorzolamide. (A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication.)

Both Azopt and Trusopt belong to a class of drugs called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. (A medication class is a group of drugs that work in a similar way.)

Uses

Azopt and Trusopt are both approved to treat increased eye pressure in adults who have either:

  • ocular hypertension (high blood pressure in the eye), or
  • open-angle glaucoma, which is the most common type of glaucoma (an eye disease that’s usually caused by increased pressure inside the eye)

Azopt is only approved for use in adults. Trusopt, on the other hand, can be used in adults and children.

Drug forms and administration

Both Azopt and Trusopt come as a liquid solution inside a dropper bottle. The bottles have a tip that you’ll use to dispense drops of either drug into your eye.

Side effects and risks

Azopt and Trusopt can cause very similar side effects, but some different ones as well. Below are examples of these side effects.

Mild side effects

These lists contain up to 10 of the most common mild side effects that can occur with Azopt, with Trusopt, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

Serious side effects

Allergic reaction is a serious side effect that can occur with both Azopt and Trusopt (when taken individually). For more information about allergic reaction, see the “Azopt side effects” section above.

Effectiveness

The use of Azopt and Trusopt in treating increased eye pressure has been directly compared.

In one clinical study, some people used Azopt while other people used Trusopt. Either drug was given three times each day. People’s eye pressure was measured to see how well the treatment worked. Pressure in the eye is often reported in units of mm Hg (millimeters of mercury). Normal pressure in the eye is about 12 mm Hg to 22 mm Hg.

In this study, both medications reduced people’s eye pressure by about 4 mm Hg to 5 mm Hg. Neither drug was found to work better than the other. But people who used Azopt had less eye stinging and burning compared with people who used Trusopt.

In addition, one review looked at several studies that compared treatment options for open-angle glaucoma. This review found that Azopt and dorzolamide (the active drug in Trusopt) were both effective in reducing eye pressure in people with this condition.

Costs

Azopt generally costs more than both Trusopt and its generic drug, dorzolamide.

Azopt is a brand-name medication that’s also available as the generic drug brinzolamide.

The actual price you’ll pay for either drug depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Like Trusopt (discussed above), other medications are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how Azopt and Combigan are alike and different.

Ingredients

Azopt contains the active drug brinzolamide. It belongs to a class of drugs called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. (A medication class is a group of drugs that work in a similar way.)

Combigan contains these two active drugs:

  • brimonidine, which belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-adrenergic receptor agonists
  • timolol, which belongs to a class of drugs called beta-blockers

Uses

Azopt and Combigan are both approved to treat increased eye pressure in adults who have either:

  • ocular hypertension (high blood pressure in the eye), or
  • open-angle glaucoma, which is the most common type of glaucoma (an eye disease that’s usually caused by increased pressure inside the eye)

Azopt is only approved for use in adults. Combigan, on the other hand, can be used in adults and children ages 2 years and older.

Combigan is approved to treat elevated eye pressure that hasn’t responded to other treatments. But Azopt can be used regardless of whether you’ve tried other treatments in the past for your condition.

Drug forms and administration

Both Azopt and Combigan come as a liquid solution in a dropper bottle. The bottles have a tip that you’ll use to dispense drops of either drug into your eye.

Side effects and risks

Azopt and Combigan can cause very similar side effects, but some different ones as well. Below are examples of these side effects.

Mild side effects

These lists contain up to 10 of the most common mild side effects that can occur with Azopt, with Combigan, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

Serious side effects

These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Azopt, with Combigan, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

Effectiveness

The only condition that both Azopt and Combigan are approved to treat is increased pressure inside the eye.

One review looked at several studies that compared treatment options for open-angle glaucoma. Azopt and the active drugs found in Combigan were effective in reducing eye pressure in people with this condition. Neither treatment was found to work better than the other.

Costs

Azopt generally costs slightly more than Combigan. The actual price you’ll pay for either drug depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Azopt and Combigan are both brand-name drugs. Azopt is also available as the generic drug brinzolamide. There is not currently a generic form of Combigan. (A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication.) Brand-name medications tend to cost more than generics.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Azopt to treat certain conditions. Azopt may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label use is when a drug that’s approved to treat one condition is used to treat a different condition.

Azopt for treating increased eye pressure

Azopt is FDA-approved to treat increased eye pressure in adults who have either:

  • ocular hypertension (high blood pressure in the eye), or
  • open-angle glaucoma, which is the most common type of glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease that’s usually caused by high pressure inside the eye. It can cause damage to the optic nerve. This nerve collects information from your eyes and sends it to your brain. Over time, optic nerve damage can lead to vision loss or blindness. The only symptom of open-angle glaucoma is gradual vision loss.

Azopt works to decrease pressure inside the eye by reducing the amount of fluid the eye naturally produces.

Effectiveness for treating increased eye pressure

Clinical studies have shown Azopt to be effective in reducing increased eye pressure in adults.

In one study, Azopt was compared with the drug Trusopt. People with increased eye pressure used either drug three times a day. Pressure in people’s eyes was measured to assess how well each treatment worked. Pressure in the eye is often reported in units of mm Hg (millimeters of mercury). Normal pressure in the eye is about 12 mm Hg to 22 mm Hg.

In this study, both Azopt and Trusopt decreased people’s eye pressure by approximately 4 mm Hg to 5 mm Hg.

Azopt and children

Azopt isn’t approved for treating increased eye pressure in children. One study involved 32 children ages 4 weeks to 5 years. The study found that Azopt wasn’t effective at decreasing pressure inside the children’s eyes.

In this study, eye pressure was decreased by an average of 0 mm Hg to 2 mm Hg in children who used Azopt. Pressure in the eye is often reported in units of mm Hg (millimeters of mercury). Normal pressure in the eye is about 12 mm Hg to 22 mm Hg.

There weren’t any children in the study who used placebo eye drops (eye drops with no active drug).

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Azopt.

Is Azopt a beta-blocker?

No, Azopt isn’t a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers are a group of drugs that are used to treat many conditions including heart failure, high blood pressure, and glaucoma (increased eye pressure). Beta-blockers work by slowing down your heart rate. This relieves stress on your heart and blood vessels, and it lowers your blood pressure and eye pressure.

Azopt, on the other hand, is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. It works to decrease pressure inside your eye by reducing the amount of fluid your eye naturally produces.

However, beta-blocker eye drops can be used to treat increased eye pressure. For more information about these eye drops, see the “Does Azopt cause heart-related side effects?” section below.

Will Azopt cure my condition?

No, Azopt won’t cure your condition. In fact, there currently isn’t a cure for either condition Azopt treats: glaucoma or ocular hypertension (high blood pressure in the eye).

However, clinical studies have shown that Azopt is effective in reducing pressure inside the eye in people with these conditions. And having reduced eye pressure can help prevent your eye condition from getting worse or leading to vision loss.

If you have questions about treatment options for your condition, talk with your doctor.

Can I use Azopt while wearing contacts?

Yes, you can wear contact lenses while using Azopt. But you’ll need to remove your contacts before placing Azopt drops into your eyes. This is because soft contact lenses can absorb some of the ingredients found in Azopt. If you wear hard contact lenses, talk with your doctor about using them during Azopt treatment.

Before placing Azopt drops into your eyes, remove your contact lenses. After using Azopt, leave your contacts out for at least 15 minutes. Once 15 minutes have passed, you can put your contacts back in.

If you have questions about wearing contacts while using Azopt, talk with your doctor.

Can I use Azopt with other eye drops or eye ointments?

Yes, if recommended by your doctor, you can use Azopt with other eye drops or eye ointments. But you’ll need to wait at least 10 minutes between using each product. Using more than one medication in your eye at the same time can prevent the medications from working correctly.

If you use other eye drops or ointments, or you have questions about using these products, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Does Azopt cause heart-related side effects?

No, Azopt isn’t expected to cause heart-related side effects. In clinical studies, heart-related side effects weren’t reported in people using this drug. However, some other eye drops used for treating increased eye pressure may cause heart-related side effects. These other eye drops belong to a group of drugs called beta-blockers.

Beta-blockers work by slowing down your heart rate. This relieves stress on your heart and blood vessels, and it lowers your blood pressure and eye pressure. Beta-blockers are used to treat many heart conditions, but these drugs can also cause lung- and heart-related side effects.

For example, heart failure and worsened asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are reported side effects of Trusopt and Betimol. And these drugs are both beta-blocker eye drops.

Azopt isn’t a beta-blocker. Instead, it belongs to a group of drugs called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. And it works differently in your body than beta-blockers do.

If you have questions about potential side effects of Azopt, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And for more information about possible side effects of Azopt, see the “Azopt side effects” section above.

Can Azopt be used in dogs?

Yes, Azopt is sometimes used in dogs. In one study, brinzolamide (the active drug in Azopt) was found to be effective in treating increased eye pressure in dogs.

If you have questions about treating increased eye pressure in a dog, talk with your veterinarian. They can recommend appropriate treatment options for your dog’s condition.

When you get Azopt at the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the box. This date is typically 1 year from the date the medication was dispensed.

The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective when you use it. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. If you have unused medication that’s expired, talk with your pharmacist about whether you might still be able to use it.

Storage

How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.

Azopt should be stored at a room temperature of 39°F to 86°F (4°C to 30°C). Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.

Disposal

If you no longer use Azopt and you have unused medication left, it’s important to dispose of it safely. Safe disposal helps prevent others, such as children and pets, from using the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.

This article provides several medication disposal tips. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication.

Azopt is approved to treat increased eye pressure in adults with certain conditions. The drug can be used by itself for this purpose. But in some cases, your doctor may recommend additional medications to help treat your condition. In that case, Azopt may be used with other medications.

If you’re using Azopt with any other eye drops, don’t use the eye drops at exactly the same time. Instead, wait at least 10 minutes between using each type of eye drop. This helps make sure your eye absorbs the full dose of each medication. Using more than one medication at the same time can cause the medications to not work correctly.

If you have questions about using other treatments with Azopt, talk with your doctor.

There aren’t any known interactions between Azopt and alcohol. However, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, consuming alcohol each day may be associated with higher pressure in the eye than usual. (Azopt is used to treat increased eye pressure in adults with certain conditions.)

If you have questions about consuming alcohol while using Azopt, talk with your doctor.

Azopt can interact with other medications.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can affect how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe.

Azopt and other medications

Below are certain medications that can interact with Azopt. This section doesn’t contain all drugs that may interact with Azopt.

Before using Azopt, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all drugs you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medications. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Azopt and other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

Azopt belongs to a group of medications called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. The manufacturer of Azopt doesn’t recommend using Azopt while taking a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor drug that’s taken by mouth.

Even though Azopt is an eye drop, the rest of your body can absorb some of the medication. If you take a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor drug by mouth, using Azopt could increase your risk of side effects from the drug that’s taken by mouth.

Examples of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors that are taken by mouth include:

  • acetazolamide, which is used for glaucoma, mountain sickness, and other conditions
  • methazolamide, which is used for certain eye conditions including glaucoma
  • dichlorphenamide (Keveyis), which is used for a certain type of paralysis

Before you start using Azopt, tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including any carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Your doctor will help determine the best treatment regimen for your condition.

Azopt and herbs and supplements

There aren’t any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Azopt. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while using Azopt.

Azopt and foods

There aren’t any foods that have been specifically reported to interact with Azopt. If you have any questions about eating certain foods while using Azopt, talk with your doctor.

As with all medications, the cost of Azopt can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Before approving coverage for Azopt, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide if the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure if you’ll need to get prior authorization for Azopt, contact your insurance company.

Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Azopt, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

Novartis, the manufacturer of Azopt, offers a co-pay savings program. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 844-685-3406 or visit the program website.

Generic version

Azopt is available in a generic form called brinzolamide. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Your doctor or pharmacist will show you how to safely use Azopt eye drops. You should use Azopt according to your doctor’s or healthcare professional’s instructions.

Azopt comes as a liquid solution inside a dropper bottle. The bottle has a tip that you’ll use to dispense drops of Azopt into your eye.

Before placing Azopt drops into your eye, shake the bottle of eye drops well. If you wear contact lenses, be sure to remove them before placing Azopt into your eyes. (You can put your contacts back in your eyes 15 minutes after using Azopt.)

It’s important that you don’t touch the tip of the Azopt bottle to any surfaces. This includes your eye and the area around your eye. Touching the bottle tip to any surface could lead to germs getting onto the bottle, which could increase your risk of eye infection. Make sure to place the bottle’s cap back on right after you’ve used Azopt.

When to take

The recommended dosage of Azopt for treating increased eye pressure is one drop in the affected eye (or eyes) three times a day.

You may find it helpful to use Azopt eye drops at the same time as you have daily meals. For example, you could use the drug at the time of your breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm on your phone or downloading a reminder app. A kitchen timer can work, too.

Azopt is approved to treat increased eye pressure in adults who have either:

  • ocular hypertension (high blood pressure in the eye), or
  • open-angle glaucoma, which is the most common type of glaucoma (an eye disease that’s usually caused by increased pressure inside the eye)

About pressure in the eye

The front part of your eye contains aqueous humor, which is a clear fluid made by the eye. Aqueous humor drains out of your eye through your pupil (the opening of your eye that appears black).

The balance between how much aqueous humor your eye makes and how much of it is drained out determines the pressure in your eye. The pressure inside your eye is also called intraocular pressure.

What Azopt does

Azopt works to decrease pressure inside the eye by reducing the amount of aqueous humor your eye produces. This medication belongs to a class of drugs called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. (A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way.)

Carbonic anhydrase is an enzyme that helps your eye make more aqueous humor. (Enzymes are proteins that aid chemical changes in the body.) Azopt attaches to carbonic anhydrase and inhibits (prevents) it from working. This results in your eye making less fluid, which decreases the pressure inside your eye.

How long does it take to work?

Azopt begins to work as soon as you put a drop of the drug in your eye. However, you may not notice or “feel” Azopt working. This is because the drug doesn’t heal or reverse any effects of increased eye pressure that are already present. Instead, Azopt works to decrease the pressure in the eye over time, which can help prevent your vision from getting worse.

If you have questions about what to expect during your Azopt treatment, talk with your doctor.

It isn’t known if Azopt is safe to take during pregnancy. There haven’t been any clinical studies done in pregnant people using this drug.

However, studies in animals showed that Azopt led to some birth defects when given to pregnant rabbits. These birth defects included lower birth weight and having certain small bones that didn’t fully form.

It’s important to note that the rabbits in these studies were given Azopt doses up to 125 times higher than the doses used in people. Also, animal studies don’t always predict what will happen when the drug is given to people.

Azopt’s manufacturer recommends that Azopt be used during pregnancy only if the drug’s benefits outweigh its risks.

If you have questions about using Azopt while pregnant, talk with your doctor. Together you can discuss the benefits and risks of using this drug or other treatment options.

It’s not known if Azopt is safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re using Azopt.

For more information about using Azopt during pregnancy, see the “Azopt and pregnancy” section above.

It isn’t known if it’s safe to use Azopt while breastfeeding. It also isn’t known if the drug passes into human breast milk. Clinical studies of Azopt didn’t involve any breastfeeding people.

For these reasons, it’s recommended that you either:

  • stop using Azopt while breastfeeding, or
  • stop breastfeeding while using Azopt

If you have questions about the safety of breastfeeding while using Azopt, talk with your doctor.

Before using Azopt, talk with your doctor about your health history. Azopt may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health, such as:

  • Severe kidney disease. Azopt isn’t recommended if you have severe kidney disease. This condition may affect your body’s ability to clear the drug from your system. Tell your doctor about any history of kidney disease before using Azopt.
  • Low endothelial cell counts. If you have a low level of corneal endothelial cells (a type of cell found in your eye), talk with your doctor before using Azopt. This drug may increase the risk of eye swelling in people with low endothelial cell counts.
  • Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Azopt or any of its ingredients, you shouldn’t use Azopt. In addition, you shouldn’t use Azopt if you have a sulfa allergy. If you’re not sure about your medication allergies, talk with your doctor.
  • Pregnancy. It isn’t known if it’s safe to use Azopt while pregnant. For more information, please see the “Azopt and pregnancy” section above.
  • Breastfeeding. It isn’t known if it’s safe to use Azopt while breastfeeding. For more information, please see the “Azopt and breastfeeding” section above.

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Azopt, see the “Azopt side effects” section above.

Do not use more Azopt than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose.

What to do in case you use too much Azopt

If you think you’ve used too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use their online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

The following information is provided for clinicians and other healthcare professionals.

Indications

Azopt is indicated for treating increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in adults with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Administration

Azopt comes as a liquid solution that is instilled into the affected eye (or eyes) as eye drops.

The recommended dosage for treating elevated intraocular pressure is one drop in the affected eye (or eyes) three times a day. Azopt should be shaken before use.

Mechanism of action

The active ingredient in Azopt, brinzolamide, is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor.

In the eye, carbonic anhydrase increases aqueous humor secretion. Azopt decreases aqueous humor secretion, which reduces intraocular pressure.

Pharmacokinetics and metabolism

Brinzolamide is absorbed into systemic circulation after topical administration to the eye. However, plasma brinzolamide and metabolite concentrations are generally below assay limitations (< 10 ng/mL).

Brinzolamide is extensively distributed into red blood cells, giving it a long half-life of approximately 111 days in whole blood.

Contraindications

Azopt should not be used in individuals who have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to any component of the drug product.

Storage

Azopt should be stored at a room temperature of 39°F to 86°F (4°C to 30°C). Azopt should not be stored in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Azopt Images