Azopt (brinzolamide) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed to treat increased eye pressure in certain adults. Azopt comes as an eye drop that’s typically used three times per day.

Azopt is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat increased eye pressure in adults with:

Azopt belongs to a drug class called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Azopt is available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Azopt, including its strength and how to use the medication. For a comprehensive look at Azopt, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Azopt provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When using Azopt, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Below is information about Azopt’s recommended dosage.

Azopt form

Azopt comes as a liquid suspension. You’ll use the tip of the bottle the drug comes in as an eye dropper. The bottle comes in two sizes: 10 milliliters (mL) and 15 mL.

Azopt strength

Azopt comes in one strength of 1%. This means the suspension contains 10 milligrams (mg) of brinzolamide per mL.

Typical dosages

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed 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.

Dosage for increased eye pressure

Doctors may prescribe Azopt to treat increased eye pressure caused by ocular hypertension or glaucoma.

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

Long-term treatment

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.

Before you start using Azopt, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.

Azopt comes as a liquid suspension that you use as an eye drop. Your doctor or pharmacist can show you how to correctly use Azopt eye drops.

Shake the bottle of Azopt well before using. You’ll place one drop in the affected eye (or eyes) three times per day. If you’re using Azopt at the same time as other eye drops, the doses should be separated by at least 10 minutes. This allows your eye to better absorb each medication.

It’s important to wash your hands before using Azopt. And when you place a drop in your eye, be sure to avoid touching the tip of the bottle to your eye. This prevents injury to your eye. It also prevents bacteria on the tip of the bottle from getting into your eye, which can lead to eye infections. Make sure to put the bottle’s cap back on right after you use Azopt.

If you wear contact lenses, you should take them out before using Azopt. Wait 15 minutes before putting your contacts back into your eyes.

If you have questions about how to use Azopt, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Azopt in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.

If you miss a dose of Azopt, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed one. If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

It’s important that you don’t use more Azopt than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, using more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you use more than the recommended amount of Azopt

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve used too much Azopt. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Azopt.

Is the dosage of Azopt similar to the dosage of other similar drugs, such as Combigan?

No, the dosages of Azopt and Combigan (brimonidine/timolol) are different.

Both Azopt and Combigan are eye drops used to treat increased eye pressure. The dosage for Azopt is one drop in the affected eye (or eyes) three times per day. The dosage for Combigan is one drop in the affected eye (or eyes) two times per day.

To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.

How long does it take for Azopt to start working?

Azopt starts to work after your first dose. Because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel the drug working in your eye. But your eye doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working to treat your condition.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Azopt treatment.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Azopt for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Azopt without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Azopt that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Azopt. These additional articles might be helpful:

  • More about Azopt: For information about other aspects of Azopt, refer to this article.
  • Details about eye problems: For details about glaucoma, other eye problems, and related treatments, see our eye health hub.

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.