

Netmeds First Membership
Quick Links
Introduction About AZOPT EYE DROPS
AZOPT EYE DROPS contains Brinzolamide which belongs to the group of medicines called Ophthamic anti-glaucoma agents. It is used to manage glaucoma. Glaucoma is group of eye condition that damages the optic nerve (nerves which are responsible for proper vision). It is characterized by increased pressure within the eyes caused due to impaired secretion or drainage of fluids (aqueous humour) within the eyes. During the intial days, glaucoma may remain asymptomatic. At later stages, it may cause eye pain or redness, halos around the light, severe headache or blurred vision.
Brinzolamide reduces pressure within the eye. It works by blocking the action of an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase, that causes pressure within the eye to raise. As a result, it decreases the elevated pressure within the eye and provides relief from unpleasant symptoms (such as eye pain, headache, or blurred vision).
AZOPT EYE DROPS is not recommended for use in patients with kidney problems. It should be used with caution in patients with liver problems, dry eyes, or corneal problems. AZOPT EYE DROPS is generally not recommended for use in pregnant and in breastfeeding women unless considered necessary by the physician. It is also not suitable for use in children and adolescents.
If you wear soft contact lenses, remove the lens before applying AZOPT EYE DROPS and wait for at least 15 minutes before reinsertion. Do not stop using AZOPT EYE DROPS without consulting your doctor, because premature discontinuation can further increase the pressure within the eye. The most common side effects of AZOPT EYE DROPS are eye irritation, blurred vision, and bitter taste in mouth. Consult your doctor if any of the side effect bothers you.
Uses Of AZOPT EYE DROPS
- Manage glaucoma (increased pressure within the eye)
How AZOPT EYE DROPS Works
AZOPT EYE DROPS effectively reduces pressure within the eye where brinzolamide acts by blocking the action of an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase, which is responsible for increasing the production of aqueous humour (fluid in the eyes) and subsequent increase in the intraocular pressure (pressure within the eye). Blockade of carbonic anhydrase decreases the production of aqueous humour and reduces the elevated pressure within the eye which therefore provides relief from unpleasant symptoms (such as eye pain, headache or blurred vision).
How to use AZOPT EYE DROPS
Use AZOPT EYE DROPS as advised by your physician. It is for ophthalmic use only. Do not swallow. Wash your hands before and after application. Tilt your head slightly and gently pull the lower eyelid downwards. Instil few drops of the medicine into the affected eye(s). Close your eyes and press the corner of your eye with your finger for a minute. Do not touch the tip of the dropper with your eye or other body surface to avoid contamination.
Apply applying AZOPT EYE DROPS, leave a time gap of at least 5 minutes before applying other eye drops or ointment. If you wear soft contact lenses, remove the lens before applying AZOPT EYE DROPS and wait for at least 15 minutes before reinsertion.
Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon the severity of the disease condition. Do not stop using AZOPT EYE DROPS without consulting your doctor, as the pressure within the eye may raise once again and become uncontrollable.
Side Effects Of AZOPT EYE DROPS
Common
- bitter or unusual taste
- eye irritation, blurred vision
Uncommon
- red and flaky skin, skin rash with raised bumps, tight skin
- abnormal heart rate
- shortness of breath or chest tightness with wheezing after physical exercise
- dizziness, headache
- sensation of tingling or pins and needles in the hands or feet
- tiredness
- signs of sinus problems (such as difficulty in breathing through the nose and pain in face)
- mucus builds up behind nose or throat
- abnormal or decreased sensation in mouth
- allergic symptoms (nose bleeds, runny nose, or sneezing)
- dryness of mouth
Rare
- difficulty in sleeping or drowsiness
- increased pressure within the eye
- hair loss
- generalised weakness, feeling jittery or irritable
- memory loss
- ringing in ears
Stop using AZOPT EYE DROPS and contact your immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- eye problems (eye pain or redness, blurred vision, increased tear production with possible increased sensitivity to light, eye irritation)
- signs of decreased oxygen level in the body (such as difficulty in breathing, increase in heart rate with sweating, wheezing or crackling sounds or having blue lips, pale or grey skin)
- signs of angina (such as heavy or pressing sensation on the chest with severe sharp pain in the chest)
- severe allergic reactions (such as skin rash, swelling of the eye, eyelids, face, lips, tongue, hands or throat leading to difficulty in breathing)
How To Manage Side Effects

Eye irritation Or Itching
Wash your eyes with plain cold water. Place an ice pack on your eye to ease the irritation. Avoid straining your eyes by looking at mobile phones, laptops, or television. Wear protective eyeglasses while going outdoors.

Eye pain Or Sensitivity
Close your eyes and relax. Do not strain your eyes by looking at mobile phones, laptops, or television. Avoid driving or operating any heavy tools or machines while your vision is blur. Consult your doctor if you experience blurred vision for a prolonged period.

Headache
Rest and relax. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Applying a pain-relieving balm on your forehead can be beneficial. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your headache. Consult your doctor if your headache worsens.
Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy
Monitoring requiredAZOPT EYE DROPS is generally not recommended for use in pregnant women unless considered necessary by the physician. Therefore, consult your doctor before using. Women of childbearing age should use proper contraceptive method to avoid pregnancy while undergoing therapy with AZOPT EYE DROPS.

Breastfeeding
Monitoring requiredAZOPT EYE DROPS is generally not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless considered necessary by the physician. Therefore, consult your doctor before using.

Driving and Using Machines
Use with CautionDo not drive or operate any heavy tools or machines if you experience dizziness or blurred vision after using AZOPT EYE DROPS.

Kidney
Consult your doctorAZOPT EYE DROPS is not recommended for patients with severe kidney diseases. It should be used with caution in patients with other minor kidney problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before using.

Liver
Use with CautionAZOPT EYE DROPS should be used with caution in patients with liver problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before using.

Allergy
ContraindicatedDo not use AZOPT EYE DROPS if you are allergic to Brinzolamide.

Use In Pediatrics
ContraindicatedAZOPT EYE DROPS is generally not recommended for use in children and adolescents (below 18 years). Therefore, consult your doctor before using.

Use In Geriatrics
Use with Caution[GBNKEYWORD[ should be used with caution in elderly patients. Therefore, consult your doctor before using.
Others
AZOPT EYE DROPS is not recommended for use if you:
- have hyperchloremic acidosis (a condition where there it too much of acidity in blood)
Before using AZOPT EYE DROPS, inform your doctor if you:
- have dry eyes or problems in your cornea
- have pseudo exfoliative glaucoma (an eye condition caused when the eye’s drainage system is clogged by flaky deposit materials)
- have narrow angle glaucoma (a type of rapid increase in pressure within the eye)
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before using AZOPT EYE DROPS, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines such as:
- other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (used to manage glaucoma) Ex. acetazolamide and dorzolamide
- sulphonamides (used to manage bacterial infections) Ex. sulfamethoxazole, sulfasalazine
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally used more AZOPT EYE DROPS, rinse your eye with warm water. If still irritation persists, consult your doctor.
Synopsis
Drug | : | Brinzolamide |
Pharmacological Category | : | Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Glaucoma |
Dosage Forms | : | Eye drops, Ophthalmic suspension |
More Information
- Keep AZOPT EYE DROPS out of reach of children
- Store at room temperature
FAQs About AZOPT EYE DROPS
Q: Can the use of AZOPT EYE DROPS cause blurred vision?
A: Yes. AZOPT EYE DROPS may cause blurred vision after application. If your vision becomes blur, close your eyes for some time and rest. Do not strain your eyes by looking at mobile phones, laptops, or television. Avoid driving or operating any heavy tools or machines while your vision is blur. Consult your doctor if you experience blurred vision for a prolonged period.
Q: Is it normal to experience headache after using AZOPT EYE DROPS?
A: Yes. The use of AZOPT EYE DROPS can cause headache in some indivduals. It is one of the uncommon side effects of AZOPT EYE DROPS. It happens when too much of the medicines enters your blood. If you experience headache, rest and relax. Applying a pain-relieving balm on your forehead can be beneficial. Do not stress yourself too much. Avoid consuming excessive alcohol. Consult your doctor if your headache worsens.
Q: Can I use other eye medicines while using AZOPT EYE DROPS?
A: Yes. You can use other eye medicines while undergoing therapy with AZOPT EYE DROPS. But make sure to leave a time gap of at least 5 minutes before applying other eye drops or ointment.
Q: Who should avoid using AZOPT EYE DROPS?
A: AZOPT EYE DROPS should be avoided in patients with severe kidney problems. It should be used with caution in patients with liver problems or other problems in eye such as eye dryness, corneal problems or narrow-angle glaucoma. It is also not suitable for use in patients having too much acidity in blood (hyperchloremic acidosis). Patients aged below 18 years must consult your doctor before using AZOPT EYE DROPS.
Q: How to use AZOPT EYE DROPS?
A: Use AZOPT EYE DROPS as advised by your physician. It is for ophthalmic use only. Instil few drops of the medicine into the affected eye(s). Close your eyes and press the corner of your eye with your finger for a minute. If you wear soft contact lenses, remove the lens before applying AZOPT EYE DROPS and wait for at least 15 minutes before reinsertion. Do not stop using AZOPT EYE DROPS without consulting your doctor, as the pressure within the eye may raise once again and become uncontrollable.
Q: What is the use of AZOPT EYE DROPS?
A: AZOPT EYE DROPS is a prescription medicine used to manage glaucoma in adult patients. It effectively reduces pressure within the eye by blocking the action of an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase, that causes pressure within the eye to raise.
Q: How long does it take for [GBNKRYWORD] to work?
A: It may take about 1 to 4 weeks for AZOPT EYE DROPS to show the results. Therefore, continue to use AZOPT EYE DROPS as prescribed by your physician.
Q: Is AZOPT EYE DROPS same as timolol?
A: No. AZOPT EYE DROPS contains Brinzolamide which is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. It acts by blocking the action of an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase, that causes pressure within the eye to raise. Whereas timolol is a beta-blocker which acts by reducing intraocular pressure by blocking the beta-receptors of the eye. Although both are used to manage glaucoma, they are not the same.
Q: What are the side effects of AZOPT EYE DROPS?
A: The most common side effects of AZOPT EYE DROPS are eye irritation, blurred vision, and bitter taste in mouth. Sometimes people may also experience systemic side effects like headache, dizziness, fast heart rate or shortness of breath. Consult your doctor if any of the side effect bothers you.
Q: Can I use AZOPT EYE DROPS while wearing contact lenses?
A: If you wear soft contact lenses, remove the lens before applying AZOPT EYE DROPS and wait for at least 15 minutes before reinsertion. This is because AZOPT EYE DROPS contains benzalkonium chloride which may interact with your contact lens and make your lens to discolour.
Q: Can I stop using AZOPT EYE DROPS without consulting my doctor?
A: Do not stop using AZOPT EYE DROPS without consulting your doctor, as the pressure within the eye may raise once again and become uncontrollable. If you think that you are feeling better or if you wish to stop using AZOPT EYE DROPS, contact your doctor for advice. Your doctor will check your condition and gradually withdraw the dose.
Q: Is AZOPT EYE DROPS safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women?
A: AZOPT EYE DROPS is generally not recommended for use in pregnant women unless considered necessary by the physician. Therefore, consult your doctor before using. Women of childbearing age should use proper contraceptive method to avoid pregnancy while undergoing therapy with AZOPT EYE DROPS.
Q: Can I drive or ride a bike after using AZOPT EYE DROPS?
A: Do not drive if you feel dizzy or experience blurred vision after using AZOPT EYE DROPS. It also effects the ability to perform tasks that need alertness or coordination so be cautious while driving.
Q: What if I miss a dose of AZOPT EYE DROPS?
A: If you missed a dose of AZOPT EYE DROPS, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for next dose, skip the missed dose and use the regular dose. Do not use a double dose to compensate the missed dose.
Q: Is AZOPT EYE DROPS and brimonidine same?
A: No. AZOPT EYE DROPS contains Brinzolamide which is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. It acts by blocking the action of an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase, that causes pressure within the eye to raise. Whereas brimonidine is an alpha-agonist used to manage narrow-angle glaucoma. It works by activating the alpha receptors of the eye. Although both are used to manage glaucoma, they are not the same.
References
1. Robert F. Reilly and Edwin K. Jackson. Regulation of Renal volume and vascular volume. Goodman and Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th Edition. Page – 680.
2. Michele Iester. Brinzolamide ophthalmic suspension: a review of its pharmacology and use in the treatment of open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. NIH. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PMC PubMed Central. September 2008. [Accessed on 11th May 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2694021/
3. Accord. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in September 2020] [Accessed on 9th May 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7281.pdf
4. Novartis Pharma. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Accessed on 9th May 2022] https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/azopt-epar-product-information_en.pdf
5. Mylan. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in December 2018] [Accessed on 9th May 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.688.pdf