Azopt

Azopt

     * Generic Name: brinzolamide ophthalmic suspension
     * Brand Name: Azopt


     * What is brinzolamide ophthalmic (Azopt)?
     * What are the possible side effects of brinzolamide ophthalmic
       (Azopt)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       brinzolamide ophthalmic (Azopt)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using
       brinzolamide ophthalmic (Azopt)?
     * How should I use brinzolamide ophthalmic (Azopt)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Azopt)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Azopt)?
     * What should I avoid while using brinzolamide ophthalmic
       (Azopt)?
     * What other drugs will affect brinzolamide ophthalmic (Azopt)?
     * Where can I get more information (Azopt)?

What is brinzolamide ophthalmic (Azopt)?

   Brinzolamide reduces the amount of fluid in the eye, which decreases
   pressure inside the eye.

   Brinzolamide ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat certain
   types of glaucoma and other causes of high pressure inside the eye.

   Brinzolamide ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed
   in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of brinzolamide ophthalmic (Azopt)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an
   allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face,
   lips, tongue, or throat.

   Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any
   of these serious side effects:
     * swelling or redness of your eyelids;
     * eye redness, discomfort, or sensitivity to light;
     * drainage, crusting, or oozing of your eyes or eyelids;
     * fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering,
       peeling, and red skin rash;
     * pain in your upper stomach, jaundice (yellowing of your skin or
       eyes);
     * pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding; or
     * chest pain.

   Less serious side effects may include:
     * blurred vision, double vision, drooping eyelid;
     * burning or stinging in your eye;
     * bitter or unusual taste in your mouth;
     * stomach or back pain;
     * dry eyes, feeling that something is in your eye;
     * headache; or
     * nausea, diarrhea.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
   your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report
   side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about brinzolamide
ophthalmic (Azopt)?

   Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. This
   medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft
   contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using the eye drops
   before putting your contact lenses in.

   Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to
   any drugs, or if you have narrow-angle glaucoma.

   Do not allow the dropper to touch any surface, including the eyes or
   hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection
   in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the
   eye.

   Do not use any other eye medication unless your doctor has prescribed
   it for you. If you use another eye medication, use it at least 10
   minutes before or after using brinzolamide ophthalmic. Do not use the
   medications at the same time.

   Brinzolamide ophthalmic can cause blurred vision. Be careful if you
   drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

   Azopt Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Eye Diseases: Recognize These Common Eye Conditions

   Eye Diseases and Conditions Slideshow Pictures
   Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis):Learn About This Common Eye Condition

   Pink Eye Slideshow Pictures
   Laser Eye Surgery: Better Vision Through Surgery (LASIK, PRK, LASEK
   & More)

   Laser Eye Surgery Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using brinzolamide
ophthalmic (Azopt)?

   You should not use this medication if you are allergic to brinzolamide.

   Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to
   any drugs, or if you have narrow-angle glaucoma.

   FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn
   baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
   during treatment.

   It is not known whether brinzolamide ophthalmic passes into breast milk
   or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without
   telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use brinzolamide ophthalmic (Azopt)?

   Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. This
   medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft
   contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using the eye drops
   before putting your contact lenses in.

   Use brinzolamide ophthalmic exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do
   not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than
   recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your
   prescription label.

   Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

   To apply the eye drops:
     * Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid to
       create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the
       dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a
       drop and close your eye. Gently press your finger to the inside
       corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to keep the
       liquid from draining into your tear duct.
     * If you use the drops in both eyes, repeat the steps above in your
       other eye. Also wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye
       drops that your doctor has prescribed.

   Do not allow the dropper to touch any surface, including the eyes or
   hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection
   in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the
   eye.

   Do not use this medicine if it has changed colors or has particles in
   it.

   Tell your doctor right away if you have an eye infection, injury, or
   plan to have any type of eye surgery. You may need to stop using the
   medicine for a short time.

   Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
   Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

   Azopt Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Eye Diseases: Recognize These Common Eye Conditions

   Eye Diseases and Conditions Slideshow Pictures
   Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis):Learn About This Common Eye Condition

   Pink Eye Slideshow Pictures
   Laser Eye Surgery: Better Vision Through Surgery (LASIK, PRK, LASEK
   & More)

   Laser Eye Surgery Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose (Azopt)?

   Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for
   the next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next
   regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the
   missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Azopt)?

   Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of
   this medicine.

   An overdose of brinzolamide ophthalmic is not expected to produce
   life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while using brinzolamide ophthalmic (Azopt)?

   Brinzolamide ophthalmic can cause blurred vision. Be careful if you
   drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

   Do not use any other eye medication unless your doctor has prescribed
   it for you. If you use another eye medication, use it at least 10
   minutes before or after using brinzolamide ophthalmic. Do not use the
   medications at the same time.

What other drugs will affect brinzolamide ophthalmic (Azopt)?

   Before using brinzolamide ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you are using
   any of the following drugs:
     * salicylates such as aspirin, Novasal, Doan's Extra Strength,
       Salflex, Tricosal, and others;

   This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can
   interact with brinzolamide ophthalmic. Tell your doctor about all the
   prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes
   vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other
   doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your
   doctor.

Where can I get more information (Azopt)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about brinzolamide
   ophthalmic.
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