Brinzolamide

AZOPT is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor indicated in the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. AZOPT is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. ( 1 )

• The recommended dose is one drop of AZOPT in the affected eye(s) 3 times daily
• Shake well before use
• AZOPT may be used concomitantly with other topical ophthalmic drug products to lower IOP
• If more than one topical ophthalmic drug is being used, the drugs should be administered at least 10 minutes apart. • Instill one drop in the affected eye(s) 3 times daily. • If more than one topical ophthalmic drug is being used, the drugs should be administered at least 10 minutes apart

Ophthalmic suspension containing brinzolamide 1% (10 mg/mL). Ophthalmic suspension containing brinzolamide 1% (10 mg/mL). ( 3 )

• A 3-month controlled clinical study was conducted in which AZOPT was dosed only twice a day
• In pediatric patients 4 weeks to 5 years of age
• Patients were not required to discontinue their IOP-lowering medication(s) until initiation of monotherapy with AZOPT
• IOP-lowering efficacy was not demonstrated in this study in which the mean decrease in elevated IOP was between 0 mmHg and 2 mmHg
• Five out of 32 patients demonstrated an increase in corneal diameter of one millimeter

No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients.

• Sulfonamide Hypersensitivity Reactions Advise patients that if serious or unusual ocular or systemic reactions or signs of hypersensitivity occur, they should discontinue the use of the product and consult their physician immediately [see Warnings and Precautions ]
• Temporary Blurred Vision Vision may be temporarily blurred following dosing with AZOPT
• Advise patients to exercise care in operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle. …

• AZOPT is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to any component of this product
• Hypersensitivity to any component of this product

• There is a potential additive effect of the known systemic effects of carbonic anhydrase inhibition in patients receiving both oral and topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. ( 7.1 ) • Rare instances of acid-base alterations have occurred with high-dose salicylate therapy. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Oral Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors There is a potential for an additive effect on the known systemic effects of carbonic anhydrase inhibition in patients receiving an oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and AZOPT. The concomitant administration of AZOPT and oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors is not recommended. …

• Sulfonamide hypersensitivity reactions. ( 5.1 ) • Corneal edema may occur in patients with low endothelial cell counts. ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Sulfonamide Hypersensitivity Reactions AZOPT is a sulfonamide and although administered topically, it is absorbed systemically. Therefore, the same types of adverse reactions that are attributable to sulfonamides may occur with topical administration of AZOPT. Fatalities have occurred, although rarely, due to severe reactions to sulfonamides, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), fulminant hepatic necrosis, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, and other blood dyscrasias. …

Most common adverse reactions (incidence 5% to 10%) are blurred vision and bitter, sour, or unusual taste. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sandoz Inc. at 1-800-525-8747 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to the rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. …

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women to inform drug-associated risk. In reproductive toxicity studies, brinzolamide administered orally to rats induced fetal toxicity at 375 times the recommended human ophthalmic dose (RHOD) based on mg/kg. In rabbits, no fetal toxicity was observed following oral administration (see Data) . …

Although no human data are available, electrolyte imbalance, development of an acidotic state, and possible nervous system effects may occur following oral administration of an overdose. Serum electrolyte levels (particularly potassium) and blood pH levels should be monitored.

Take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once to make up for it. Check your leaflet, as some medicines are different.