Brinzolamide Ophthalmic

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor will order certain eye tests to check your response to brinzolamide eye drops.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Usual Adult Dose for Intraocular Hypertension:

One drop in the affected eye(s) three times a day

Comments:
-If more than one topical ophthalmic drug is being used, the drugs should be administered at least 10 minutes apart.

Use: Treatment of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma

Usual Adult Dose for Glaucoma (Open Angle):

One drop in the affected eye(s) three times a day

Comments:
-If more than one topical ophthalmic drug is being used, the drugs should be administered at least 10 minutes apart.

Use: Treatment of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma

Brinzolamide is used to treat high pressure inside the eye due to glaucoma (open angle-type) or other eye diseases (e.g., ocular hypertension). Lowering high pressure inside the eye helps to prevent blindness. This medication works by decreasing the amount of fluid within the eye. It belongs to a class of drugs known as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

How to use Brinzolamide Drops, Suspension

Apply this medication in the affected eye(s), usually one drop 3 times a day or as directed by your doctor. Shake the bottle well before using.

To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.

The preservative in this product may be absorbed by contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using your eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes after each dose before putting your lenses back in.

Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed.

Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 10 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same times each day. It is important to continue using brinzolamide even if you feel well. Most people with glaucoma or high pressure in the eye do not feel sick.

Before using brinzolamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other eye conditions, kidney problems, liver disease.

If you develop an eye infection or injury, or have eye surgery, check with your doctor about whether you should continue to use your current bottle of brinzolamide. You may be advised to start using a new bottle.

Your vision may be temporarily blurred or unstable after applying this drug. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.