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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking brinzolamide ophthalmic?
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 take brinzolamide ophthalmic?
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.
What happens if I miss a dose of brinzolamide ophthalmic?
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.
Where can I get more information about brinzolamide ophthalmic?
Your pharmacist has information about brinzolamide ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of brinzolamide ophthalmic?
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?
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.
What should I avoid while taking brinzolamide ophthalmic?
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?
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.
What happens if I have an overdose of brinzolamide ophthalmic?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
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a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
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interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
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Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009