brinzolamide

Brinzolamide (Azopt) is a sulfa medication. Although this medication is placed on the eye, some of it can potentially be absorbed into your bloodstream and cause allergic reactions in other parts of the body. In some rare cases, sulfa allergies can involve severe rashes, liver damage, or low numbers of blood cells. These can be life-threatening. It is also possible to have eye or eyelid irritation from a mild allergic reaction to this medication. Stop using brinzolamide (Azopt) right away and contact your provider if you experience a serious rash, stomach pain, or feel generally unwell or weaker than usual. If you have had allergies to other sulfa medications, such as Bactrim or Septra (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim), talk to your provider about alternative medications.

Brinzolamide (Azopt) can cause swelling of the cornea, the protective covering on the front of the eye. If you have ever been told that your cornea is thin or has a low number of cells, talk to your provider before starting brinzolamide (Azopt).

Brinzolamide (Azopt) is not recommended for people with severe kidney disease. The clinical studies for this medication didn't include people with severe kidney disease. The kidneys are responsible for clearing brinzolamide (Azopt) from the body, so if they aren't working well, you're more likely to get medication build-up and side effects. If you have kidney disease, talk to your provider before starting this medication.

Brinzolamide (Azopt) is for treating open-angle glaucoma, the most common type of glaucoma. Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a different condition that is less common, usually happens suddenly, and requires a different treatment approach to quickly lower eye pressure. If you have been diagnosed with acute angle-closure glaucoma, don't take brinzolamide (Azopt) unless your provider specifically tells you to.