Brinzolamide
Glaucoma · Rx
Trade namesAzopt
Drug classTopical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
Strength1% suspension
AvailabilityRx
Mechanism of actionCarbonic anhydrase II inhibition reducing aqueous production. Formulated near neutral pH, so it stings less than dorzolamide but blurs more.
Indication / reason for useOpen-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension; adjunct.
Usual adult dosing1 drop three times daily (twice daily as adjunct). Shake well.
PreservativeBAK 0.01%
Contact lensesRemove lenses; reinsert after 15 minutes.
Common / important adverse effectsBlurred vision on instillation (common), bitter taste, dry eye, blepharitis; endothelial caution as for dorzolamide.
Contraindications & cautionsSevere renal impairment; sulfonamide allergy (labelled); compromised corneal endothelium.
Pregnancy / lactationAvoid where possible.
Practice notesSwitch here from dorzolamide when stinging is the limiting factor; switch away when instillation blur is.
Chair-side reference only. Dosing, contraindications and pregnancy guidance here are not exhaustive. Confirm against the current prescribing information and the patient’s full history before prescribing or advising.