Zolaren

Indications

Brinzolamide eye drops are used to lower raised pressure inside the eye in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (high eye pressure without nerve damage). Lowering the pressure helps protect the optic nerve and sight. It can be used alone or together with other glaucoma eye drops.

How It Works

Brinzolamide blocks an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase in the eye. This reduces the amount of fluid (aqueous humour) the eye makes, so the pressure inside the eye falls.

Dosage and Administration

Adults: usually 1 drop of the 1% suspension in the affected eye or eyes twice a day; some people need it three times a day, as prescribed. Shake the bottle well before each use. Wash hands, tilt the head back, pull down the lower lid and place one drop without touching the eye with the tip. Then close the eye and press gently on the inner corner for 1 to 2 minutes. If you use other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between them. Use it every day; glaucoma usually has no symptoms, so do not stop without asking the doctor.

Interactions

Do not use it with carbonic anhydrase inhibitor tablets such as Acetazolamide unless the doctor advises, as the effects add up. High doses of Aspirin (salicylates) may increase side effects. Tell the doctor about all medicines, including other eye drops.

Contraindications

• Allergy to brinzolamide or any ingredient of the drops.
• Known allergy to sulfonamide (sulfa) medicines.
• Severe kidney disease.
• Hyperchloraemic acidosis (a type of acid build-up in the blood).

Side Effects

Common: short-lived blurred vision after putting in the drops, a bitter or unusual taste, eye irritation, redness, dryness or itching, and headache.

Get urgent medical help for: a severe skin reaction (widespread rash, blistering or peeling), signs of an allergic reaction (swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing), severe eye pain, swelling, discharge or a sudden change in vision.

Pregnancy and Lactation

It is not recommended during pregnancy unless the doctor judges that the benefit outweighs the risk. It is not known whether it passes into breast milk; ask the doctor before using it while breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

The drops may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride) that soft contact lenses can absorb; remove lenses before use and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back. Vision may be blurred for a short time after use, so wait until it clears before driving. Tell the doctor if you have liver problems, dry eyes or a damaged cornea. Keep regular eye check-ups so the doctor can measure the pressure.

Overdose

Putting in an extra drop is unlikely to cause harm; rinse the eye with clean water if it stings. If the drops are swallowed, especially by a child, seek medical advice, as it may affect the body's salt and acid balance.

Therapeutic Class

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (anti-glaucoma eye preparation).

Storage

Store below 30°C, away from light and out of the reach of children. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed and throw it away 4 weeks after first opening.