Description:

Azopt Eye Drop Suspension (Brinzolamide 10mg/ml, 5ml by Novartis) is a sterile ophthalmic suspension used to lower elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that reduces aqueous humor production in the eye, thereby decreasing pressure inside the eye and helping to prevent optic nerve damage and vision loss. In Ghana (Accra), it is a common prescription eye drop available in pharmacies and eye clinics for glaucoma management, often used alone or in combination with other IOP-lowering medications (e.g., beta-blockers, prostaglandin analogs).

Prescription: Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; dispensed by pharmacies with Rx; typically prescribed by ophthalmologists or eye care specialists after IOP measurement and glaucoma evaluation; not OTC due to need for proper diagnosis, monitoring, and risk of side effects).

Therapeutic Category:

Topical Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor / Ophthalmic Antiglaucoma Agent (Reduces aqueous humor production).

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each ml of suspension contains:

• Active ingredient: Brinzolamide – 10 mg (1% w/v).
• Total per 5 ml bottle: 50 mg brinzolamide. Other ingredients: Benzalkonium chloride (preservative), mannitol, carbomer 974P, tyloxapol, edetate disodium, sodium chloride, hydrochloric acid/sodium hydroxide (pH adjustment), purified water. The suspension is white to off-white, milky, and sterile.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Azopt 10mg/ml (1%) eye drop suspension 5ml bottle (standard strength and size). Related variants: Azopt in larger bottles (e.g., 10ml in some markets), combination products (e.g., Simbrinza – brinzolamide + brimonidine), or other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (dorzolamide). The 5ml bottle is the most common retail size.

Consume Type:

Ophthalmic – Eye drop suspension (instilled into the conjunctival sac; shake well before each use; not for oral or systemic use).

Directions/Usage: Shake bottle vigorously before each use (10 seconds or until contents are uniform).

• Adults and children (if prescribed): Instill 1 drop into the affected eye(s) 2–3 times daily (usual starting regimen is twice daily).
• Technique: Tilt head back → pull lower eyelid down → instill 1 drop without touching dropper tip to eye → close eye gently for 1–2 minutes → press inner corner (tear duct) to reduce systemic absorption → repeat in other eye if both are treated.
• If using other eye drops, wait at least 5–10 minutes between different medications.
• Remove contact lenses before instillation (wait 15 minutes before reinserting).
• Duration: Long-term (often lifelong) for glaucoma/ocular hypertension; do not stop without ophthalmologist advice.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Blurred vision (temporary).
• Eye irritation, burning, stinging, or foreign body sensation.
• Dry eye.
• Bitter/unpleasant taste in mouth (systemic absorption).
• Eye redness or discharge. Less common: Headache, eye pain, photophobia, corneal deposits (rare with long-term use). Rare/serious (seek help): Severe eye pain, vision changes, severe allergic reactions (swelling, rash), or signs of infection.

Package Type:

Plastic dropper bottle of 5ml (with controlled-drop dispenser tip and protective cap; often in individual carton with patient information leaflet and instructions for use).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in upright position, in original packaging, protected from light. Do not freeze. Keep tightly closed. Discard 4 weeks after first opening (check label for exact discard date).

Safety Advice:

• Shake well before each use (suspension can settle).
• Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to brinzolamide, sulfonamides (sulfa allergy – cross-reactivity possible), or severe renal impairment.
• Caution in patients with corneal endothelial dystrophy (risk of corneal edema), narrow-angle glaucoma, or concomitant use of oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
• Remove contact lenses before instillation (wait 15 minutes before reinserting).
• If severe eye pain, vision loss, swelling, or signs of infection occur, stop use and seek immediate ophthalmic care.
• Safe in pregnancy/breastfeeding when benefits outweigh risks (consult doctor).
• Keep out of reach of children (accidental ingestion risk).

Product Substitutes: Similar brinzolamide 10mg/ml (1%) eye drops in Ghana include:

• Generic brinzolamide 1% ophthalmic suspension (various importers).
• Azopt (original Novartis brand – same product, higher price if stocked). Alternatives: Dorzolamide 2% eye drops (Trusopt), combination products (e.g., Dorzolamide + Timolol – Cosopt, Brinzolamide + Brimonidine – Simbrinza). Consult ophthalmologist/pharmacist in Accra for alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Novartis (original brand holder for Azopt brinzolamide ophthalmic suspension). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by Novartis affiliates or local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked).

Country of Origin:

Spain or United States (original Azopt formulations manufactured in Spain, USA, or other Novartis facilities; imported to Ghana and widely available in local pharmacies).