Description:

Azopt Eye Drop Suspension 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.

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:

Switzerland