Azopt

Azopt is an ophthalmic medication used to treat glaucoma.

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Indications Azopta

It is used to reduce elevated IOP levels in ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma.

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Release form

The product is released in drops, which are contained in bottles equipped with a special dispenser.

Pharmacodynamics

The active element of the drug blocks the activity of carbonic anhydrase 2, which results in inhibition of the formation of bicarbonate ions, and at the same time, the movement of fluid with sodium is weakened. This leads to a decrease in the volume of intraocular fluid produced inside the ciliary body of the eye, which causes a weakening of the IOP values.

The drug has the ability to penetrate the circulatory system. The active substance is adsorbed inside erythrocytes. In this case, a decay product is formed - a component of N-desethyl brinzolamide, which also accumulates inside erythrocytes and is synthesized with carbonic anhydrase.

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Pharmacokinetics

The half-life of the drug is 111 days. The level of protein synthesis in plasma is 60%.

The active ingredient and its metabolic products are excreted unchanged, mainly in the urine.

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Dosing and administration

Drops of the drug must be instilled into the conjunctival sac - the portion size is 1 drop. This procedure must be carried out daily, twice a day.

The bottle with drops should be shaken before use. The medicine should be used with caution, without touching the dropper of the bottle to open areas of the skin.

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Use Azopta during pregnancy

There is no information regarding the ophthalmic use of brinzolamide in pregnant women. Animal tests have shown toxic effects on the reproductive organs when used systemically. Azopt should not be prescribed during pregnancy or to women of childbearing age who are not using contraception.

Lactation period.

There is no data on whether brinzolamide or its breakdown products are excreted in breast milk after topical ophthalmic use of the drug. Animal tests have shown that after oral administration of drops, minimal amounts of brinzolamide were excreted in milk.

It is prohibited to use the medicine during breastfeeding, because the possibility of complications in infants and newborns cannot be ruled out.

Contraindications

Main contraindications:

• the presence of increased sensitivity to medicinal components;
• severe renal dysfunction.

Caution is required when used in people with severe liver dysfunction or closed-angle glaucoma, because studies of the drug's effectiveness in such disorders have not been conducted.

If the patient develops hypersensitivity symptoms, Azopt should be discontinued.

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Side effects Azopta

Often, the use of drops leads to the appearance of bitterness in the mouth, and in addition to this, to transient visual clouding immediately after instillation. The bitter taste most likely occurs due to the penetration of the drug into the nasopharynx. To reduce the likelihood of such a reaction, you should close your eyelids tightly after the instillation procedure.

In addition, when using the drug, the following negative effects may occur:

• diseases of an infectious nature: sinusitis with nasopharyngitis, as well as pharyngitis;
• disorders affecting the ophthalmological system: eye pain or a sensation of a foreign body, as well as ocular hyperemia, itching or dryness. Blepharitis, eye discharge, eye irritation, corneal erosion, punctate keratitis and a defect in the epithelium of the cornea are also noted. In addition, corneal or eye edema and precipitates occur, the IOP increases, photosensitivity, diplopia, conjunctival hyperemia and pterygium develop. Weakening of vision, ocular hypoesthesia, significant increase in ocular sensitivity, asthenopia and conjunctivitis may be noted. Along with this, scales may form on the edges of the eyelids, keratopathy or keratitis may appear, the cornea becomes stained, lacrimation increases and excavation in the area of the optic disc increases. Possible disorders in the corneal epithelium, photopsia with meibomitis, swelling or itching in the eyelid area, pigmentation affecting the sclera, subconjunctival cysts or dry keratoconjunctivitis;
• CVS dysfunction: irregular heart rate, angina or bradycardia, as well as CRDS;
• problems affecting the gastrointestinal tract: nausea, bloating, dry mouth, abdominal discomfort, stomach upset and esophagitis. In addition, vomiting, stomach discomfort, increased intestinal peristalsis, pain in the upper abdominal region and paresthesia inside the mouth may be observed;
• epidermal lesions: rashes, thickening of the skin, urticaria, itching and alopecia;
• circulatory disorders: increased blood chloride levels or decreased red blood cell levels;
• disorders of the central nervous system: the appearance of nightmares, feelings of drowsiness, depression or nervousness, the development of apathy, insomnia, amnesia, dizziness or headaches. Decreased mood, impaired motor coordination, severe fatigue and anxiety, a feeling of irritability, memory loss and the appearance of paresthesia may also be noted;
• problems with hearing organs: tinnitus;
• Respiratory system manifestations: dyspnea, nasal congestion, cough, pain in the larynx and throat, nosebleeds or dryness. In addition, sneezing, rhinitis, throat irritation and bronchial hyperactivity may occur;
• disorders of the musculoskeletal system: myalgia, muscle spasms and pain in the lumbar region;
• reproductive dysfunction: erectile dysfunction and decreased libido;
• other symptoms: asthenia and chest pain.

If side effects develop, the treatment course must be stopped.

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Overdose

When using drops locally, overdose is not observed.

When taken orally, the following signs of poisoning may develop: electrolyte imbalance, acidosis, and, in addition, disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system.

In this case, it is suggested to monitor the blood pH level and electrolyte levels.

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Interactions with other drugs

It is forbidden to combine Azopt with orally administered drugs that inhibit carbonic anhydrase activity, because this increases the likelihood of negative symptoms. Large doses of salicylates also increase the risk of negative symptoms.

The medicine can be combined with other local ophthalmological drugs, but the interval between their applications should be at least 10 minutes.

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Storage conditions

Azopt must be kept in a place closed to children. Temperature level – within 4-30°C.

Shelf life

Azopt can be used within 24 months from the date of manufacture of the drops. An opened bottle has a 1-month shelf life.

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Application for children

Since there is no data regarding the safety of using drops in children, they should not be prescribed to this age group.

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Analogues

The analogues of the drug are Artelac, Dorzopt and Okulohel with Betoptic and Xalatan, as well as Xonef.

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Reviews

Azopt generally receives good reviews from people who have used it, although many point out the presence of a large number of negative symptoms. Among the most common complaints are the development of headaches or dizziness, redness in the eye area, pain in the heart area, and increased blood pressure. This is why the drug must be used with caution, constantly monitoring the patient's condition during therapy.