Why is this medication prescribed?  

Brinzolamide ophthalmic is used to treat glaucoma, a condition that increases pressure in the eye and leads to vision loss. Brinzolamide ophthalmic is in a class of drugs called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. It decreases the pressure in the eye.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?  

Brinzolamide ophthalmic comes as eyedrops. One drop is usually applied three times a day. Shake the bottle well before each dose. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use brinzolamide ophthalmic exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Brinzolamide ophthalmic controls glaucoma but does not cure it. Continue to use brinzolamide ophthalmic even if you feel well. Do not stop using brinzolamide ophthalmic without talking to your doctor.

To use the eyedrops, follow these instructions:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Use a mirror or have someone else put the drops in your eye.
• Shake the bottle well for 10 seconds.
• Remove the protective cap. Make sure the end of the dropper is not chipped or cracked.
• Avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye or anything else.
• Hold the dropper tip down at all times to prevent drops from flowing back into the bottle and contaminating the remaining contents.
• Lie down or tilt your head back.
• Holding the bottle between your thumb and index finger, place the dropper tip as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
• Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
• With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket.
• Drop the prescribed number of drops into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye. Placing drops on the surface of the eyeball can cause stinging.
• Close your eye and press lightly against the lower lid with your finger for 2 - 3 minutes to keep the medication in the eye. Do not blink.
• Replace and tighten the cap right away. Do not wipe or rinse it off.
• Wipe off any excess liquid from your cheek with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?  

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?  

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor will order certain eye tests to check your response to brinzolamide ophthalmic.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

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