Azopt® Ophthalmic Suspension for Lowering Eye Pressure

What Azopt® Is and How It Works

Azopt® (brinzolamide) is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor used to lower elevated intraocular pressure in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It is an ophthalmic suspension at 1% strength (10 mg/mL). Many people know it as azopt eye drops. YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba, and licensed pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

Brinzolamide decreases aqueous humor production in the ciliary processes. Less fluid in the front of the eye lowers pressure and helps protect the optic nerve. Azopt® is usually dosed twice daily, and some patients use it three times daily when needed. The multi-dose bottle contains benzalkonium chloride (BAK) as a preservative.

Dosage and Usage

• Shake the bottle well before each use. It is a suspension and needs uniform mixing.
• Typical adult dose: instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily. Some regimens use 1 drop three times daily if the pressure response is inadequate.
• Before dosing, remove contact lenses. BAK can be absorbed by soft lenses; wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting.
• Avoid touching the dropper tip to the eye, eyelid, or any surface.
• After instilling a drop, gently press the inner corner of the eye (nasolacrimal occlusion) for 1–2 minutes to reduce systemic absorption and bad taste.
• If using other eye drops, separate products by at least 5–10 minutes. Use gels/ointments last.
• Missed dose: instill when remembered unless it is near the next scheduled dose. Do not double up.
• Vision may blur briefly after dosing. Wait for clear vision before driving or using machinery.
• Common pack sizes include azopt 5 ml bottles. Label may indicate single- or multi-bottle supply.
• The product is also described as azopt 1 ophthalmic suspension or azopt 10 mg ml eye drops on some labels.

• Store at room temperature 15–30 °C (59–86 °F). Do not freeze. Keep the cap tightly closed.
• Keep the bottle clean and dry. Discard if the suspension changes color, becomes clumpy, or is contaminated.
• Follow your pharmacy label about how long to keep the bottle after opening.
• When traveling, carry Azopt® in hand luggage. Protect from heat and freezing. Keep upright when possible.
• Pack a spare bottle if traveling for an extended period, and bring your prescription in case of loss.

Benefits and Savings

Azopt® lowers eye pressure and can be combined with other classes for additive effect. Many people find it comfortable to use compared with some alternatives. The twice-daily schedule is convenient for daily routines. As a suspension, it often causes less stinging than some solutions.

You can access Canadian pricing that often offers 60–80% savings versus typical US retail costs. This can reduce the azopt cost per month, especially for long-term therapy. If budgeting, compare the azopt eye drops price across bottle sizes, since multi-month supplies and bulk promotions may lower the per-month expense.

Brinzolamide is available as a generic in many markets. Pairing brand and generic choices helps you find the best price of azopt eye drops for your needs. If looking for the azopt generic cost, compare both options on the product page before checkout.

Medicines we ship are sourced through licensed, vetted international partner pharmacies, with authentic brands, a broad selection, and affordable pricing.

See current offers on our promotions page for an azopt coupon.

Side Effects and Safety

• Temporary blurred vision
• Eye discomfort, burning, or stinging after instillation
• Bitter or unusual taste in the mouth
• Dry eye or foreign-body sensation
• Headache
• Conjunctival hyperemia (eye redness)
• Eyelid irritation

Serious reactions are uncommon. Brinzolamide is a sulfonamide derivative; hypersensitivity reactions may occur in people with sulfonamide allergy. Use caution in severe renal impairment because systemic carbonic anhydrase inhibition can cause metabolic effects, though topical exposure is low. Corneal edema may occur in eyes with pre-existing corneal compromise. The BAK preservative may discolor soft contact lenses and can worsen dry eye in some users. Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should discuss risks and benefits with a clinician.

Onset Time

Pressure reduction begins within hours of the first dose. Many users see a measurable intraocular pressure drop by the first follow-up visit. The response stabilizes over 1–2 weeks of regular use. Maximum effect may take several weeks as dosing is optimized and the regimen is fine-tuned with companion therapies.

Compare With Alternatives

Dorzolamide is another topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. It works similarly and is often dosed two to three times daily. Some patients report more stinging with dorzolamide solutions, while brinzolamide suspensions like Azopt® can feel gentler. Your eye care professional decides based on pressure targets, tolerability, and convenience.

Alpha-2 agonists such as Alphagan® Ophthalmic Solution reduce aqueous production and increase uveoscleral outflow. They can be paired with Azopt® for additive pressure lowering when a single agent is not enough.

Beta-blockers like Timolol are longstanding options for lowering intraocular pressure. Timolol can be used with Azopt®, especially in patients who cannot achieve target pressure with monotherapy. Prostaglandin analogs such as latanoprost are first-line in many cases and may be kept at bedtime while Azopt® covers daytime dosing.

Combination Therapy

• With a prostaglandin analog at night to deepen trough pressure control.
• With an alpha-2 agonist for additive reduction in aqueous production.
• With a topical beta-blocker in patients needing stronger pressure lowering during daytime hours.
• Separate different drops by at least 5–10 minutes to avoid washout and ensure absorption.
• Use gels or ointments last if part of the regimen.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Azopt® is used in adults with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who need lower intraocular pressure. It may be considered when a patient cannot tolerate or does not respond to a prostaglandin analog alone. It can help patients needing additive therapy with a different mechanism.

It may not be suitable for those with a known sulfonamide allergy, severe kidney problems, or significant corneal disease. The suspension contains BAK, which may be problematic for people with dry eye or frequent soft contact lens wear. Pediatric use is limited and should follow specialist guidance.

Set reorder reminders so therapy is not interrupted. A 5 mL bottle often supports a month of use for both eyes at twice-daily dosing, but usage varies. Buying multiple bottles together can lower the monthly azopt price when bulk promotions are available. You can order online, and customer-service chat is available during posted office hours for help with product selection and refills.

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information for Brinzolamide Ophthalmic Suspension

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Azopt

Alcon Product Page for Azopt (Brinzolamide) 1%

Order Azopt® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from your eye care professional. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the patient information that comes with the medicine.