Introduction
Azopt is a medicine used to reduce pressure in the eyes. This pressure can be caused by or lead to an illness called glaucoma. If the pressure in your eye is too high it can damage your sight. Azopt works by decreasing the amount of fluid inside the eye.
Never use Azopt if the seal is broken before you use it for the first time. Wash your hands before using it and shake the bottle well before each use. Make sure you remove contact lenses if you wear them and wait for at least 15 minutes before putting them back. Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor. Otherwise the pressure in your eye will not be controlled and this could damage your sight.
The most common side effects of Azopt are blurred vision and bitter taste in your mouth. Sometimes people experience more general effects such as headache, nausea, tiredness or eye irritation. If your vision is blurred or you have other changes in sight for a time, do not drive until your vision is clear.
Do not use this medicine if you have severe kidney problems or are allergic to medicines called sulphonamides. Talk to your doctor before taking it if you have liver problems, dry eyes or cornea problems. Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.
Side effects of Azopt
Common
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Burning sensation
- Bitter taste
How to use Azopt
This medicine is for external use only. Take it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Hold the dropper close to the eye without touching it. Gently squeeze the dropper and place the medicine inside the lower eyelid. Wipe off extra liquid.
How Azopt works
Azopt is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. It works by decreasing the production of aqueous humour (fluid in the eye), thereby lowering the increased eye pressure.
What if you forget to take Azopt?
If you miss a dose of Azopt, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Indication
Open-angle glaucoma, Ocular hypertension
Adult Dose
Ophthalmic
Ocular hypertension; Open-angle glaucoma
Adult: Instill 1 drop to the affected eye bid.
Child Dose
Ophthalmic
Ocular hypertension; Open-angle glaucoma
<2 years
Contraindicated
>2 years
Instill 1 drop to the affected eye bid.
Renal Dose
Renal impairment:
CrCl (ml/min)
<30 Not recommended.
Contraindication
Hypersensitivity to any of the components or sulphonamide. History or current bronchial asthma, severe COPD, sinus bradycardia, 2nd or 3rd degree AV block, overt cardiac failure, cardiogenic shock, CrClr <30 ml/min and hyperchloraemic acidosis.
Mode of Action
Timolol maleate, a nonselective beta-adrenergic blocker, reduces aqueous humor formation. Dorzolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, has actions similar to acetazolamide.
By inhibiting carbonic anhydrase in the ciliary processes of the eye, dorzolamide decreases aqueous humor secretion. Used together, there is additional intraocular pressure reduction compared to using either component alone, but the reduction is not as much as concomitant admin of dorzolamide tid and timolol bid.
Precaution
Hepatic impairment, mild to moderate renal impairment, children <2 yr. Avoid use in pregnancy and lactation. Prinzmetal's angina, cardiac disease, hypotension, myasthenia gravis, history of renal calculi, history of intra-ocular surgery, pre-existing chronic corneal defects. May worsen severe peripheral and central circulatory disorders. May mask symptoms of hypoglycaemia and hyperthyroidism. Withdraw gradually, especially in patients with coronary heart disease. Discontinue treatment at the first signs or symptoms of cardiac failure. Contact lenses to be removed before eyedrop application and wait at least 15 minutes before reinsertion. Apply other eyedrops 10 minutes apart. May affect ability to drive or operate machinery as it may cause blurred vision.
Lactation: Excreted in breast milk; not recommended
Side Effect
>10%
Dorzolamide
Ocular burning, stinging, discomfort (33%),Bitter taste (25%),Superficial punctate keratitis (10-15%),Ocular allergic reactions (10%)
Frequency Not Defined
Dorzolamide,Blurred vision,Ocular dryness,Photophobia,Ocular redness,Tearing,Stevens-Johnson syndrome,Toxic epidermal necrolysis
Timolol
Arrythmia,Bradycardia,Syncope,Fatigue,Headache,Dyspnea,Bronchospasm,Chest pain,Edema,Paresthesia,Nausea,Rales,Depression,Decreased exercise tolerance,Raynaud's phenomenon
Potentially Fatal: Cardiac failure, bronchospasm.
Pregnancy Category Note
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: Excreted in breast milk; not recommended
Interaction
Additive hypotension and bradycardia with oral calcium channel blockers, catecholamine-depleting drugs or beta-blockers, antiarrhythmics (e.g. amiodarone), digitalis glycosides, parasympathomimetics, narcotics and MAOIs. Additive systemic side effects with oral carbonic anhydrase or beta-blockers; avoid concurrent use. Additive systemic beta-blockade with CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g. quinidine, SSRIs) and timolol.