brinzolamide at a glance
Medicine class
Topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
Usual role
Lowering raised pressure in the eye
Form
A preserved eye-drop suspension that must be shaken before use
What is brinzolamide used for?
This product is licensed to reduce elevated pressure inside the eye in adults.
Ocular hypertension
Open-angle glaucoma
Used alone when beta-blocker eye drops have not worked or are contraindicated
Used alongside a beta-blocker or prostaglandin analogue
How does brinzolamide work?
Brinzolamide inhibits carbonic anhydrase II in the eye. This reduces aqueous-humour production, lowering pressure inside the eye.
brinzolamide preparations and strengths
Eye drops
Route: Ophthalmic
Strengths: 10 mg/mL
How to take brinzolamide
Use only in the eye and follow the instructions supplied with the product.
Wash your hands and shake the bottle well.
Do not let the dropper tip touch the eye, eyelid, skin or another surface.
After applying the drop, gently close the eye and press the inner corner near the nose to reduce absorption into the body.
Replace the cap promptly and keep the bottle tightly closed.
Keep different eye preparations separate and use eye ointment last.
Do not drive or operate machinery until temporary blurred vision has cleared.
brinzolamide side effects
Common or expected effects
- Temporary blurred vision
- Eye irritation, pain, redness or a feeling that something is in the eye
- Bitter or unusual taste
- Watery, itchy or light-sensitive eyes
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe blistering, peeling or ulcerating rash
- Serious allergic reaction with facial or throat swelling or breathing difficulty
- Chest pain, marked breathlessness or an abnormal heartbeat
- Significant corneal problems or persistent eye pain and visual disturbance
brinzolamide in pregnancy
NHS information considers harm unlikely because systemic exposure is low. However, the selected product information does not recommend brinzolamide during pregnancy because human data are limited. Pregnancy or pregnancy planning should prompt prescriber or ophthalmology review; do not stop treatment without advice.
brinzolamide while breastfeeding
NHS information states that brinzolamide eye drops can be used while breastfeeding and are not expected to affect the infant. The selected product information says transfer into human milk is unknown and recommends weighing the benefits of breastfeeding and treatment. Discuss use with the prescriber.
brinzolamide interactions
Systemic absorption is limited, but clinically relevant interactions remain possible.
Oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, such as acetazolamide
Combined use is not recommended because systemic effects, including acid–base disturbance, may be additive.
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, including itraconazole, ketoconazole, clotrimazole and ritonavir
They may reduce brinzolamide metabolism, so concurrent use warrants caution.
Other eye drops or eye ointments
Using preparations too close together may wash medicine from the eye; keep them separate and apply ointments last.
Common questions about brinzolamide
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is brinzolamide a beta-blocker?
No. It is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that reduces fluid production inside the eye.
Why can it cause a bitter taste?
Some liquid can drain through the tear duct into the nose and throat. Closing the eye and pressing its inner corner after application can reduce this.
Can I wear contact lenses?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.