Azopt

Azopt is used in treating patients with increased pressure in the eye due to glaucoma or ocular hypertension. High pressure in the eye can lead to blindness.

This medication can prevent vision loss by lowering high pressure inside the eye. This product is available in suspension.

If you are about to start using Azopt, speak with your doctor about what you need to know. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to Azopt or to any other medications.

You should also inform your healthcare providers if you are allergic to foods, dyes, or animals. Safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established in children. This medicine has not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but with the exception in some cases. Dosage or frequency of one or both of your medicines may be changed if both medicines are prescribed together.

• Ceritinib
• Dabrafenib
• Idelalisib
• Memantine
• Piperaquine

Some medical conditions can interact with this medication.

Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Allergy to sulfa drugs
• Cornea problems
• Eye infection
• Eye surgery
• Kidney disease - should not be used in patients with this condition.

Proper usage of Azopt requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. Excessive use of this medication is not recommended. This medication is not for long-term use.

Directions to use eye drops:

Wash your hands before using this medication. Shake it before putting the medicine in your eye. Look up to the ceiling with both eyes. While tilting your head back, pull your eyelid down with one hand. Hold the bottle in your other hand.

Place one eye drop inside your lower lid and gently close the eye. Keep the eye closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed. Do not blink. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them immediately after using the eye drops.

If your doctor ordered two different eye drops to be used together, wait at least 10 minutes between the times you apply for the medicines.

Recommended dosage for glaucoma or hypertension of the eye:

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is near for your next dose, skip the missed dose and start again to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Once you opened the medication, you may store it in the refrigerator or in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light for up to 14 days. Do not keep expired medications.

Before using Azopt, there are some precautions you must take. Your doctor will be checking you regularly for the effectiveness of the medication. Blood tests may be ordered as well for undesirable effects.

Discontinue this medication and check with your doctor immediately if you have developed any signs of allergic reaction.

Check with your doctor if you hurt your eye, develop an eye infection, or need to have an eye surgery. Your doctor may want you to use a new bottle of the eye drops to help prevent an eye infection or keep an infection from getting worse.

This medicine may cause temporary blurring of vision for some people. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or any other risky activities when you take this medication.

Check with your doctor if this side effect continues. Talk to your doctor if you are planning to take any other medication.

Make sure you meet with your doctor in using Azopt to avoid unwanted potential side effects.

If any of the following side effects occur, check with your doctor right away:

• Blurred vision
• Discharge from the eye
• Dry eyes
• Redness, soreness, irritation, or pain of the eye or eyelid
• Skin rash
• Chest pain
• Cough
• Crusting in the corner of the eye
• Difficulty with swallowing
• Dizziness
• Double vision
• Excessive muscle tone
• Eye redness, irritation, or pain
• Fast heartbeat
• Hives
• Itching, swelling, or other signs of eye or eyelid irritation
• Kidney pain
• Muscle stiffness
• Muscle tension or tightness
• Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• Seeing double
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Tightness in the chest
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Wheezing
• Abdominal or stomach pain
• Blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin
• Chills
• Clay-colored stools
• Dark urine
• Diarrhea
• Fever with or without chills
• General feeling of tiredness or weakness
• Headache
• Hoarseness
• Joint or muscle pain
• Loss of appetite
• Lower back or side pain
• Nausea
• Painful or difficult urination
• Red or irritated eyes
• Red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• Sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• Swollen or painful glands
• Unpleasant breath odor
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Vomiting of blood
• Yellow eyes or skin

Symptoms of overdose:

• confusion
• irregular heartbeat
• muscle cramps or pain
• numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the hands or feet
• seizures
• trembling
• weakness and heaviness of the legs

Less serious side effects:

• Bitter, sour, or other unusual taste
• Burning, stinging, or discomfort when medicine is applied
• Dry eyes
• Feeling of something in the eye
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Stuffy nose
• Acid or sour stomach
• Belching
• Body aches or pain
• Congestion
• Difficult or labored breathing
• Dry mouth
• Hair loss
• Heartburn
• Hives or welts
• Indigestion
• Stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
• Tender, swollen glands in the neck
• Thinning of the hair
• Voice changes

Not all side effects are listed above. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.