Azopt is a brand of prescription medication. It is designed for adults experiencing elevated eye pressure due to the following conditions:
- Ocular hypertension, characterized by high pressure within the eye
- Open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of glaucoma induced by increased intraocular pressure
The primary component of Azopt is brinzolamide. This drug belongs to the category of medications known as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Azopt’s function is to reduce intraocular pressure by limiting the eye’s fluid production.
Azopt is available as a liquid solution in a dropper bottle, allowing users to apply the medication directly to the eye. Each bottle is formulated with a concentration of 10 mg/mL.
Why Is Azopt So Expensive?
The price you pay for Azopt will depend on various factors including your insurance coverage, your location, and the pharmacy you choose. As Azopt is a brand-name drug, it tends to be more expensive than its generic equivalent, Brinzolamide.
For instance, a supply of 10 milliliters of Azopt ophthalmic solution 1% can cost approximately $389, depending on the pharmacy. It is generally more expensive compared to both Trusopt and its generic version, dorzolamide.
Azopt Dosage
Azopt is dispensed in dropper bottles containing a liquid solution. You administer the medication by placing drops into your eye using the bottle’s dropper tip.
The medication is available at a single concentration of 10 mg/mL and comes in two bottle sizes: 10 mL and 15 mL.
To alleviate elevated ocular pressure, Azopt is typically administered three times daily, with one drop applied to the affected eye(s).
If you use other eye drops, consult your doctor to confirm if you can continue them alongside Azopt. Ensure to wait at least 10 minutes between applying each different eye drop.
In case you miss a dose of Azopt, apply it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. In such scenarios, skip the missed dose, take your regular dose, and adhere to your usual schedule.
Azopt Alternatives
Several medications can help manage high ocular pressure, and different options might be more suitable for different individuals. If you are considering an alternative to Azopt, consult your doctor to explore other effective medications.
Some alternatives for treating elevated ocular pressure include:
- bimatoprost (Lumigan)
- brimonidine/timolol (Combigan)
- brinzolamide/brimonidine (Simbrinza)
- dorzolamide (Trusopt)
- dorzolamide/timolol (Cosopt)
- latanoprost (Xalatan)
- travoprost (Travatan Z)
- timolol maleate (Timoptic)