Azopt – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Wednesday, August 15, 2018 by Zoey Sky

Azopt is a brand of medication that comes in the form of eye drops. It is used to treat glaucoma, a condition that increases pressure in the eye and causes vision loss.

The medication contains brinzolamide, an active ingredient that belongs to a class of medications called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. It helps to decrease the pressure in the eye.

Azopt’s generic name is brinzolamide ophthalmic (“for the eye”).

Known health risks or side effects of Azopt

Azopt may cause common side effects such as:

A bitter/sour/unusual taste in your mouth
Diarrhea
Double vision
Drooping eyelids
Dry eyes
Eye discharge
Feeling as if there’s something in your eye
A headache
Nausea
Temporary blurred vision
Temporary discomfort/itching/redness/burning/stinging of the eye
Stomach or back pain

You may require immediate medical attention if you experience severe side effects such as:

Back/side/stomach pain
Chest pain
Dark-colored urine
Easy bruising or bleeding
Persistent nausea or vomiting
Signs of infection, such as chills, fever, or a persistent sore throat
Swelling or pain in the eye or eyelid
Unusual tiredness
Yellowing of the eyes or skin/jaundice

List of organs that might be affected by Azopt

An overdose of Azopt may cause the following complications:

Confusion
An irregular heartbeat
Muscle cramps or pain
Numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the hands or feet
Seizures
Trembling
Weakness and heaviness in the legs

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, consult a healthcare professional. If your symptoms are severe, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Food items or nutrients that have similar effects to Azopt

The following nutrients have similar effects to Azopt:

Alpha lipoic acid – A powerful antioxidant, alpha lipoic acid can help treat glaucoma naturally and lower eye pressure. It helps protect the eyes from free radical damage and it can keep the soft tissue of the eyes flexible and supple. Take at least 100 milligrams (mg) of alpha lipoic acid twice daily.
Fish oil – Taking about 1,000 mg of a high-quality fish oil (600 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and 400 mg docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) can help lower eye pressure. Omega-3 fatty acids can also keep your eye tissues healthy and strong.
Magnesium – Taking at least 250 mg of magnesium daily can help relax the blood vessels and improve healthy blood flow and circulation to the eyes.

Treatment and management options for the side effects of Azopt

The following treatments and management options can help prevent the side effects associated with Azopt:

Barley – Barley can help treat jaundice because it is a diuretic and it can wash away harmful toxins from the body. Add a cup of barley to about six pints (three liters) of water. Simmer for several hours, then strain it and let it cool. Add honey, lemon juice, and salt if you wish. Drink about four to five glasses of barley water daily until your symptoms go away.
Bilberry – Bilberry is a herb that can help improve eyesight and night vision. The herb contains anthocyanoside, a compound with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Bilberries can help prevent cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Eat half a cup of bilberries or take more than 160 mg of bilberry supplements daily.
Ginkgo biloba – Ginkgo biloba can help improve blood flow to the eyes. This is a common remedy for patients with glaucoma and macular degeneration. Take a 120 mg capsule of ginkgo biloba every day, but divide the capsule into two or three doses.