Brinzolamide Ophthalmic Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 23, 2024.

Applies to brinzolamide ophthalmic: ophthalmic suspension.

Precautions

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and is not causing unwanted effects.

If itching, redness, swelling, or other signs of eye or eyelid irritation occur, check with your doctor. These signs may mean that you are allergic to brinzolamide.

Serious allergic reactions may occur while using this medicine. Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms: black, tarry stools; blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin; chills; dark urine; joint or muscle pain; rash; red skin lesions, often with a purple center; sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness; or yellow eyes or skin.

If you hurt your eye, develop an eye infection, or need to have an eye surgery, talk with your doctor right away. 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 some people to have blurred vision for a short time. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you cannot see properly. Also, since blurred vision may be a sign of a side effect that needs medical attention, check with your doctor if it continues.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, brinzolamide ophthalmic may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking brinzolamide ophthalmic:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking brinzolamide ophthalmic:

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

Other side effects

Some side effects of brinzolamide ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to brinzolamide ophthalmic: ophthalmic suspension.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported adverse reactions were blurred vision and bitter, sour or unusual taste.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Allergic reactions
• Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Other

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pain, asthenia, fatigue, feeling abnormal, feeling jittery
• Frequency not reported: Peripheral edema, malaise, medication residue^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dysgeusia, tinnitus
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dizziness, hypertonia, somnolence, motor dysfunction, amnesia, memory impairment, paresthesia
• Frequency not reported: Tremor, hypoesthesia, ageusia, vertigo^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Dermatitis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Alopecia, urticaria, rash, maculo-papular rash, generalized pruritus, skin tightness^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Diarrhea, dry mouth, dyspepsia, nausea, esophagitis, vomiting, upper abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort, stomach discomfort, flatulence, frequent bowel movements, gastrointestinal disorder, oral hypoesthesia, oral paresthesia^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Rhinitis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspnea, pharyngitis, nasopharyngitis, sinusitis, bronchial hyperactivity, cough, epistaxis, pharyngolaryngeal pain, throat irritation, nasal congestion, upper respiratory tract congestion, postnasal drip, rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal dryness
• Frequency not reported: Asthma^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cardio-respiratory distress, angina pectoris, bradycardia, irregular palpitations
• Frequency not reported: Arrhythmia, tachycardia, hypertension, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Back pain, muscle spasms, myalgia
• Frequency not reported: Arthralgia, pain in extremity^[Ref]

Renal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Kidney pain
• Frequency not reported: Pollakiuria^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Blepharitis, dry eye, foreign body sensation, ocular hyperemia, ocular discharge, ocular discomfort, ocular keratitis, ocular pain, ocular pruritus, blurred vision, eye irritation
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Conjunctivitis, diplopia, eye fatigue, keratoconjunctivitis, lid margin crusting or sticky sensation, tearing, corneal erosion, punctate keratitis, keratopathy, corneal staining, corneal epithelium defect, corneal epithelium disorder, increased intraocular pressure, increased optic nerve cup/disc ratio, corneal edema, eye swelling, meibomianitis, glare, photophobia, photopsia, reduced visual acuity, allergic conjunctivitis, pterygium, scleral pigmentation, asthenopia, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, eye hypoesthesia, subconjunctival cyst, conjunctival hyperemia, eyelids pruritus
• Frequency not reported: Corneal disorder, visual disturbance, eye allergy, madarosis, eyelid disorder, eyelid erythema^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Decreased red blood cell count, increased blood chloride^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Abnormal liver function test^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Apathy, depression, depressed mood, nightmare, insomnia, nervousness, irritability^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Brinzolamide ophthalmic side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer