Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml

About

Asthma is one of the most common lung diseases affecting millions of people across the globe. Characterized by strenuous breathing and feeling of tightness in the chest among others, it is due to constricted airways triggered by cold, infection, allergy, etc. Several drugs have been devised to help treat / or prevent an attack. Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml belongs to a class of drugs called inhaled corticosteroids which helps bring ease to patients suffering from breathlessness, wheezing and other symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and other COPDs. 

Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml is chemically composed of Beclomethasone, a corticosteroid that works by controlling and inhibiting the inflammatory reaction and limiting the release of chemical substances involved in inflammation such as leukotrienes, histamine and cytokines, and many others. Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml is safe to be prescribed to patients over the age of 12 years and is considered safe to be recommended to pregnant and lactating women but should be best avoided in the first trimester and do not use before consulting a doctor. The intake of alcohol and tobacco smoking is prohibited while undergoing treatment with Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml. 

Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml is available in form of an inhaler commonly called a “puffer”, meant to be administered through the mouth by inhalation. The dose is prescribed by your doctor, usually, 2 puffs per dose are advised twice a day. The inhaler must be kept clean, making sure to clean and change the mouthpiece every few weeks upon frequent use. Some common side effects observed with Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml include sore throat, headaches, and dry throat, dry nose/ nose bleeds are commonly felt by patients and they tend to resolve on their own in a few hours to days. If you do not feel better or notice a deterioration in your symptoms consult a doctor at once. 

Indications

Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml can be used to treat:

• Asthma 

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 

• Allergic Rhinitis 

 

How Does Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml Work

Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml chemically contains a steroid, beclomethasone in a solution form that works by attaching to the Glucocorticoid Receptor, subsequently inhibiting the inflammatory reaction and limiting the release of chemical substances involved in inflammation such as leukotrienes, histamine, and cytokines, and many others. This action helps bring ease to patients suffering from asthma, bronchitis, and other COPDs. The steroid helps to reduce and prevent the swelling in the airway making it easier to breathe. 

How To Use Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml

Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml is available upon prescription, released in a mist form. To use Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml, a special device built for inhaling the medicine must be used, known as an Inhaler. Read the instruction manual available with the device carefully to help you understand the setup and functioning. The inhaler turns the solution form into a mist that can be inhaled easily via an attached mouthpiece. Maintenance and cleaning of inhaler is very important 

The inhaler forms an L - shaped device with a canister on top and a mouthpiece at the other end. Before using Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml, shake it well then uncap Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml and place the inhaler opening in the mouth such that they encircle the mouthpiece, creating a tight seal. Press on the canister on the top of the inhaler. Inhale deeply and if possible hold your breath for 10 seconds to allow the medicine to reach your lungs. Usually, two puffs are prescribed, no time-lapse or lag is necessary between the two puffs. Remember to place the cap back on the inhaler after use.

It is recommended to rinse your mouth with water after each use of Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml to reduce the chance of a fungal infection. Use of Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml is not to be stopped abruptly without the consent of a physician as that tends to worsen the symptoms of asthma or COPD. Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml is a slow-acting drug and therefore must be taken regularly and a minimum of an hour before any strenuous exercise. 

Dosage Form And Potency 

Inhaler - 250 mcg

Dosage

Adult Dosage

Dosage may be altered depending on the patient’s illness and any adverse effects the patient might feel. Usually, it is given in divided doses twice or thrice daily: 

2 puffs per dose (500 mcg)

Do not exceed more than 2000 mcg in a day (8 puffs)

Child Dosage

A lower strength (50 or 100 mcg) inhaler may be more suitable for children with regards to safety. Discuss dosage with your doctor

Elderly Dosage 

In general, Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml is safe to be prescribed to elderly patients however caution is advised since Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml is a steroid and can exert adverse effects associated with age. The dosage depends upon the patient’s illness being treated and upon any other illness, the patient might have. In divided doses Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml can be taken as 2 puffs per dose usually twice a day

Pregnancy Use And Lactation

Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml in general is considered safe, however, expecting and breastfeeding mothers should consult with their doctor before taking Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml. Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml is best avoided during the first trimester. It should be ingested only if necessary. While using Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml if you become pregnant, do not instantly stop taking it for your condition may exacerbate, instead consult your doctor who may prescribe a safe alternative. During lactation as such Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml does not pose any risk but it is advised to ask a doctor first. 

Contraindications

Please tell your doctor if you have a history of any of the following before using Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml:

• Allergic reaction to Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml or any other similar drug or its contents

• Tuberculosis or history of tuberculosis 

• Alcohol consumption 

• Patients treated for fungal and/or viral infections

• Eye problems (such as glaucoma, cataract)

• Pregnancy (an altered dose or safe drug may be given)

Precautions

Please tell your doctor about any of the following conditions before using Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml:

• In case of allergy to drugs, always provide a list to your doctor

• In the case of Pregnancy Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml must always be used after discussing with the doctor. Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml should be avoided in the first trimester

• Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml may initially cause worsening symptoms like wheezing or chest tightness in which case consult a doctor right away

• Alcohol use should be restricted due to adverse reactions

• Long-term use of Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml alters the bone mineralization and can make your bones weak, be careful not to injure yourself for it may put you at risk of fractures

• Monitor the growth pattern of your child since Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml can cause slowed down growth

• In case you do not notice any improvement in your symptoms or your symptoms aggravate, consult your physician at once

• Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml can disturb your visual ability/eyesight contact your doctor if you experience this

• Certain medicines known to interact with Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml must be avoided - some of them are mentioned below

• The inhaler must be kept clean, making sure to change the mouthpiece covering every few weeks upon frequent use

• Always test your inhaler before using it for the first time and always shake well before each use

• Keep a check on the amount of medicine left in your inhaler. In case its levels are running low, always keep an extra inhaler at hand 

• Do not stop using Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml abruptly without asking a doctor. Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml is a steroid-based medicine that can cause side effects upon improper use and termination of treatment.

Interactions With Other Medications

• Please tell your doctor about the use of the following before using Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml:

• HIV medications

• NSAIDs such as Aspirin, ibuprofen etc

• Mifepristone

• Steroids or steroid-containing drugs such as topical creams/tablets, etc.

• Antifungal drugs (azoles)

• Metronidazole 

• Aldesleukin 

• Cyclosporine 

• Azathioprine 

• Immune therapy medicines 

Adverse Effects

Common Adverse Effects

Like most medicinesAzopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml has certain side effects which include:

• Oral fungal infections 

• Dry throat

• Dry nose 

• Sore throat 

• Itching in the throat

• Runny nose 

These effects tend to be mild and resolve in a few days of taking Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml

Rare Adverse Effects

If any of the following adverse effects are seen or felt, the patient is advised to immediately contact their doctor

• Anaphylactic Reaction

• Sinus pain 

• Tooth erosion

• Signs of infection like fever, chills, phlegmatic cough

• Headache 

• Moon’s face 

• Hoarseness of voice 

• Pain during speaking 

• Glaucoma

• Bone Fractures

• Abdominal pain

• Weight loss 

• Blurred vision 

How To Cope With Some Of The Adverse Effects

• Dry Mouth- Can be helped by sipping water throughout the day, chewing sugarless gum, using alcohol-free mouthwash, allowing ice to melt in the mouth, or using a saliva substitute.

• Headaches- In which case make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid the use of alcohol. Take a prescribed painkiller. Consult your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe

• Dry Throat - Can be eased by adding honey to warm drinks and having oral lozenges, to provide soothing relief to an irritated throat. Ginger tea has been known to decrease inflammation of an irritated throat thus, providing relief.

• Blurred vision - This side effect tends to go away on its own if a few days; patients are advised to not operate heavy machinery or drive any motorized vehicles in the meantime. If blurred vision persists, please contact your doctor.

• Oral Thrush - Patients are advised to rinse their oral cavities with dispersible antifungal as prescribed by a doctor or over-the-counter antifungal drops/mouthwash. It is best to consult a doctor first

FAQ’s

#1. What Is Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml Used For?

Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml is a slow-acting drug and therefore is recommended to be usually twice to relieve breathlessness and similar symptoms. 

#2. How To Store Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml?

Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml is to be kept away from the reach of children, in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity as that tends to ruin certain drugs. Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml must be maintained in settings below 25*C, do not refrigerate or freeze Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml.

#3. Will Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml affect my sexual activity?

No, there isn't sufficient evidence to suggest that patients experience a decrease in libido.

#4. Can I take Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml during my pregnancy?

Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml is not prescribed during 1st trimester however, regarding its safe use you must consult a doctor first. 

#5. What are the common side effects caused by Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml?

• Oral fungal infections 

• Dry throat

• Sore throat 

#6. Is it safe to have painkillers while taking Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml?

Yes, Over the counter painkillers such as paracetamol are safe to be ingested along with Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml under the supervision of a doctor. NSAIDs like ibuprofen, aspirin, and others are known to interact with Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml, discuss with your doctor

#7. Is it safe to have Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml along with oral contraceptives?

Yes, there is no evidence to suggest that Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml interacts with oral contraceptives.

#8. How does Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml work?

Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml contains a steroid drug that works by inhibiting the inflammatory reaction and limiting the release of chemical substances involved in inflammation such as leukotrienes, histamine and cytokines, and many others. This helps bring down the swelling in the airways and makes it easier to breathe. 

#9. How long will I have to continue taking Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml?

It is a long-term treatment and you might have to continue taking the medication even for the rest of your life.

#10. Is it safe to smoke cigarettes while undergoing treatment with Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml?

It is recommended to not smoke while taking Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml and especially if you have asthma or any COPD.

#11. What if I forget to take Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml?

It is advised that the drug is taken at the same time each day, an alarm can be placed to remind patients to take Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml at the proper time. If the patient misses a dose of Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml, they should take it immediately but if the time for the next dose of the drug is near then it's advised to skip the missed dose and take Azopt Eye 0.10% Drop 5 ml as per schedule, doubling of doses has proven to cause severe side effects.

#12. Can lifestyle changes help with asthma?

Yes, you can adopt certain healthy lifestyle changes to help with your symptoms. These include quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, eating a balanced diet consisting of fresh vegetables and fruits, incorporating physical activity into your daily routine, and living a stress-free life.

#13. How Can I Clean My Inhaler?

Make sure to properly clean your inhaler at least once every week. Canisters can be taken out from the plastic body, rinse the plastic body and mouthpiece cap with an adequate amount of lukewarm tap water. Leave them out to dry before putting them back in the canister. The mouthpiece covering should be replaced frequently