Benozol1%

Benozol ophthalmic suspension is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with:

• Ocular hypertension - an FDA-approved, well-established indication.
• Open-angle glaucoma - an FDA-approved, well-established indication, used alone or as adjunctive therapy with other IOP-lowering agents (e.g., beta-blockers, prostaglandin analogs) when a single agent does not adequately control pressure.

Benozol works by reducing the production of aqueous humor in the eye, thereby lowering IOP and reducing the risk of optic nerve damage and vision loss associated with glaucoma.

Each mL of Brinzolamide ophthalmic suspension contains 10 mg (1% w/v) of Brinzolamide as the active ingredient, along with benzalkonium chloride as a preservative and other inactive ingredients (carbomer, mannitol, tyloxapol, edetate disodium, sodium chloride, purified water) to adjust tonicity and pH.

Benozol is a sulfonamide-derivative carbonic anhydrase inhibitor formulated as a sterile, aqueous, topical ophthalmic suspension. It is used to lower elevated intraocular pressure in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. Unlike oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, Benozol is applied directly to the eye, which limits (but does not eliminate) systemic absorption and systemic side effects.

Benozol is supplied as a white to off-white suspension that must be shaken well before each use.

Benozol belongs to the therapeutic class of Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors, specifically the ophthalmic (topical) subclass used in the management of glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

Mechanism of action: Brinzolamide inhibits carbonic anhydrase II (CA-II) in the ciliary processes of the eye. This enzyme catalyzes the reversible hydration of carbon dioxide and dehydration of carbonic acid, a reaction important in bicarbonate ion formation and fluid transport. By inhibiting CA-II, Brinzolamide reduces aqueous humor secretion, presumably by slowing the formation of bicarbonate ions, which decreases sodium and fluid transport, ultimately lowering intraocular pressure.

Pharmacokinetics: Following ocular administration, Brinzolamide is absorbed into the systemic circulation and accumulates in red blood cells due to binding with carbonic anhydrase, resulting in a long elimination half-life (approximately 111 days). It is metabolized in the liver and excreted primarily unchanged in the urine, along with one metabolite (N-desethyl brinzolamide).

For ophthalmic (topical eye) use only. Not for injection or oral use. Shake well before use; instill as a single drop directly into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s).

Benozol has the following clinically significant interactions:

• Oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., acetazolamide): Concurrent use with Benozol is not recommended due to the potential for additive systemic carbonic anhydrase inhibitor effects.
• High-dose salicylates: Although not systematically studied with Benozol, acid-base and electrolyte disturbances have been reported with oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors combined with high-dose salicylates; caution is advised.
• Other topical ophthalmic medications: When used with other topical eye drops, administer at least 10 minutes apart to prevent dilution or washout.

The most common side effects of Benozol (occurring in 5-10% of patients) are:

• Blurred vision
• Bitter, sour, or unusual taste (dysgeusia) in the mouth after instillation

Less common side effects (1-5%) include:

• Eye discomfort, stinging, or burning on instillation
• Eye redness (hyperemia)
• Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
• Eye dryness, itching, or discharge
• Headache
• Rhinitis (stuffy/runny nose)

Rare but serious side effects: Because Benozol is a sulfonamide derivative, rare systemic hypersensitivity reactions have been reported post-marketing, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Seek immediate medical attention for skin rash, blistering, or peeling.

Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Benozol in pregnant women. Animal studies have shown fetal effects at systemic doses much higher than those achieved with ophthalmic use in humans. Benozol should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus; consult a physician before use.

Lactation: It is not known whether Benozol is excreted in human milk, although it has been detected in the milk of lactating animals. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised and a physician consulted before using Benozol while breastfeeding.

Sulfonamide hypersensitivity: Benozol is a sulfonamide derivative; although administered topically, systemic absorption occurs and serious sulfonamide-type reactions (including fatal cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome) have been reported rarely. Discontinue use if signs of serious reaction or hypersensitivity occur (see Contraindications).

Corneal endothelial health: Benozol should be used with caution in patients with low endothelial cell counts, as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors may affect corneal hydration; corneal edema and irreversible corneal decompensation have been reported in susceptible patients.

Renal impairment: Benozol and its metabolite are primarily excreted by the kidney; use is not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min) due to potential for metabolic acidosis.

Hepatic impairment: Benozol has not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment; use with caution.

Contact lens wear: The preservative benzalkonium chloride in Benozol may be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Remove contact lenses before instillation and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting.

Contamination: Avoid touching the dropper tip to the eye, eyelid, or any surface to prevent contaminating the suspension.

Angle-closure glaucoma: Benozol has not been specifically studied in patients with angle-closure glaucoma; its use in this setting has not been established.

Human data on oral or ophthalmic overdose of Benozol are limited. Because Benozol is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, systemic overdose (e.g., accidental ingestion) could theoretically cause electrolyte imbalance, development of an acidotic state, and effects on the nervous system. If overdose of Benozol is suspected, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center; serum electrolyte levels (particularly bicarbonate) and blood pH should be monitored by a physician. Do not attempt home treatment for a suspected overdose.

Store Benozol ophthalmic suspension between 4°C and 30°C, away from light. Shake well before each use. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use, and keep out of reach of children.

Pediatric use: The safety and effectiveness of Benozol in pediatric patients below 18 years have not been established for general use. A controlled clinical study in children (ages 4 weeks to 5 years) evaluating Benozol given twice daily failed to demonstrate efficacy in pediatric glaucoma.

Geriatric use: No overall differences in safety or effectiveness of Benozol have been observed between elderly and younger adult patients.

Renal impairment: Use of Benozol is not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl less than 30 mL/min) (see Precautions).

Hepatic impairment: Benozol has not been studied in hepatic impairment; use with caution.

Benozol is typically used long-term as a chronic therapy for glaucoma or ocular hypertension, since these are chronic conditions requiring sustained IOP control. Duration of treatment should be determined by an ophthalmologist based on regular monitoring of intraocular pressure and optic nerve health, and treatment should not be stopped or altered without medical advice.

Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor; Ophthalmic Antiglaucoma Agent; Sulfonamide derivative.

Brinzolamide inhibits carbonic anhydrase II in the ciliary processes of the eye, reducing bicarbonate ion formation and consequently decreasing aqueous humor secretion, which lowers intraocular pressure.

The safety and efficacy of Benozol in pediatric patients have not been established for routine use. A clinical trial in children aged 4 weeks to 5 years using twice-daily Benozol did not demonstrate efficacy in lowering intraocular pressure. Benozol should be used in children only under close specialist supervision if a physician determines potential benefit outweighs risk.