This NHS content is written for people in England. Medicine names, availability, prescribing and services may differ in other countries.
Common side effects of brinzolamide
There are things you can do to help cope with these possible side effects of brinzolamide:
An itchy or painful eye and a feeling that something's in your eye, blurred vision, or watery eyes
This should go away on its own but talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're concerned about this. A cold water compress on the closed eye may help.
If the eye drops irritate your eyes and make them water so much that you think about stopping using the drops, talk to your doctor straight away. They may prescribe something different for you.
Do not drive, cycle, use tools or operate heavy machinery until your eyes feel comfortable again and your vision is clear.
Your eyes becoming sensitive to bright light (photophobia)
Wearing sunglasses may help.
A bad or unusual taste in your mouth
This usually only lasts up to 5 minutes. Drink some water or juice, or chew some sugar-free gum.
Keep using the medicine, but speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.
View the original NHS website page ↗. Refreshed 19 August 2026.
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