Brinzolamide is classified as which type of medication?

Brinzolamide is indeed classified as a topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Its primary function is to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in conditions like glaucoma by inhibiting the enzyme carbonic anhydrase in the ciliary body of the eye. This inhibition decreases the production of aqueous humor, leading to lower IOP.

The medication is specifically formulated for topical use, typically in the form of eye drops, allowing for direct action at the site where it is needed. This targeted delivery minimizes systemic side effects commonly associated with systemic carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

In contrast, the other options refer to different classes of medications with distinct mechanisms of action and uses. Oral beta-blockers, for instance, are used to manage systemic conditions like hypertension and can have a secondary benefit in reducing IOP but are not the same as brinzolamide. Systemic carbonic anhydrase inhibitors act on a whole-body level and can result in more significant systemic side effects. Topical prostaglandin analogs work by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor rather than inhibiting its production, which sets them apart from brinzolamide’s mechanism.