Simbrinza®
(brinzolamide and brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic
suspension) 1%/0.2%
Simbrinza is an eye drop used to lower high eye pressure in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It combines two medicines that work together to reduce pressure in your eye and help protect your vision.
How to Use Simbrinza
Use one drop in the affected eye(s) three times a day.
Shake the bottle well before using.
If you are using more than one type of eye drop, wait at least five minutes between applying each one.
Important: Be careful not to let the dropper touch your eye or any surface to avoid contamination.
How Simbrinza Works
Simbrinza contains two medicines that help lower eye pressure:
Brinzolamide: Lowers the amount of fluid your eye makes.
Brimonidine Tartrate: Helps reduce fluid production and improves the outflow of fluid from the eye.
Together, these medicines help keep eye pressure under control and protect your optic nerve from damage.
Common Side Effects
Some people may experience side effects while using Simbrinza, such as:
Blurred vision
Eye irritation
Dry mouth
Unpleasant taste in the mouth
If any of these side effects bother you or don’t go away, talk to your doctor.
Important Safety Information
Allergies: Do not use Simbrinza if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or if you have severe kidney problems.
Vision: Simbrinza may cause blurred vision right after use, so be careful driving or using machines until your vision clears.
Contact Lenses: Remove your contact lenses before using Simbrinza and wait 15 minutes before putting them back in.
Monitoring: Your doctor will regularly check your eyes while you are using Simbrinza to make sure it’s working and to watch for any side effects.
For more information, talk to your eye doctor or visit the Simbrinza website.
How Simbrinza Works (In-Depth)
Simbrinza is a combination of two active ingredients—brinzolamide and brimonidine tartrate—which work together to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) by targeting different aspects of fluid regulation in the eye.
Brinzolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. It reduces the production of aqueous humor (the fluid inside the eye) by blocking an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase. This enzyme is important for fluid production, so by inhibiting it, brinzolamide helps to decrease the amount of fluid made in the eye, which lowers the pressure.
Brimonidine Tartrate is an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. It reduces eye pressure in two ways: by decreasing the production of aqueous humor and increasing the outflow of fluid through an alternative drainage pathway called the uveoscleral route. This dual action helps relieve pressure on the optic nerve and reduces the risk of vision loss due to glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
By using these two mechanisms together, Simbrinza offers a comprehensive approach to lowering eye pressure.
If you're exploring other options, Vyzulta and Rocklatan are also commonly prescribed for managing intraocular pressure and glaucoma.
