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Simbrinza Information

Simbrinza (Brinzolamide/Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Suspension) is primarily used to reduce elevated intraocular pressure in patients diagnosed with either open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It helps to reduce the risk of complete vision loss associated with these eye conditions. Doctors generally prescribe it for patients who require more than one medication to reach their target pressure. It contains two active ingredients: brinzolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, and brimonidine tartrate, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. This medication appears to work through a dual approach to eye pressure: the brinzolamide component inhibits the enzyme responsible for secreting aqueous humor in the ciliary processes, while the brimonidine tartrate further suppresses fluid production and simultaneously promotes drainage through the uveoscleral pathway. In these eye conditions, intraocular pressure is elevated. This pressure may eventually damage the optic nerve, which is the part of the eye responsible for sending visual information to the brain. If this nerve is damaged, it often results in permanent vision loss. Simbrinza helps by lowering that pressure to a level that is much less likely to cause harm. This medication helps protect the nerve and prevent your vision from worsening by keeping pressure within a safer range.

Simbrinza Side Effects

Clinical studies have proven Simbrinza to be an effective treatment option for individuals with open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It is generally well tolerated by most individuals with mostly mild side effects, which include bad taste in the mouth, temporary blurred vision, drowsiness, dry eyes, dry mouth, dry nose or throat, mild eye pain, eye redness, headache, increased tear production, stomach ache, tired eyes, and trouble sleeping. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Decreased heart rate;
• Signs of low blood pressure such as fainting, dizziness, weakness, changes in breathing;
• Unusual eye symptoms such as severe eye pain, sensitivity to light, sudden decrease or loss of vision

Also, inform your doctor if you notice any other side effects not listed here.

Simbrinza Precautions

Do not use this eye suspension if you are allergic to brinzolamide, brimonidine, other ingredients of Simbrinza, or any other medicine. Before using this medication, ensure you inform your doctor about any medical conditions you previously or currently have, including the following:
• Blood circulation disorders;
• Depression;
• Eye conditions such as dry eyes, eye infections, or trauma;
• Heart disease;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease;
• Low blood pressure;
• Raynaud's disease;
• Thromboangiitis obliterans

This medicine may cause blurry vision and drowsiness. Therefore, do not drive, operate machinery, or engage in any potentially hazardous activities until you determine how this medication affects you. The preservative in the suspension, benzalkonium chloride, is known to be absorbed by soft contact lenses and can cause discoloration. You must remove your lenses before applying the drops and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back in. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue taking this medication if you have had eye surgery, trauma to the eye, or symptoms of an eye infection. Simbrinza is typically avoided during pregnancy unless the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the fetus. It appears that the active ingredients can cross the placenta to a limited extent. If you are of childbearing age, it is generally advised to use effective contraception while using this topical medicine. This medication can likely be excreted via breastmilk in lactating mothers. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, particularly the risk of central nervous system depression from brimonidine, your doctor may recommend either discontinuing the drug or stopping breastfeeding while the medication is being used. This medication is strictly not for use in children under 2 years old. In neonates and infants, the brimonidine component has been associated with severe central nervous system depression, low blood pressure, and respiratory distress.

Simbrinza should not be used along with other antidepressant medications such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors. It should also be used cautiously with tricyclic antidepressants, as they may interfere with how the medication lowers eye pressure. Because the ingredients in Simbrinza can affect heart rate and blood pressure, caution is advised if you are already taking antihypertensives or cardiac glycosides (such as digoxin). Therefore, it is imperative to let your doctor know about any medicines or supplements you are currently using, including other eye medications, to determine whether they can interact with Simbrinza. Avoid the intake of alcohol while using this topical eye medication. Apply 1 drop of this eye suspension into the affected eye, 2-3 times daily. Check out the leaflet in the medication pack for more instructions on use. If you are using more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5 minutes before using the second type of eye drop. Apply this medication regularly as prescribed by your doctor for optimal effects. Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Simbrinza?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Simbrinza.