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Overview: Simbrinza is an eye drop medicine used to lower eye pressure inside the eye. It works by reducing the amount of fluid in the eye. The most common side effects are blurry vision, eye irritation, and dry mouth. Simbrinza may also cause drowsiness. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have eye pain or signs of an eye infection or allergic reaction.

Uses

What is Simbrinza used for?

Simbrinza is commonly used to lower pressure inside the eye in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. People with these conditions have increased pressure inside the eye.

Simbrinza may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Simbrinza work (mechanism of action)?

High pressure inside the eye can lead to nerve damage and vision loss. Simbrinza contains two medicines. Brinzolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, and brimonidine is an alpha agonist. Both medicines work to lower the amount of fluid in the eye. This helps to lower pressure inside the eye.

How is Simbrinza supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Simbrinza

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1%/0.2% ophthalmic suspension (eye drops)

How should I store Simbrinza?

Simbrinza should be stored at temperatures between 36 F to 77 F (2 C to 25 C).

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Simbrinza?

The most common side effects of Simbrinza are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Blurry vision
  • Eye irritation
  • Bad or unusual taste in your mouth
  • Dry mouth
  • Eye redness or itching
  • Tiredness or drowsiness

There may be other side effects of Simbrinza that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Simbrinza?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Simbrinza are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Simbrinza may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Simbrinza and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Simbrinza?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Simbrinza.

  • Simbrinza
  • Brinzolamide
  • Brimonidine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Simbrinza.

Children Less Than Two Years Old. Simbrinza should not be used in children under two years old. Check with a healthcare provider before using Simbrinza in young children. 

What should I know about Simbrinza before using it?

Do not use Simbrinza unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed. Shake the bottle well before each use. 

Do not share Simbrinza with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Simbrinza out of the reach of children.

Simbrinza is an eye drop medicine. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly administer eye drops. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.

If you use more than one eye medicine, administer them at least 5 minutes apart. Ask your healthcare provider if you are unsure when to use your eye medicines.

Eye infections may occur if your eye drop container gets contaminated with bacteria or other germs. In some cases, eye infections may become severe and lead to vision loss. To help prevent eye infections, be careful not to let the tip of the eye drop container touch your eye, fingers, or any other surfaces. Wash your hands before each use. Make sure to put the cap back on after each use. If the liquid changes in color or looks cloudy, do not use it. 

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have an eye infection, eye injury, eye pain, or changes in vision while using Simbrinza. 

Remove contact lenses before using Simbrinza eye drops. Then wait at least 15 minutes before you put your contacts back in.

Simbrinza may cause drowsiness and blurred vision. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness and clear vision until you know how Simbrinza affects you.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Simbrinza?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Simbrinza is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Blood Flow Problems. Simbrinza may worsen the symptoms of certain blood flow problems (vascular insufficiency). Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following conditions. They can help decide if Simbrinza is safe for you.

Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Severe cardiovascular disease
  • Problems with your cornea (the clear layer that covers the front of the eye)
  • Angle-closure glaucoma
  • Severe liver or kidney problems

Sulfa Allergy. Some people who have a sulfa allergy may also be allergic to Simbrinza. A sulfa allergy is a rash or more serious reaction to sulfa, or sulfonamide medicines. Examples of sulfa medicines are sulfamethoxazole, sulfadiazine silver, or sulfasalazine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any allergies to medicines. Your healthcare provider can help you decide if it is safe for you to use Simbrinza.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Simbrinza may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Simbrinza, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Simbrinza could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. They will advise you if you should use Simbrinza while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Simbrinza passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop Simbrinza.

How can I get more information about Simbrinza?

For more information about Simbrinza, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.simbrinza.myalcon.com or call them at 800-757-9195.

Interactions

Does Simbrinza interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Simbrinza and foods.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Simbrinza. The risk of drowsiness may be increased if you drink alcohol while using Simbrinza.

Does Simbrinza interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking any of the following medicines before using Simbrinza.

  • A medicine for high blood pressure
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
  • A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression
  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
  • A carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that you take by mouth, such as zonisamide (Zonegran and others) or acetazolamide (Diamox)
  • A salicylate, such as aspirin or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol)
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxiety

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Simbrinza. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Simbrinza?

If you or someone else has used too much Simbrinza, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Simbrinza?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.