Simbrinza Opthalmic (Brimonidine/Brinzolamide)

Simbrinza (Brinzolamide and Brimonidine) Medication Information

Uses

Simbrinza is an alpha 2 adrenergic receptor agonist and carbonic anhydrase inhibitor used to decrease high intraocular pressure in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. 

Dosage

Simbrinza is an ophthalmic solution that contains 10 mg/mL brinzolamide and 2 mg/mL brimonidine tartrate. 

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Simbrinza include:

• eye irritation
• bad taste
• eye allergy
• blurred vision
• dry mouth 

Speak with your doctor for a full list of side effects that apply to you if you are taking Simbrinza.

Precautions

Simbrinza is not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment due to lack of efficacy and safety data in patients with CrCl <30 mL/min. 

Because brinzolamide is a sulfonamide, Simbrinza may cause sulfonamide hypersensitivity reactions which can lead to serious complications such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Discontinue Simbrinza if a serious reaction occurs.

Bacterial keratitis may occur secondary to accidental contamination of multiple-dose ophthalmic solutions.

Interactions

Known drug interactions with Simbrinza include medications in the following classes: central nervous system depressants, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, antihypertensives, oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, and high-dose salicylate therapy. 

Storage

This medication should be stored between  36°F - 77°F.

Pharmacist Tips

• Contact lenses should be removed prior to Simbrinza administration. 15 minutes post Simbrinza administration, you may reinsert lenses. 
• Simbrinza should be administered 5 minutes apart from any other eye drops you may be taking. 
• Simbrinza may cause fatigue and/or drowsiness, you should avoid hazardous activities such as driving until you know how Simbrinza will affect you. 

Simbrinza FAQs

When signs should I look out for when taking Simbrinza?

When taking Simbrinza, you should look out for any signs of allergic reactions such as rashes, wheezing, tightness in chest, difficulty breathing, or face swelling. 

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

Use Simbrinza as soon as you remember you missed a dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, only take one dose. It is important to not take two doses of Simbrinza at the same time.

Can I wear contact lenses while taking Simbrinza?

Contact lenses should be removed prior to SImbrinza administration. You may reinsert your contact lens after 15 minutes. 

Does Simbrinza cause low blood pressure? 

Simbrinza contains brimonidine which may lower blood pressure. In studies, Simbrinza had less than a 5% mean decrease in blood pressure 2 hours after administration. Exercise caution if you are taking any antihypertensives or cardiac glycosides. 

Is it possible to lose hair when on Simbrinza? 

Hair loss is not a reported side effect of Simbrinza.

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References:

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/204251s000lbl.pdf

Simbrinza. Lexi-Drugs. Hudson, OH: Lexicomp, 2015. http://online.lexi.com/. Updated July 27, 2015. Accessed March 3, 2021.