Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml

Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml is used to relieve high pressure in the eyes due to glaucoma or other eye conditions. Reducing the  high pressure in the eye can help prevent losing eyesight.

Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml is chemically composed of brinzolamide/brimonidine tartrate

Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml is meant for external use on eyes only.

Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml comes with a dropper and must be used with clean hands.

Remove contact lenses prior to putting in drops. Avoid rubbing your eyes and keep them closed for 1-2 minutes after application.

Lenses can be worn again after 15 minutes of application.

Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml are used as One eye drop in the affected eye(s) usually once or thrice daily or as prescribed by doctor. 

Drug category: Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and an alpha 2 adrenergic receptor agonist combination

Description

About

High intraocular pressure is a condition that refers to elevated pressure states in the eyes. In general, our eyes produce a colorless, water-like fluid (aqueous humor) that helps sustain a balanced pressure inside the eyes while preserving the integrity of the lens. For some reason, if the drainage pathway of this fluid is obstructed the fluid starts building inside, exerting pressure on the eyes. It may be seen in glaucoma or ocular hypertension (pressure greater than 21 mm Hg). The continued pressure can hurt your visual acuity. Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml is a combination topical drug that belongs to a class of medicines known as alpha agonists and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. This drug is prescribed to patients with high intraocular pressure usually seen in glaucoma or ocular hypertension particularly useful for those who are unable to benefit from single-drug treatment. 

Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml works by the combined action of alpha agonists (brimonidine) and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (brinzolamide) both of which help in bringing down the raised pressure by controlling the amount of aqueous humor secreted. Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml is a topical medicine to be administered directly into the eyes in form of drops, according to the prescribed dosage. Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml is generally not prescribed to pregnant females due to toxic effects, unless considered necessary by your doctor. The recommended safe age for application of Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml is above 17 years. In any case, children below 2 years of age are not to be prescribed Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml due to the non-availability of safety data.

Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml is available in the form of eye drops to be applied topically directly into the affected eye. The generally prescribed dose is 1 drop per affected eye twice a day. Check below the method of application in detail and follow the steps. If you are wearing contact lenses remove them before application. Make sure not to exceed the prescribed number of drops. The most common side effects observed with Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml are pain and irritation in the eyes, frequent tears, blurred vision, and a feeling of stickiness in the eyes among others. 

Indications

Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml is prescribed for the management of:

Raised intraocular pressure (due to open-angle glaucoma/ ocular hypertension or other reasons)

How Does Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml Work?

Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml is a chemical combination of 2 potent drugs, composed of Brominidine tartrate (alpha agonist) and brinzolamide (carbonic anhydrase inhibitors). These two work in coherence with each other to help decrease the high pressure in the eyes. They do so by controlling the amount of fluid being secreted in the eyes which leads to a decrease in the buildup. Moreover, brimonidine is also thought to increase the discharge of this fluid via the uveoscleral pathway and Brinzolamide also controls this secretion via inhibition of Carbonic anhydrase enzyme directly associated with secretion of aqueous humor to further allow a reduction in this continued state of pressure. 

How to use Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml?

Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml is available in the form of eye drops supplied in a dropper bottle, to be applied topically directly into the affected eye. In general, the dosage is prescribed as 1 drop per affected eye twice a day, keeping a 12-hour interval in between doses. The safe age for Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml is above 17 years of age. Safety data is very limited in younger children. The safety concern is also present for pregnant and lactating mothers therefore always ask a doctor before using Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml. Make sure not to exceed the prescribed number of drops, if you do immediately contact your doctor to avoid any side effects. 

In case other topical medicines have been prescribed to you for eyes, always keep a 5 to 10-minute gap between applications. And avoid putting back eye lenses for at least 15 to 20 minutes after using Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml. Excess of Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml may be wiped clean with a clean tissue or cloth. Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml is not to be stopped abruptly even after experiencing a decrease in symptoms without consulting a physician.

How To Apply

Given below are the instructions for administering Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml:

  • Begin by washing your hand first, remove if you are wearing any contact lenses
  • Shake the bottle vigorously to mix the constituents well
  • Uncap the bottle, exposing the dropper tip which must not be touched by hand directly
  • Tilt your head backward slightly such that your gaze is directed towards the roof, now gently pull down the lower eyelid creating a pocket and while keeping the dropper half to an inch away in the air, squeeze out 1 drop directly into your eye. The tip of Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml must not touch any part of your eye
  • Keep your eyes shut for a couple of minutes while maintaining the finger pressure at the inner corner of the eye to prevent a medicine from oozing out
  • Make sure not to rub or open your eyes for a few minutes
  • Place back the cap on the bottle after each use

Dosage form and Potency

Eye Drops (liquid) – Brinzolamide 0.1% + Brimonidine Tartrate 0.2 % 

Dosage

Adult Dosage 

A drop in each eye is recommended for patients to be applied twice daily (morning and evening)

Child Dosage 

Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml is not recommended for patients under the age of 17 years of age

Elderly Dosage

Usually, 1 drop per affected eye is suggested to the elderly patients twice a day but due to decreased kidney and liver function, Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml may not be effectively removed from the body and so, in such cases the doctor may prescribe an altered dose of the Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml which must be strictly followed.

Pregnancy use and lactation

Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml falls under FDA pregnancy category C which means it should not be taken during pregnancy due to potentially harmful effects on unborn babies. Therefore, if you are pregnant, or are planning to conceive a baby, please do discuss Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml with your doctor. 

If you are breastfeeding an infant, ask your doctor first for some amount of medicine that may be secreted into breast milk. With regards to safety please make sure to consult your doctor to avoid any possible side effects for the baby. 

Contraindications

Please inform your doctor if you have a history of any before using Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml:

  • Allergy to Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml or similar products 
  • Allergy to sulfonamides example some antibiotics, hypoglycemics, and diuretics
  • Pregnancy
  • Kidney impairment
  • Currently taking antidepressants like MAO inhibitors, etc.
  • The high amount of acid in your blood (hyperchloraemic acidosis)
  • Narrow-angle glaucoma 
  • Underage children 

 Precautions‌ ‌

Please‌ ‌tell‌ ‌your‌ ‌doctor‌ ‌about‌ ‌any‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌following‌ ‌conditions‌ before starting or during the treatment with ‌Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml:‌ 

  • If there is a history of allergy to medicines or products that are maybe like ‌Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml. Carefully read the contents of this product to avoid any future inconvenience 
  • Before starting the treatment discuss with your doctor if you have a history of, or a recently diagnosed heart condition such as heart failure, arrhythmias, etc.
  • Adequacy of liver and kidney function must be ensured when taking ‌Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml
  • It is important to have your condition diagnosed properly before using this medicine. ‌Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml is not advised for use in narrow-angle glaucoma 
  • In case of a depressive disorder, if you are currently taking antidepressants, always tell your doctor since some of these may interact with Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml negatively
  • Avoid taking Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml if you suffer from dry eyes or problems involving the cornea of the eye
  • Raynaud’s phenomenon can occur if there are circulation problems, low blood circulation can cause this condition
  • Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml can disturb the balance of acid-base in the body same as orally taken carbonic anhydrase does, although it is given a topical medicine it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Caution is advised 
  • If you wear contact lenses, Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml can produce discoloration of lenses due to a chemical contained in the drug. It is therefore advised to wait for 15 to 20 minutes after each application to wear lenses

Interaction with other medications

Certain medications could interact with Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml and may increase or decrease its absorption. Make sure to inform your doctor about all the drugs you’re currently taking, in which case, your doctor might alter the treatment. Some of these drugs are:

  • Oral carbonic anhydrase
  • Antihypertensives
  • Azole antifungals like ketoconazole, itraconazole
  • Ritonavir  
  • Digoxin 
  • Salicylates such as Aspirin
  • MAO Inhibitors 
  • Metoprolol 
  • Lithium carbonate 
  • Valproic Acid 

 Adverse Effects

Common Adverse Effects

Like most medicines, Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml has certain side effects which include:

  • Dizziness 
  • Headache 
  • Pain in the eye 
  • Dry eyes
  • Dry mouth
  • Keratitis 
  • Stickiness of eyes 
  • Frequent tears 

Less Common Side Effects

If any of the following adverse effects are seen or felt, the patient is advised to immediately contact their doctor.

  • Anaphylactic reaction 
  • Discharge from the eyes 
  • Swelling of the eye 
  • Photophobia
  • Eye irritation
  • Blurred vision
  • Fatigue 
  • Fainting 
  • Irregular heartbeat 
  • Hypotension 

List Of How to Deal with Adverse Effects

  • Blurred vision – This side effect tends to go away on its own if a few days; patients are advised to not operate heavy machinery or drive any motorized vehicles in the meantime. If blurred vision persists, please contact your doctor
  • Dry Mouth – Can be helped by sipping water throughout the day, chewing sugarless gum, using alcohol-free mouthwash, allowing ice to melt in the mouth, or using a saliva substitute.
  • Fatigue – Patients experiencing this adverse effect, are advised to take deep breaths, intake tea or coffee, get a good night’s rest, and not overburden themselves for a few days.
  • Headaches – In which case make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid the use of alcohol. Take a prescribed painkiller. Consult your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe
  • Feeling dizzy (lightheaded) or weak – If the medication makes you feel dizzy or weak, stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down until you feel better, and do not rise too fast or immediately from a sitting or lying down position to a standing posture. Do not drive or use tools or machinery in case of any of these effects.

FAQs

#1.HOW TO STORE Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml?

Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml is to be kept away from the reach of children, in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity as that tends to ruin certain drugs.

#2. WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE OF Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml?

If you miss a dose of the medication, make sure you take it as soon as possible on that same day. If you don’t remember you missed the dose until the next dosage time or the next day, do not double the dose and take your medication as per schedule.

#3. HOW IS Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml SUPPOSED TO BE APPLIED?

Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml must be applied with clean hands, make sure the eyedropper tip doesn’t touch the surface of the eye or any other surface. The tip of the dropper and hands must be always clean before the application of Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml. Make sure to shake the Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml container well before each use and to replace the cap of the Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml immediately after each use.

To apply Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml, pull the head back slightly, then pull down eyelid is pulled down to create a small space where a drop of solution from the tip is applied. A close eye for a minute or two after Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml application, while applying pressure at the inner corner of the eye (area near the nose) to prevent the solution from draining out. Do not rub or blink after applying eye drops. If the recommended dosage is more than one drop of Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml then the above steps are to be repeated.

#4. HOW DOES Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml WORK?

Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml can reduce the production of fluid (aqueous humor) in the eye as well as cause the drainage of aqueous humor from the eye, thereby decreasing the pressure 

#5.CAN Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml BE USED DURING MY PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING?

Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding and is only prescribed if considered necessary during pregnancy and under the care and supervision of a medical professional.

#6. WHAT ARE COMMON SIDE EFFECTS CAUSED BY Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml?

  • Blurred vision 
  • Dry eyes
  • Stinging/ pain of eyes 
  • Burning sensation
  • Headache 

#7. IS IT SAFE TO HAVE PAINKILLERS WHILE TAKING Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml?

Yes, Over the counter painkillers such as paracetamol are safe to be ingested along with Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml under the supervision of a doctor.

#8. IS IT SAFE TO HAVE Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml ALONG WITH ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES?

Yes, there is no evidence to suggest that Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml interacts with oral contraceptives.

#9. CAN OTHER EYE DROPS BE USED ALONG WITH Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml?

Before applying any other eye drops that might be prescribed along with Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml, the patient is to wait 5 – 10 minutes. Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml is recommended to be applied at the same time each day and for the recommended period. Excess of Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml may be wiped clean with a clean tissue or cloth. 

#10. CAN CONTACT LENS BE WORN ALONG WITH Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml?

There is a risk that Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml usage may result in stains on contact lenses, and it is therefore advised to apply Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml a minimum of 15 – 20 minutes before wearing the contact lenses. Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml is available in eye drops. Intraocular pressures are to be routinely measured while undergoing treatment with Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml by the doctor.

#11. CAN I DRIVE AFTER USING Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml?

Simbrinza Eye Drop 5 ml is known to disturb visual acuity and may cause irritation and frequent tearing. If this happens, try to avoid driving or using any heavy or sharp tools/machinery. Once the symptoms settle and you are sure about the visual accuracy you can drive.

Additional information

Type

Drop

Feature

5 ml

Unit

ml

Formula

Brinzolamide

Composition

Brinzolamide 0.1 % + Brimonidine Tartrate 0.2 %

Brand

Alcon Pharma

Prescription Required

Yes