Drug Notes

Brimonidine/brinzolamide (Into the eye)

Brimonidine Tartrate (bri-MOE-ni-deen TAR-trate), Brinzolamide (brin-ZOE-la-mide)

Lowers pressure inside the eye from glaucoma or hypertension of the eye.

Brand Name(s):

Simbrinza

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Drop

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• If you wear soft contact lenses, remove them before you use this medicine. Wait at least 15 minutes before you put the contact lenses back in.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• Shake the eye drops well just before each use.
• Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
• To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
• Do not use this medicine if the solution changes color or becomes cloudy.
• Wait at least 5 minutes after you use this medicine before you use any other medicine in your eyes (drops or ointment).
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. You may also keep the medicine in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines and foods can affect how brimonidine/brinzolamide works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
  • Aspirin
  • Depression medicine
  • MAO inhibitor (MAOI)
  • Medicine to lower blood pressure
  • Other medicine for glaucoma
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, depression, heart or blood vessel disease, low blood pressure, an eye infection, or other eye problems.
• If your eyes or eyelids become red, itchy, or swollen when you use the drops, stop using the medicine and tell your doctor.
• If you hurt your eye, develop an eye infection, or need to have eye surgery, talk with your doctor right away. You may need to change your medicine or stop using it.
• This medicine may cause blurred vision for a short time. Be careful when you drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Ongoing or severe blurred vision or other changes in vision
• Severe eye redness, pain, or swelling, sensitivity to light
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Bitter, sour, or unusual taste, dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Temporary blurred vision or burning, dryness, itching, or stinging in the eyes

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017