SIMBRINZA OPHTHALMIC SUSPENSION (BRINZOLAMIDE/BRIMONIDINE TARTRATE)

What Does Simbrinza Ophthalmic Suspension Treat?

There are many individuals that believe their eyes must be healthy because they can still see. But that is not necessarily true. The symptoms of intra-ocular pressure (IOP) and glaucoma are not always noticeable until your eyes have started to sustain damage, and this is why regular eye exams are so important. Having high IOP means that there is an imbalance of fluid production or drainage that can cause pressure to build inside your eye. A prescription for Simbrinza Ophthalmic Suspension may be required if your eye exam has shown your IOP to be high and it needs medication to prevent permanent damage to your sight.

How do the Active Ingredients of Simbrinza Ophthalmic Suspension Work?

There are two active ingredients in Simbrinza Ophthalmic Suspension; Brinzolamide and Brimonidine Tartrate. Brinzolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and works by reducing the carbonic anhydrase enzyme that is responsible for the action of the sodium and fluid transport in your eyes. This will result in a decrease in the secretion of the fluid in the chambers of your eye, called aqueous humor. This helps to lower the intra-ocular pressure in your eye.

Brimonidine Tartrate will start working by stimulating alpha receptors located on the blood vessels that supply a structure, called the ciliary body, that is responsible for releasing aqueous humor into your eye. The stimulation results in the constriction of the blood vessels so the amount of fluid being released to form aqueous humor is reduced. Again, this will lower the IOP. Now your risk of glaucoma and vision loss is decreased.

What is Open Angle Glaucoma?

There are several types of glaucoma, open angle is the most common one. This is a slowly progressive ophthalmic condition that has no symptoms, until you start to notice some loss in your peripheral vision. This happens because the high IOP can press against your optic nerve and, without detection and treatment to correct the blockage of the microscopic drainage channels, your vision can be permanently impaired. There is no cure for glaucoma, but there are treatments available to control its progression.

Before Instilling Simbrinza Ophthalmic Suspension

Inform your doctor of other medical conditions or allergies you have and provide a list of any OTC or Rx medications you currently take or use, including herbal preparations and dietary or vitamin supplements. This can help your doctor determine if Simbrinza Ophthalmic Suspension is right for you.

Important Info About Simbrinza Ophthalmic Suspension

To minimize drainage of this medication into the rest of your body, after instilling as directed, close your eye and apply pressure to the inside corner to block the drainage duct. Hold for a minute or so and release. This helps reduce possible systemic side effects. Keep Simbrinza Ophthalmic Suspension and all other meds out of children’s reach and never share any Rx meds with others.

Possible Side Effects of Simbrinza Ophthalmic Suspension

• Blurred vision (temporary)
• Irritation or redness of the treated eye
• Mild itching