Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Simbrinza (brinzolamide/brimonidine) and Lumigan (bimatoprost) are both eye-drop medications used to lower eye pressure in conditions like open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension (high eye pressure). But they have several differences. Simbrinza is a combination of two medications: brinzolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, and brimonidine, an alpha-2 agonist. It works by reducing the amount of fluid in the eye and is typically used 3 times a day. Lumigan, on the other hand, is a prostaglandin that helps drain fluid from the eye and is used once daily in the evening. While Simbrinza is only available as a brand medication, Lumigan has a generic form available in its 0.03% strength. Simbrinza can cause side effects like blurry vision and eye irritation, whereas Lumigan may lead to eye redness, eyelash growth, and potentially permanent darkening of the eye color. Both medications require you to remove soft contact lenses before use and wait 15 minutes before reinserting them.
Summary for Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor / Alpha agonist
Prescription only
Simbrinza is a combination eye drop containing two medications: brinzolamide (a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor) and brimonidine (an alpha-2 agonist). It's used to treat glaucoma and high pressure in the eye. The dosage for the eye drops is placed 1 drop placed directly into the eye(s) three times per day to lower the pressure in the eye. Simbrinza is not yet available as a lower-cost generic. Side effects include eye irritation, blurry vision, and changes in taste.
Summary for Prostaglandin
Prescription only
Lumigan (bimatoprost) is an eye drop that's used to treat conditions related to high pressure in the eye, including glaucoma. It belongs to the drug class called prostaglandins, which work in the eye to reduce eye pressure. The brand name Lumigan is the 0.01% strength of the eye drops. There's also a 0.03% strength of generic bimatoprost eye drops for glaucoma. People 16 years of age or older can use either strength. This eye drop is used once a day in the evening. Side effects include eye redness, itchy eyes, and eye irritation.
Indications of Simbrinza vs. Lumigan
Indications for
Treatment of high pressure in the eye in people ages 2 years and older with: