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Compare Simbrinza vs. Timolol

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Simbrinza (brinzolamide/brimonidine) and Timoptic (timolol maleate) are both eye drop medications used to lower eye pressure in conditions like open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Simbrinza is a combination of two medications, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and an alpha-2 agonist, while timolol maleate is a beta blocker. Simbrinza is typically used three times a day, whereas timolol maleate is usually taken once or twice daily. Simbrinza is only available as a brand medication, making it potentially more expensive, while timolol maleate is available in a lower-cost generic form. Simbrinza can cause side effects like blurry vision and eye irritation, and it is not suitable for people with sulfa allergies. Timolol maleate, on the other hand, can cause burning or stinging in the eye and is not recommended for individuals with certain heart or lung conditions. Both medications require careful handling to avoid contamination and should be used as prescribed to effectively manage eye pressure.

  • Simbrinza (brinzolamide / brimonidine)
    Timolol
  • Simbrinza (brinzolamide / brimonidine)
    Timolol

  • Summary of Simbrinza vs. Timolol

    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 Beta blocker
    Prescription only

    Timolol is an eye drop medication that's used to lower pressure within the eye and treat glaucoma. This medication belongs to the drug class called beta blockers. Timolol can be used by itself or together with other eye drops. The usual dosage is a drop of timolol into the eye(s) once or twice a day. Common side effects include burning or stinging after you put in the eye drops, but this is generally a temporary feeling. Although the brand name Timoptic was discontinued, the generic version is still available.

  • Indications of Simbrinza vs. Timolol

    Indications for

    Treatment of high pressure in the eye in people ages 2 years and older with:

    •Ocular hypertension
    •Open-angle glaucoma
    Indications for
    •High pressure in the eye caused by ocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eye) or open-angle glaucoma (the most common type of glaucoma)

  • Pros and Cons of Simbrinza vs. Timolol

    Pros and Const for Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor / Alpha agonist
    Pros
    •Works well to lower eye pressure
    •Conveniently combines two medications into one eye drop
    •Can use in children as young as 2 years old
    Cons
    •Must use three times a day
    •Might not be safe if you're allergic to sulfa medications
    •Not available as a lower-cost generic
    Pros and Const for Beta blocker
    Pros
    •Works well to treat high eye pressure
    •Usually only need to take once or twice daily
    •Lower-cost generic version available
    Cons
    •Can cause some burning and stinging in the eye
    •Shouldn't use if you have asthma or other lung problems
    •Shouldn't take if you have uncontrolled heart failure, second- or third-degree heart block, or sinus bradycardia (a chronically low heart rate)

  • Common Side Effects of Simbrinza vs. Timolol

    Common Side Effects for

    Reported in up to 5% of people:

    •Blurry vision
    •Eye irritation
    •Changes in taste (e.g., bad taste in mouth)
    •Dry mouth
    •Eye allergy
    Common Side Effects for
    •Temporary burning or stinging in the eye after using

  • Warnings of Simbrinza vs. Timolol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Only use in the eye
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Risk for swelling of the cornea in certain people
    •Risk for worsening of poor blood flow
    •Risk for eye infection (from contamination)
    •Take out soft contact lenses before using
    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk for heart failure
    •Not recommended for people with breathing problems
    •Hidden symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hidden symptoms of overactive thyroid
    •Worsening of myasthenia gravis

  • Prices with our coupons for Simbrinza vs. Timolol

    Learn more about Simbrinza
    Learn more about Timolol

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