Simbrinza vs. Timolol for Glaucoma and Eye Pressure: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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)

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Timolol

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Summary for Simbrinza

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.

Indications for Simbrinza

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

Pros and Cons for Simbrinza

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

Common Side Effects for Simbrinza

Reported in up to 5% of people:

Blurry vision
Eye irritation
Changes in taste (e.g., bad taste in mouth)
Dry mouth
Eye allergy

Warnings for Simbrinza

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

Summary for Timolol

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 for Timolol

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 for Timolol

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)