Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Simbrinza (brinzolamide/brimonidine) and Travatan Z (travoprost) are both prescription eye drops used to lower high pressure in the eye caused by open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. 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. Travatan Z, on the other hand, is a prostaglandin that helps fluid drain from the eye and is usually applied once daily in the evening. Unlike Simbrinza, Travatan Z is available in a lower-cost generic form. Simbrinza can be more convenient since it combines two medications, but it can be expensive. Travatan Z may cause eye redness and can permanently change eye color, but it is considered a first-choice treatment for high eye pressure. Both medications require you to remove contact lenses before use and wait 15 minutes before putting them back in.
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
Travoprost (Travatan Z) is a prescription prostaglandin eye drop that helps lower pressure in the eye. It's a first-choice medication for treating glaucoma in people over the age of 16. Typically, you apply travoprost (Travatan Z) once a day at night. This medication can cause eye redness and changes to eye color as side effects. It's available as a brand name and generic medication.
Indications of Simbrinza vs. Travatan Z
Indications for
Treatment of high pressure in the eye in people ages 2 years and older with: