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Compare Simbrinza vs. Trusopt

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

Key takeaways

Simbrinza (brinzolamide/brimonidine) and dorzolamide are both used to lower pressure in the eye caused by open-angle glaucoma or 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. Dorzolamide, on the other hand, is a single medication that is also a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Simbrinza is only available as a brand medication, making it potentially more expensive, while dorzolamide is available in a lower cost generic form. Both medications are used 3 times a day and can cause similar side effects like eye irritation. However, Simbrinza combines two medications into one drop, which can be more convenient than using multiple separate drops.

drug combination

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  • Simbrinza (brinzolamide / brimonidine)
    Dorzolamide
  • Simbrinza (brinzolamide / brimonidine)
    Dorzolamide

  • Summary of Simbrinza vs. Trusopt

    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 Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Dorzolamide is an eye drop medication used to treat high pressure in the eye in people with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The dosage is 1 drop applied directly into the affected eye(s) three times per day. It's available as a generic only as the brand-name medication Trusopt has been discontinued. Dorzolamide is a sulfa medication, so it might not be the best choice if you have a serious sulfa allergy. Side effects include burning or stinging in the eye and a bitter taste in the mouth.

  • Indications of Simbrinza vs. Trusopt

    Indications for

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

    •Ocular hypertension
    •Open-angle glaucoma
    Indications for

    Treatment of high pressure in the eye in people with:

    •Ocular hypertension
    •Open-angle glaucoma

  • Pros and Cons of Simbrinza vs. Trusopt

    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 Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
    Pros
    •Doesn't typically cause side effects throughout the rest of your body
    •Can be combined with other medications
    •Safe to use in children
    Cons
    •Needs to be used 3 times a day
    •Can cause eye irritation right after applying a drop
    •Not the best option if you're allergic to sulfa medications

  • Common Side Effects of Simbrinza vs. Trusopt

    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
    •Burning or stinging in the eye (33%)
    •Bitter taste (25%)
    •Bacterial eye infection (10-15%)
    •Allergic reaction in the eye (10%)

  • Warnings of Simbrinza vs. Trusopt

    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
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Risk for eye infection (from contamination)
    •Risk for swelling of the cornea

  • Prices with our coupons for Simbrinza vs. Trusopt

    Learn more about Simbrinza
    Learn more about Dorzolamide

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