Bimaprost

Indications

Bimatoprost eye drops are used to lower raised pressure inside the eye in adults with open-angle glaucoma (a condition where high eye pressure damages the optic nerve and can lead to loss of sight) or ocular hypertension (high eye pressure without nerve damage yet). A low-strength solution is also used cosmetically to make eyelashes grow longer, thicker and darker.

How It Works

Bimatoprost is similar to natural substances called prostaglandins. It increases the outflow of fluid (aqueous humour) from the eye, which lowers the pressure inside the eye and protects the optic nerve. On the eyelid margin it lengthens the growth phase of eyelash hair.

Dosage and Administration

Glaucoma or high eye pressure: put 1 drop of the 0.03% solution into the affected eye(s) once daily, in the evening. Do not use more often, as this can make it work less well. Wash your hands, avoid touching the dropper tip to the eye, and press gently on the inner corner of the eye for a minute after the drop. If you use other eye drops, leave at least 5 minutes between them. Remove soft contact lenses before use and wait 15 minutes before putting them back. Eyelash product: apply as directed on the label to the upper lid margin only, once nightly.

Interactions

Using it together with another prostaglandin eye drop (such as Latanoprost) may reduce the pressure-lowering effect. It is often used together with Timolol drops, sometimes in a combined product.

Contraindications

Do not use if you are allergic to Bimatoprost or any ingredient, including the preservative benzalkonium chloride in some products.

Side Effects

• Red eyes, itching, dryness or a feeling of something in the eye
• Longer, thicker and darker eyelashes
• Darkening of the skin around the eyes
• Gradual, permanent darkening of the coloured part of the eye (iris), mainly in hazel or mixed-colour eyes
• Sunken appearance of the eyes (loss of fat around the eye)
• Headache

Get urgent medical help if you have sudden eye pain, sudden loss or blurring of vision, severe redness with discharge or sensitivity to light, or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the eyelids or face.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Use in pregnancy only if your doctor considers it necessary; there is limited information. It is not known whether it passes into breast milk, so ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

Glaucoma usually has no symptoms, so keep using the drops every day and attend regular eye pressure checks even if you feel fine. Use with care if you have inflammation inside the eye, a history of macular swelling, or have had cataract surgery. Your vision may blur briefly after use; do not drive until it clears. Eyelash products should not be used to treat glaucoma and vice versa without advice.

Overdose

Using too many drops is unlikely to cause harm but may increase redness and irritation; rinse the eye with water. If swallowed, seek medical advice.

Therapeutic Class

Antiglaucoma agent; prostaglandin analogue (prostamide).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Discard the bottle 4 weeks after opening unless the pack says otherwise.