Bimatoprost General Information
Bimatoprost is used to treat high pressure inside the eye due to glaucoma (open-angle type) or other eye diseases (e.g., ocular hypertension). Lowering high pressure inside the eye can help prevent blindness. Bimatoprost works by regulating the flow of fluid within the eye to maintain a normal pressure.
How to Use Bimatoprost
Apply Bimatoprost in the affected eye(s), usually once a day in the evening, or as directed by your doctor. Do not use Bimatoprost more often because it will not work as well.
To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.
Bimatoprost contains a preservative that may stain contact lenses. If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using your eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes after each dose before putting your lenses back in.
Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed.
Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use, and keep the cap tightly closed.
If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.
Use Bimatoprost regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. It is important to continue using Bimatoprost even if you feel well. Most people with glaucoma or high pressure in the eye do not have symptoms.
Bimatoprost Possible Side Effects
Burning/stinging/irritation/redness of the eye, feeling as if something is in your eye, dry eyes, watering eyes, and increased sensitivity to light may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Bimatoprost may slowly (over months to years) cause brown discoloration of the colored portion of the eye (iris). If you are using Bimatoprost in only one eye, only that iris may change color. An increase in eyelash number/length/thickness, darkening of the eyelashes/eyelids, or eyelid changes may also occur in the treated eye. These changes may be permanent, but the long-term effects are uncertain. Notify your doctor if this occurs, and schedule regular eye exams to monitor it.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Bimatoprost because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Bimatoprost do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: vision changes, eye pain/swelling, swelling/redness of the eyelids.
A very serious allergic reaction to Bimatoprost is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Bimatoprost Precautions
Before using Bimatoprost, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar drugs (e.g., latanoprost, travoprost); or if you have any other allergies. Bimatoprost may contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using Bimatoprost, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: eye problems (e.g., macular edema, iritis, uveitis, lens extraction/aphakia).
If you develop an eye infection or injury, or have eye surgery, check with your doctor about the continued use of your current bottle of Bimatoprost. You may be advised to start using a new bottle.
Bimatoprost may cause temporary unstable vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely
Bimatoprost should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether Bimatoprost passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Bimatoprost Possible Intercations
Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Before using Bimatoprost, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: eyelash treatment (such as topically applied Bimatoprost).
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Bimatoprost, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.