Bimatoprost
About
Bimatoprost contains an ophthalmic medication called bimatoprost is used to treat raised /increased pressure in the eye in patients suffering from open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the optic nerve is damaged. This damaged nerve leads to an increase in eye pressure abnormally. Bimatoprost is used alone or in combination with other drugs for treating increased eye pressure.
Bimatoprost contains Bimatoprost, which is a prostaglandin analogue. It is primarily used in treating high pressure in the eye. It works by increasing the production of aqueous humour (fluid in the eye) and reducing eye pressure.
Bimatoprost is for ophthalmic use only. Before using it, wash your hands thoroughly to avoid any infection. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Bimatoprost, and you can put them back 15 minutes after using Bimatoprost. This medicine may cause certain side effects, such as eye itching and conjunctival hyperemia (inflammation in the eye) in some cases. Most of these side effects of Bimatoprost are temporary, do not require medical attention, and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, contact your doctor.
Bimatoprost should be avoided if allergic to it or sulphonamides. Never encourage self-medication or suggest your medicine to someone else. You should not stop taking Bimatoprost suddenly as it may increase eye pressure. Do not take Bimatoprost if you have/had a severe kidney problem or liver disease. Check with your doctor before starting Bimatoprost if you have dry eyes and cornea problems. Also, Bimatoprost should not be stopped suddenly as it may lead to severe side effects. Do not take any other eye medication with Bimatoprost without consulting your doctor.
Uses of Bimatoprost
Medicinal Benefits
Bimatoprost contains Bimatoprost, which is a prostaglandin analogue. It is primarily used in treating the high pressure of the eye in patients with glaucoma. It works by increasing the production of aqueous humour (fluid in the eye), thereby reducing eye pressure. If the pressure is too high, it can also lead to loss of sight. Bimatoprost should be put only in the infected eye, and contact with the normal eye should be avoided.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Bimatoprost
- Eye itching
- Conjunctival hyperemia (inflammation in the eye)
- Dry eyes
- Burning eyes
- Eye pain or irritation
- Eye tearing
- Headaches
- Darker skin around your eye
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not use Bimatoprost if you are allergic or hypersensitive to Bimatoprost, other antibiotics, or sulfa drugs. Inform your doctor about all the prescription and non-prescription medications you are taking, especially eye medications and products that contain aspirin and vitamins. If you have a kidney problem, uveitis, macular oedema, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before starting Bimatoprost, and dose adjustment may be required. If you are taking other eye medication, please tell your doctor beforehand. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Bimatoprost, and you can put them back 15 minutes after using Bimatoprost. Wash your hands properly before using Bimatoprost to avoid any infection.
Drug Interactions
Drug-drug Interactions: Bimatoprost may interact with other prostaglandins ophthalmic medications like latanoprost, tafluprost, travoprost, and unoprostone.
Drug-Food Interactions: Bimatoprost interacts with non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have or ever had liver or kidney disease, uveitis (eye inflammation), or macular edema (building up of fluid in the eye leading to swelling.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionNo interaction was found. However, it is advisable not to take or limit alcohol as a precautionary measure.
Pregnancy
safe if prescribedBimatoprost is generally safe to take during pregnancy. If you have concerns, discuss them with your doctor before using Bimatoprost.
Breast Feeding
safe if prescribedBimatoprost is generally safe to take in breastfeeding. If you have concerns, discuss them with the doctor before using Bimatoprost.
Driving
unsafeBimatoprost can cause side effects like eye itching, eye burning or eye pain which can affect your driving ability. Hence, avoid driving after using Bimatoprost.
Liver
cautionBimatoprost to be used with caution if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. Please consult the doctor; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionBimatoprost to be used with caution if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. Please consult the doctor; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
safe if prescribedIt can be safely used in children if prescribed by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid intake of baked foods such as cakes, cookies, doughnuts or fried items such as French fries and stick margarine as these foods may worsen glaucoma and damage the optic nerve.
- Cut down your coffee intake as it may increase pressure in the eye, and replace coffee with green tea.
- Avoid exercises such as any position where the head is lower than the body, like an inverted yoga pose, as it may increase pressure in the eye. Doing selective exercises is advised for glaucoma patients.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Glaucoma: Glaucoma is an eye condition which causes damage to the optic nerve (essential for good vision) due to abnormally increased pressure in the eye. If it is not treated in time, it may cause blindness. Usually, there are no symptoms of glaucoma initially except the slow loss of vision gradually. However, some symptoms include visible rainbow-coloured circles around bright lights or blurred vision. Rarely glaucoma can develop suddenly with intense pain in the eye, visual disturbance or nausea. Ocular hypertension is a condition caused due to poor drainage of aqueous humour (fluid in the eye that maintains normal pressure by its continuous flow). This leads to a build-up of excess fluid in the eye resulting in increased pressure inside the eye without any damage to the optic nerve. If ocular hypertension is not controlled, it may lead to glaucoma.
FAQs
Bimatoprost contains Bimatoprost, which is a prostaglandin analogue. It is primarily used in treating high pressure in the eye in patients with glaucoma. It works by increasing the production of aqueous humour (fluid in the eye) and reducing eye pressure.
No, Bimatoprost should be taken in the dose and duration as advised by the doctor. If you take it in more than the recommended dose, it might cause unpleasant side effects. If you think your symptoms are not improving, please consult your doctor.
You should inform your doctor if you are undergoing dental surgery, and he might stop the use of Bimatoprost before the surgery.
Do not stop taking Bimatoprost without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking Bimatoprost, you may experience increased eye pressure. It can also lead to loss of sight. Depending on your disease condition, your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.
No, Bimatoprost should not be taken if your uveitis (eye inflammation). Inform your doctor before starting Bimatoprost; the dose might be prescribed according to your medical condition.
