Bimatoprost eye drops are the medications used to treat eye conditions like Glaucoma and Intraocular Hypertension.
They can also be used to grow eyelashes and treat Hypotrichosis of eyelashes, a condition characterized by inadequate eyelashes.
Bimatoprost effectively reduces eye pressure that causes Glaucoma and Intraocular Hypertension.
But like any other medication, Bimatoprost has some side effects and drug interactions.
This article will discuss Bimatoprost’s benefits, side effects, and application procedure.
We will also mention all the necessary precautions to take while using Bimatoprost.
What are Bimatoprost eye drops
Bimatoprost belongs to the group of medications known as Prostaglandin Analogs.
Bimatoprost eye drops can be used to lower intraocular pressure in adults with Glaucoma and Intraocular Hypertension.
Excessive pressure inside the eyes might harm your vision and even cause blindness.
Bimatoprost functions by facilitating fluid flow from the eye’s interior into the blood circulation.
This, in turn, lowers eye pressure, thus preventing vision loss.
Bimatoprost was approved by the FDA in 2001 to be used as a prescribed medication for reducing intraocular pressure.
However, the medication showed increased eyelash growth as a side effect.
Hence, in 2008, the FDA approved the medication to treat inadequate eyelashes.
Bimatoprost’s effects on intraocular pressure can be felt as soon as 4 hours after treatment and typically last for 24 hours.
On the other hand, the medication may require constant use for 4 to 12 weeks in order to noticeably develop eyelashes.
By week 16, you could see the full impact of Bimatoprost on your eyelashes.
However, if you stop using the medication over a period of many weeks to months, your eyelashes will return to their original condition.
What are the benefits of Bimatoprost eye drops
Bimatoprost is an effective medication to treat eye conditions such as Glaucoma, Intraocular Hypertension, and inadequate growth of eyelashes (Hypotrichosis of eyelashes).
Bimatoprost for Glaucoma and Intraocular Hypertension
Bimatoprost is used to cure Open-Angle Glaucoma and Intraocular Hypertension in adults.
It can be used either alone or in conjunction with a beta blocker, often Timolol.
A Greek study found that a combination of 0.03% Bimatoprost and 0.05% Timolol was effective in lowering intraocular pressure in patients with Open-angle Glaucoma.
Open-Angle Glaucoma is the most common type of Glaucoma that occurs when your eye’s drainage channels get blocked.
But even after getting blocked, your drainage channels in the eyes seem to be open and functioning correctly.
The fluid in your eye can accumulate over months or years due to blocked drainage channels and exert pressure on your optic nerve.
Intraocular Hypertension is an eye disorder that affects the eyes due to excessive fluid build-up, causing a rise in the fluid pressure inside the eyes.
The increased pressure inside the eyes in both Open-Angle Glaucoma and Intraocular Hypertension can damage the optic nerve that transmits signals to your brain.
The damaged optic nerve, if left untreated, may cause vision loss.
Bimatoprost eye drops are found to be effective in reducing eye pressure, thus treating Glaucoma and Intraocular Hypertension.
Bimatoprost for Hypotrichosis of eyelashes
Bimatoprost can also be used as an effective treatment for abnormal or inadequate growth of eyelashes, a condition called Hypotrichosis of eyelashes.
Regular Bimatoprost use can substantially change the look of your eyelashes.
The medication enhances the growth of eyelashes and their length, thickness, and color, making the eyelashes more noticeable.
Bimatoprost is often recommended by ophthalmologists as a safe and efficient way to get longer, thicker, and darker eyelashes.
How to use Bimatoprost eye drops
Follow the steps given below to administer the eye drops correctly:
Bimatoprost eye drop is typically used once daily in the evening into the affected eye or eyes
- Try to take the medication every day at around the same time
- Use it only as directed by your doctor, neither more nor less often
- Use soap and water to wash your hands thoroughly
- Make sure the tip of the dropper is not broken or chipped
- Place the bottle upside down between your thumb and forefinger or index finger
- Pull your lower eyelid down with your other hand to make a pouch or pocket
- Lean back and look upward
- Put the bottle’s tip close to your lower eyelid
- Gently squeeze the bottle to release one drop into the pocket or pouch created between your eye and eyelid
- Do not rub your eye or blink
- Close your eyes, place your index finger at the inner corner of your eye, and press against your nose for two minutes.
By doing this, you’ll be able to prevent the medication from draining via your tear duct and into your nose and throat, where it might then enter other regions of your body through absorption
- Put the lid/cap back on and firmly close it
- To get rid of any residue, wash your hands with soap and water once more
Are there any side effects of Bimatoprost
Like any other medication, Bimatoprost can lead to side effects.
Some of the side effects are common, while others are rare and serious.
Common side effects associated with Bimatoprost are:
- Headaches
- Itchy and dry eyes
- Redness and swelling in the eyes
- Tearing and pain in the eyes
- Conjunctival Hyperemia
- Ear inflammation
- Nasal congestion
Besides these side effects, Bimatoprost may cause blurred vision, changed color of the skin around the eyes, and a change in color of the iris of the eyes in rare cases.
Are you planning to use Careprost? Beware of fake Careprost eye drops. Read our article: Spotting the Difference: Original vs Fake Careprost, to distinguish between fake and original Careprost eye drops.
Precautions to be taken
The following precautions need to be taken while using Bimatoprost to reduce the risk of any side effects:
- To prevent contaminating the eye drops, avoid contacting the dropper tip with your eye, eyelid, or anything else
- If your eye drops are being switched, follow your doctor’s instructions on when to stop using the previous drops and when to begin using the new ones
- Even if you feel well, continue to take Bimatoprost eye drops. Discontinuation of the medicine may reverse its effects
- Bimatoprost solution contains Benzalkonium Chloride that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses
- Thus, before using Bimatoprost, remove your contact lenses and then put them back only after 15 minutes
- Inform your doctor about over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, dietary and herbal supplements that you are using or want to use, as Bimatoprost eye drops may interact with them
Other Prostaglandin eye drops, including Latanoprost, Tafluprost, Travoprost, and Unoprostone, may interact with Bimatoprost eye drops, leading to side effects
Be more cautious before using careprost if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Read our article: Is Careprost Safe to Use During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding? to know more.
Conclusion
Bimatoprost can effectively treat Glaucoma, Intraocular Hypertension, and Hypotrichosis of eyelashes.
However, it can lead to side effects like other medicines.
For maximum effectiveness, the Bimatoprost eye drops should be used with utmost care.
However, some precautions must be taken to overcome any side effects associated with the medicine.
Do not alter the dose or discontinue the medication without consulting your doctor.
The medication must be used in the prescribed dosage as directed by your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary to refrigerate Bimatoprost eye drops?
Studies suggest that Bimatoprost is a stable molecule that does not need to be refrigerated.
Hence, it is okay not to keep Bimatoprost eye drops in the refrigerator.
How long does a bottle of Bimatoprost eye drop last?
A bottle of Bimatoprost can be expected to be used for a maximum of 56 days based on the quantity of drops delivered from a 2.5 mL container.
Can Bimatoprost be used to treat other eye conditions besides Glaucoma?
Yes, besides treating Glaucoma, Bimatoprost is also used to cure Intraocular Hypertension, an eye disorder marked by increased eye pressure.
What is the recommended dosage for Bimatoprost eye drops?
The recommended dose of Bimatoprost eye drops is one drop each day in the evening in the affected eye or as directed by the doctor.
Is Bimatoprost FDA-approved for all its uses?
Yes, in 2001, the FDA approved Bimatoprost to be used as a prescribed medication to treat Glaucoma and Intraocular Hypertension.
It was also approved by the FDA in 2008 to treat Hypotrichosis of eyelashes.
What should I do if I accidentally miss a dose of Bimatoprost eye drops?
The missed dosage should be administered as soon as you remember. If it is the time of your next dosage, skip the missed one and instill the drops as per your normal dosing plan.
Do not double the dose to make up for a missing dosage.
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