Bimatoprost belongs to a class of medicines known as Prostaglandin Analogs used to treat eye conditions like Glaucoma and Intraocular Hypertension.
The FDA has also approved it as a prescribed medication to grow inadequate eyelashes, a condition known as Hypotrichosis of eyelashes.
Although being highly effective, Bimatoprost can lead to some side effects when used inappropriately.
This article will highlight Bimatoprost side effects and ways to manage them.
Bimatoprost side effects
Just like any other medication, Bimatoprost may have certain unwanted side effects in addition to its desired benefits.
However, all the side effects do not require medical attention and may go on their own in some time.
Some of the side effects of Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution are common, while others are rare and occur less frequently.
Common side effects

Some side effects of Bimatoprost are quite common and reported by many people using the medication.
However, these side effects do not require immediate medical care.
Additionally, these side effects could fade away during the treatment as your body becomes used to the medication.
The common side effects of using 3% Bimatoprost solution include:
- Aches and pains in the body
- Coughing
- Trouble breathing
- Headache
- Ear inflammation
- Nasal congestion
- Redness in the white part of the eyes, a condition known as Conjunctival Hyperemia
- Dry, teary, and itchy eyes
- Pain in the eye
Rare and serious side effects
On the other hand, some side effects are rare or uncommon.
Reach out to your doctor immediately if any of the side effects listed below persist or are unpleasant:
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Bloody eye
- Hazy or reduced vision
- Altered color vision
- Changed color of the skin surrounding the eyes
- Double sight
- Halos around lights
- Night blindness
- Tunnel vision
Apart from this, your eye’s color may change to brown, and the skin around your eye may get darker if you use Bimatoprost eye drops.
These changes often take place gradually and are rare, but they might be long-lasting.
You should know there can be a difference in your eye color after taking Bimatoprost in just one eye.
Call your doctor immediately If you notice these changes.
Preventing the risk of side effects of Bimatoprost

To reduce the risk of any side effects, the following precautions need to be taken while having Bimatoprost:
- Apply the medicine exactly as instructed and remove any excess that comes in touch with other skin, as it can potentially lead to hair growth
- Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Bimatoprost or any other substances before using this medication. Bimatoprost might have inactive substances, such as preservatives like Benzalkonium Chloride, that could lead to allergic reactions or other issues
- Inform your doctor about all your medical conditions before using Bimatoprost. It may affect your eyes, including Macular Edema, Iritis, and Uveitis
- Consult your doctor to continue using your current bottle of Bimatoprost if you get an eye infection or damage or undergo eye surgery. They can suggest you using a new bottle to avoid any contamination
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications or other supplements, as they may interfere with the working of Bimatoprost
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medications without consulting your doctor
- If you are taking another topical eye treatment, provide it at least 5 minutes before or after administering Bimatoprost eye drops
- You should be aware that the Bimatoprost solution includes Benzalkonium Chloride, which can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. If you use contacts, take them out before getting bimatoprost and re-insert them after 15 minutes.
Conclusion
Bimatoprost can effectively treat Glaucoma and stimulate eyelash growth.
However, inappropriate use of Bimatoprost without a doctor’s prescription can lead to unwanted side effects.
Bimatoprost can lead to redness, itching, and swelling in the eyes.
These effects are usually temporary and vanish with time.
In rare cases, Bimatoprost can cause blurred vision and a change in eye color.
To prevent the risk of any potential side effects, take Bimatoprost only after consulting your doctor in a prescribed manner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bimatoprost safe for use on the eyelashes?
In 2008, the FDA approved Bimatoprost as a safe and effective prescribed medication to grow inadequate eyelashes.
However, to reduce any contamination, avoid the contact of the medication to other areas of the body.
What are the common side effects of Bimatoprost eye drops?
Bimatoprost can lead to some common side effects, such as redness and itching in the eyes, teary and swollen eyes, headache, and nasal congestion.
Who should not use Bimatoprost?
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use Bimatoprost without consulting a doctor.
Bimatoprost should also not be used by people who are allergic to Bimatoprost or any of its ingredients.
Bimatoprost is not intended to be used by children below 18 years of age.
What are the long-term effects of Bimatoprost?
Blurred vision, change in eye color, sensitivity to light, and night blindness are some long-term effects of Bimatoprost.
Is Bimatoprost safe to use?
Bimatoprost is generally safe to use for treating eye conditions such as Glaucoma and Intraocular Hypertension.
However, misuse of the medication without consulting a doctor can lead to undesirable side effects like red and itchy eyes.
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