Description

Bimatoprost – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Safety Guide

Bimatoprost comes in several eye (ophthalmic) drops and is a prescription drug. Healthcare professionals use it to lower high pressure in the eye. It is used to treat open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Doctors also use another approved formulation of bimatoprost to treat inadequate eyelashes (eyelash hypotrichosis). So the right product and instructions depend on the condition being treated.

### What is Bimatoprost?

Bimatoprost is in a class of drugs called prostaglandin analogues. It is used as an eye medication to reduce intraocular pressure. This may help protect the eye from damage that can occur with increased eye pressure.” In addition, when doctors prescribe the right formulation for eyelash hypotrichosis, bimatoprost can help grow eyelashes longer, thicker, and darker.

Uses of Bimatoprost

Bimatoprost may be prescribed by doctors for:

• Open-angle glaucoma
• Ocular hypertension
• Eyelash hypotrichosis, appropriate formulation

However, patients should not assume that all bimatoprost products have the same instructions. Instead, carefully follow label and your healthcare professional’s directions.

How Bimatoprost Works

This may help to control pressure in the eye. The medicine helps your eyelashes grow longer over time for eyelash hypotrichosis. Results might differ from person to person, however, and continued treatment may be needed to maintain eyelash effects.

Dosage & Administration

Take Bimatoprost exactly as directed, in the evening. Using it more often doesn’t work better and may even reduce its blood pressure-lowering effect.

The eyelash formulation is applied once nightly to the upper eyelid margin using the sterile applicator provided. Do not apply directly on the lower eyelid. Also remove contact lenses as instructed before use and follow the directions for use.

Side Effects Possible

Bimatoprost may cause side effects. Side effects may include:

• Red eyes
• Eye irritation
• Itchiness or irritation
• Lash changes
• Eyelid or surrounding skin darkening

Bimatoprost may also cause increased iris pigmentation. This alteration could be permanent, especially with long-term exposure. So tell your eye-care professional about any unusual changes in your eyes.

Precautions and Safety

Tell your healthcare professional about all your eye conditions, previous eye surgery, allergies and all medicines. If you are using more than one ophthalmic medicine, use them in the order and spacing your healthcare professional has directed.

Never share your prescription eye medicine with others, either. If an applicator is provided with the product, use it. Do not contaminate the bottle tip or applicator.

Summary

Bimatoprost is an important option for managing elevated eye pressure and, in its approved eyelash formulation, for treating inadequate eyelash growth. But different formulations have different orientations. So always use Bimatoprost exactly as prescribed and according to the product information your healthcare professional gives you.