What is Bimatoprost?
Bimatoprost is a medicine that reduces intraocular pressure in conditions like open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The condition involves high blood pressure inside the eye, including glaucoma that damages the optic nerve. The doctor prescribes Bimatoprost when other agents are insufficient to manage the condition. Bimatoprost as an ophthalmic solution also helps treat eyelash hypotrichosis and promote eyelash growth. Bimatoprost is sold under the name Lumigan and is available under a doctor's prescription.
What are the uses of Bimatoprost?
Bimatoprost eye drops help to treat medical conditions like:
- Open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension
- Eyelash hypotrichosis
How does Bimatoprost work?
Bimatoprost is a prostaglandin analogue that mimics the natural prostaglandins in the body. It works by increasing the aqueous humour's outflow and lowering eye pressure. For Eyelash hypotrichosis, Bimatoprost extends eyelash hair follicles' growth phase (anagen phase). Thus, it increases the number of hairs in this phase, leading to longer, thicker, and darker eyelashes.
How to use Bimatoprost?
For Open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension: Use Bimatoprost when prescribed by a doctor.
To use Bimatoprost eye drops, hold the dropper close to the eye. Squeeze the dropper gently and place 2 or 3 drops inside the lower eyelid. Use at fixed intervals as directed by a doctor, and remove the contact lenses before using Bimatoprost eye drops.
For Eyelash Growth: Apply Careprost with an eyeliner brush along the upper lash line once nightly. Wipe excess liquid to prevent unwanted hair growth.
What are the side effects of Bimatoprost?
Side effects that may appear during the use of Bimatoprost eye drops include:
- Dry eyes
- Eye tearing
- Eye itching
- Headaches
- Darker skin around the eye
- Conjunctival hyperemia( inflammation in the eye)
- Burning eyes
What are the Interactions for Bimatoprost?
Drug-Drug Interactions: Bimatoprost may interact with other prostaglandins ophthalmic medications such as tafluprost, latanoprost, unoprostone and travoprost.
Drug-Food Interactions: If you use non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products, tell your doctor about them.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Liver or kidney disease
- Macular oedema(building up fluid in the eye causing swelling)
- Uveitis(an eye inflammation)
What are the precautions and safety advice related to Bimatoprost?
Alcohol
No interaction is found with Bimatoprost, but it would be best to avoid alcohol consumption while on the treatment.
Pregnancy
Bimatoprost is generally safe during pregnancy. However, discussing it with a doctor before using it would be best.
Breast Feeding
Bimatoprost is safe to use during breastfeeding, as discussed with a doctor before you use it in your case.
Driving
Bimatoprost can cause eye itching, blurry vision or eye pain, as it can affect your ability to drive. If these symptoms appear, do not drive after using Bimatoprost.
Liver
Patients with liver disease should be cautious while using Bimatoprost as it requires a doctor's approval for safe use.
Kidney
A person with a kidney problem should use Bimatoprost cautiously and as a doctor advises.
Children
Bimatoprost can be safely used in children if a doctor prescribes it.
Safety Advice
- Take off your contact lenses while using Bimatoprost eye drops.
- Do not use Bimatoprost eye drops if you have any injury or wound in your eye.
- Clean the excessive fluid near your eye area, promoting hair growth.
How to Store Bimatoprost?
Store Bimatoprost eye drops in a cool and dry place away from sunlight. Keep the dropper safely away from the reach of pets and children. Tightly close the container after each use.
FaQs-
Is Bimatoprost effective for hair growth?
Yes, Bimatoprost helps to promote hair growth, particularly for alopecia and hypotrichosis.
How does bimatoprost compare to minoxidil?
Bimatoprost is effective for eyebrow growth, with a stronger response at 0.03% concentration than minoxidil.
Is Bimatoprost a hormone?
No, but Bimatoprost is related to the prostaglandin family of hormones.
When should Bimatoprost be used?
Use Bimatoprost in the evening for optimal effect. Remove contact lenses before application.
How many drops of Bimatoprost should be used?
Use One drop of Bimatoprost per affected eye daily in the evening. More frequent use does not improve efficacy; moreover, consult a doctor to know your ideal doses.
Can Bimatoprost change eye color?
Yes, though rare, Bimatoprost can cause permanent darkening of the eye colour over time. Darkened eyelids and eyelashes usually fade after stopping the use of this medicine.
