Bimatoprost eye drops
What is this medicine?
BIMATOPROST reduces pressure in the eye by increasing the amount of fluid that drains from the eye. Bimatoprost ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat certain types of glaucoma and other causes of high pressure inside the eyes. Bimatoprost ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to bimatoprost.
Before using bimatoprost, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have swelling or infection of your eye.
Bimatoprost ophthalmic may cause a gradual change in the color of your eyes or eyelids and lashes, as well as increased growth or thickness of your eyelashes. These color changes, usually an increase in brown pigment, occur slowly and you may not notice them for months or years. Color changes may be permanent even after your treatment ends, and may occur only in the eye being treated. This could result in a cosmetic difference in eye or eyelash color from one eye to the other.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether bimatoprost ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether bimatoprost ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use this medicine?
Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Bimatoprost ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using bimatoprost before putting in your contact lenses.
Bimatoprost ophthalmic may cause a gradual change in the color of your eyes or eyelids and lashes, as well as increased growth or thickness of your eyelashes. These color changes, usually an increase in brown pigment, occur slowly and you may not notice them for months or years. Color changes may be permanent even after your treatment ends, and may occur only in the eye being treated. This could result in a cosmetic difference in eye or eyelash color from one eye to the other.
Do not allow the tip of the dropper to touch any surface, including your eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
After using this medication, wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops that your doctor has prescribed.
What may interact with this medicine?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on bimatoprost used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Bimatoprost ophthalmic Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Intraocular Hypertension:
Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening.
Usual Adult Dose for Glaucoma (Open Angle):
Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Intraocular Hypertension:
16 years and older:
Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Glaucoma (Open Angle):
16 years and older:
Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include severe forms of some of the side effects listed in this medication guide.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Bimatoprost ophthalmic is usually given as 1 drop in each affected eye once daily, in the evening. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Bimatoprost ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using bimatoprost before putting in your contact lenses.
Wash your hands before using eye medication.
To apply the eye drops:
- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.
- Use only the number of drops prescribed by your doctor.
- Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
- Also wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops that your doctor has prescribed.
Do not allow the tip of the dropper to touch any surface, including your eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.
At any time during your use of bimatoprost ophthalmic, tell your doctor at once if you have an eye injury, if you develop an eye infection, or if you plan to have eye surgery.
Store this medicine in a refrigerator or at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using bimatoprost ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
- redness, swelling, itching, or pain in or around your eye;
- oozing or discharge from your eye;
- increased sensitivity to light;
- vision changes.
Less serious side effects may include:
- mild eye discomfort;
- dizziness;
- feeling like something is in your eye;
- dry or watery eyes; or
- stinging or burning of the eyes after using the drops.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
