What it's for (Indications)
- Bimatoprost is indicated as monotherapy or as an adjunct to beta blockers in chronic open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension to lower intraocular pressure (IOP).
Dosage Information
| Type | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Standard | For the DURYSTA ophthalmic implant, administration is intracameral under standard aseptic conditions. It is a single administration of a biodegradable implant and should not be readministered to an eye that has previously received DURYSTA. The intracameral injection procedure must be performed under magnification allowing clear visualization of anterior chamber structures, with the patient's head stabilized, and the eye should not be dilated prior to the procedure. The applicator should be opened over a sterile field and used promptly. For general bimatoprost eye drops (not specified in FDA data provided), typically, one drop is instilled in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening. |
Safety & Warnings
Common Side Effects
- Common ocular adverse reactions include conjunctival hyperemia (redness of the conjunctiva, reported in up to 27% of patients), darkening and growth of eyelashes, ocular pruritus (itchy eyes), eye pain, irritation, iris discolouration, foreign body sensation, photophobia, conjunctival hemorrhage, dry eye, and blurred vision.
- Other reported side effects include headache, keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), visual disturbance, conjunctival edema, increased intraocular pressure (paradoxical in some cases), corneal endothelial cell loss, iritis, raised liver enzymes, and hypertension.
- Clinically significant adverse reactions also include implant migration (for DURYSTA), hypersensitivity, corneal adverse reactions, macular edema, intraocular inflammation, pigmentation, and endophthalmitis.
Serious Warnings
- Patients should be warned about the potential for irreversible changes to the eye, including increased pigmentation (darkening) of the iris (which may not be noticeable for several months), darkening of the eyelid, and increased growth and darkening of eyelashes.
- Bimatoprost should be used with caution in patients with renal, respiratory, or moderate to severe hepatic impairment, and those at risk of macular edema.
- It is also advised to exercise caution in patients with a history of significant viral ocular infection, iritis, or uveitis.
- Patients with dry eyes should be monitored for signs of keratopathy (damage to the cornea).
- There may be risk factors for bradycardia (slow heart rate) and hypotension (low blood pressure).
- For pregnant or lactating females, no risk has been found in available evidence, but consultation with a doctor is recommended before use.
How it Works (Mechanism of Action)
Bimatoprost, a prostaglandin analog, is a synthetic structural analog of prostaglandin with ocular hypotensive activity. It is believed to lower IOP by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor through both the trabecular meshwork (conventional) and uveoscleral routes (unconventional). Elevated IOP is a major risk factor for glaucomatous field loss, leading to optic nerve damage and visual field loss.
Commercial Brands (Alternatives)
No other brands found for this formula.