Bimatoprost

The typical dosage of Bimatoprost depends on its use:

• For Elevated Intraocular Pressure: One drop in the affected eye(s) once daily, usually in the evening.
• For Eyelash Enhancement (Latisse): Apply once daily to the base of the upper eyelashes using the provided applicator. It should not be applied to the lower eyelid.

Bimatoprost is contraindicated in patients with:

• Known hypersensitivity to Bimatoprost or any component of the formulation.
• Active eye infections or conditions that may worsen with the use of eye drops (unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider).

Patients using Bimatoprost should be advised to:

• Apply the medication exactly as prescribed and avoid using more than the recommended amount, as this can reduce its effectiveness.
• Remove contact lenses before applying the drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them, as Bimatoprost contains a preservative that can be absorbed by soft lenses.
• Be aware that Bimatoprost can cause changes in eye color, particularly increasing the brown pigmentation in the iris, which may be permanent.
• Use the provided applicator for Latisse and avoid touching the applicator tip to prevent contamination and infection.
• Report any unusual eye symptoms, such as pain, redness, or changes in vision, to their healthcare provider.

• Redness or irritation of the eyes
• Increased pigmentation of the iris, eyelid skin, or eyelashes
• Eye dryness or discomfort
• Sensation of something in the eye
• Changes in eyelash growth

• Severe eye irritation or allergic reactions
• Eye infection due to contamination of the dropper or applicator
• Vision changes or eye pain

Patients should seek medical attention if they experience any serious side effects.

Increased Pigmentation: Bimatoprost can cause increased brown pigmentation of the iris, which may be permanent. It can also darken the skin of the eyelids and increase the growth of eyelashes. Patients should be informed of this potential effect, especially if using Bimatoprost in only one eye.

Eyelash Changes: The use of Bimatoprost, particularly for cosmetic purposes, can cause changes in eyelash growth. If treatment is discontinued, these changes are usually reversible but may take several weeks to months.

Eye Infections: Contaminating the dropper or applicator tip can lead to serious eye infections. Patients should be instructed to keep the dropper and applicator clean and avoid contact with any surfaces.

Bimatoprost may interact with other eye medications or treatments. Patients should inform their healthcare provider if they are using other eye drops, especially other prostaglandin analogs, to avoid potential interactions that could reduce the effectiveness of treatment.

Alternative treatments for elevated intraocular pressure include:

• Other prostaglandin analogs: Such as latanoprost or travoprost, which work similarly to Bimatoprost.
• Beta-blockers: Such as timolol, which reduce aqueous humor production.
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: Such as dorzolamide or brinzolamide, which also reduce fluid production in the eye.
• Alpha agonists: Such as brimonidine, which both decrease fluid production and increase outflow.

For cosmetic eyelash enhancement, there are no FDA-approved alternatives to Latisse.