Medications and Drugs

Eye Diseases and Conditions Slideshow

Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD

GENERIC NAME: bimatoprost

BRAND NAME: Latisse, Lumigan

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Bimatoprost is a synthetic (man-made) drug that resembles and mimics the effects of natural chemicals (prostaglandins) produced by the body. It is used for reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) and increasing the growth of eyelashes. The exact mechanism of action is unknown. Bimatoprost may reduce IOP by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor from the eye of individuals with narrow angle glaucoma. Excessive aqueous humor may cause optic nerve damage and visual loss. It may increase eyelash growth by increasing the duration of the growing phase of the eyelash. The FDA approved Lumigan in March 2001 and Latisse in December 2008.

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: No

PREPARATIONS: Solution (eye drops): 0.03 mg/ml

STORAGE: Solutions should be store at 2-25 C (36-77 F).

PRESCRIBED FOR: Bimatoprost is used for reducing IOP in individuals with narrow angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It also is used for increasing thickness, length, and darkness of eyelashes.

DOSING: The recommended dosage of bimatoprost for reducing IOP is one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening. More frequent administration may reduce the IOP-reducing effect. Reduction in IOP starts approximately four hours after administration and maximum effect occurs in approximately 8 to 12 hours. The recommended regimen for increasing eyelash growth is one drop applied with an applicator evenly along the skin of the upper eyelid at the base of the eyelashes of each eye every evening.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Bimatoprost should be administered at least five minutes before or after other eye medications. Use of bimatoprost for eyelash growth may increase or decrease the effect of prostaglandin-like drugs used for treating elevated IOP. Bimatoprost solution contains benzalkonium chloride, which may be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Contact lenses should be removed prior to application of bimatoprost. Contact lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes following administration of bimatoprost.

PREGNANCY: Use of bimatoprost in pregnancy has not been adequately evaluated.

NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known whether bimatoprost is excreted in human breast milk.

SIDE EFFECTS: Common side effects include itching of the eyes, eye irritation, dry eyes, eye redness, eye lash darkening and reversible darkening of skin around the eyes. Bimatoprost may also cause permanent brown pigmentation in the colored part of the eye and hair growth in other areas of the body that it comes in contact with.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information