Bimatoprost is used to treat a condition that causes intraocular pressure to increase in the eye. Such conditions are glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The pharmaceutical ingredient (Bimatoprost) is categorized under the class of drugs known as prostaglandin, which increases the flow of aqueous humour fluid out of the eye. This action lowers the elevated pressure within the eye.
Another use of Bimatoprost is in the growth of eyelashes. However, it was discovered as a side-effect of Bimatoprost solution in a glaucoma patient. People using this formulation for treating their glaucoma found that their eyelashes were growing; many researched were conducted to find out the efficacy of this formulation in the growth of eyelashes. Finally, it was discovered that the eye drop solution could be used by people with thin eyelash strands. Now, it has been given to patients with hypotrichosis (loss of eyelash hair) to enhance the eyelash growth. This eye medication is not only enhancing eyelash growth but also effectively increases the darkness and thickness of eyelash strands.
Side effects
Common side effects of Bimatoprost
A user must tell his/her ophthalmologist if any of the following symptoms become severe or cause any trouble:
- Headache
- Changes in eyelash growth
- Increased tear production
- Mild burning
- Itching or redness in the eye
- Feelings like you have something in your eye
Serious side effects
Inform your healthcare specialist right away if you develop any of the following serious side effects associated with the ophthalmic solution:
- Eye or eyelid discharge
- Changes in the vision
- Darkening of the eyelid
- Severe eye fatigue
- Sensitivity to light
- Severe pain in the eye
- Swelling, irritation, or inflammation of the eye
A person using this active solution may also experience an allergic reaction such as chest tightness, rash, hives, or swelling of the lips, tongue, face, and throat.
Bimatoprost and other medications
There may be other medications that could interact with Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution. There may be an interaction between your eye drops and other medications such as latanoprost, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, and ketorolac.
If you are using any of these drugs along with Bimatoprost, speak to your ophthalmologist. Depending on your specific situations, he/she may advise you to:
- Stop using one of the drugs
- Replace one of your drugs with another one
- Change the way how you are using both the medications
- Not change anything, but a gap of at least 5 minutes between both the medications
Note that an interaction between two drugs does not always mean that you must discontinue using one of them. Discuss with your ophthalmologist, he/she will first give you advice on managing the drug interaction. An ophthalmologist or a health care specialist will only ask you to stop the medicine only when there will be no way out.
Medications other than those listed in this document may cause drug interaction and trouble you in any way. Therefore, it is necessary to tell your healthcare provider about all the prescription and non-prescription drugs that you are using. Inform him/her whether it is a herbal supplement, vitamin, or other medications. Moreover, avoid using alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, or street drugs to prevent any drug interaction. Let your prescriber know if you use any of the above-mentioned drugs.
Dosage and administration
For glaucoma, use Careprost Bimatoprost solution once daily in the evening. Use one drop in the affected eye. Do not use more than once a day. For eyelash growth, apply the solution with a help of applicator only on the upper lash line. Apply once daily preferably at night.
