What is bimatoprost ophthalmic?
Bimatoprost ophthalmic reduces pressure in the eye by increasing the amount of fluid that drains from the eye.
Bimatoprost ophthalmic is used to treat certain types of glaucoma and other causes of high pressure inside the eye. Bimatoprost is also used to improve fullness, length, and color of the eyelashes in people with a condition called hypotrichosis (HYE-poe-trye-KOE-sis), a lack of eyelash growth.
Bimatoprost ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about bimatoprost ophthalmic?
Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using bimatoprost before putting your contact lenses in.
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 dropper to touch any surface, including the 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 should I discuss with my health care provider before using bimatoprost ophthalmic?
Do 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 is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether bimatoprost 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.