Ocular hypertension and glaucoma, a disorder in which a rise in eye pressure can cause a gradual loss of vision, are both treated with bimatoprost ophthalmic (a condition which causes increased pressure in the eye). Bimatoprost belongs to the group of drugs known as prostaglandin analogues. By accelerating the flow of natural eye fluids out of the eye, it reduces pressure inside the eye.

Ophthalmic bimatoprost is available as a solution (liquid) that is injected into the eye. It is typically injected once daily in the evening into the afflicted eye or eyes. Try to take the prescription every day at roughly the same time. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Utilize bimatoprost exactly as recommended. Use it only as directed by your doctor, neither more nor less often.

Glaucoma and ocular hypertension are not cured by bimatoprost, but they are controlled. Even if you feel well, continue to take bimatoprost eye drops. Without consulting your doctor, do not stop using bimatoprost eye drops.

Follow these steps to administer the eye drops:

• Use soap and water to thoroughly wash your hands.
• Make sure the dropper tip is not broken or chipped by inspecting it.
• Eye drops and droppers must be kept clean; avoid contacting the dropper tip to your eye or anything else.
• Pull your lower eyelid down to create a pocket with your index finger while cocking your head back.
• With your other hand, place the dropper as near to your eye as you can without touching it, tip down.
• Place the hand’s remaining fingers to your face.
• Squeeze the dropper gently while looking up so that a single drop falls into the lower eyelid’s pocket. Your index finger should be taken off the lower eyelid.
• Tip your head down so that you are looking at the floor while closing your eyes for two to three minutes. Avoid blinking or squeezing your eyelids.
• Give the tear duct a slight squeeze with your finger.
• Use a tissue to remove any extra liquid from your face.
• Wait at least 5 minutes before administering the subsequent drop if you need to use more than one in the same eye.
• Replace and secure the dropper bottle’s cap. Never rinse or clean the dropper tip.
• To get rid of any medication, wash your hands.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before using bimatoprost eye drops,

• If you have an allergy to bimatoprost or any other medicine, inform your doctor and pharmacist right away.
• Inform your physician and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
• If you are applying another topical eye medicine, do so at least five minutes before or after applying bimatoprost eye drops.
• Inform your doctor if you have liver or renal disease, eye inflammation (swelling), a torn or missing lens, or any of these conditions.
• Inform your doctor if you are expecting, intend to get pregnant, or are nursing a baby. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking bimatoprost.
• You should be aware that benzalkonium chloride, an ingredient in bimatoprost solution, can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. If you wear contacts, take them out before getting bimatoprost and re-insert them after 15 minutes.
• Consult your doctor about whether you should continue using the same eye drop container if you get an eye injury, infection, or surgery while taking bimatoprost.

Keep eating normally unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

The missed dose should be administered as soon as you remember. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. To make up for a missing dose, do not provide a second dose.

Side effects are possible with bimatoprost. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Scratchy eye
• Wet eyes
• Swollen eyes
• Ocular discomfort or annoyance
• Tearing up
• Headaches

Some adverse effects can be very harmful. Call your doctor right away if you suffer any of the following side effects:

• Responsiveness to light
• Red eye
• Swelling or redness of the eyelid

Your eye’s colour may change (to brown) and the skin around your eye may get darker if you use bimatoprost eye drops. Your eyelashes may also lengthen, thicken, and darken as a result of it. These modifications often take place gradually, but they could be long-lasting. You should be aware that there can be a difference between your eyes after taking bimatoprost if you just use it in one eye. If you find these modifications, contact your doctor.

Other adverse effects with bimatoprost eye drops are possible. If you experience any strange issues while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Store it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom).

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

As many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Keep all of your doctor’s appointments.

Do not share your medication with anybody else. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.