Lumigan™ (bimatoprost) 0.03% ophthalmic solution

Manufacturer: Allergan Inc.

Indication(s):  Reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who are intolerant of other intraocular pressure lowering medications or insufficiently responsive to another intraocular pressure lowering medication.

Dosage & Administration:  One drop in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening.

Pharmacology:  Bimatoprost is a prostamide, a synthetic structural analog of prostaglandin with ocular hypotensive activity.  It selectively mimics the effects of naturally occurring substances, prostamides.  Bimatoprost is believed to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in humans by increasing outflow of aqueous humor through both the trabecular meshwork and uveoscleral routes.  Elevated IOP presents a major risk factor for glaucomatous field loss.  The higher the level of IOP, the greater the likelihood of optic nerve damage and visual field loss.

WebRx Editorial Notes:  Dosage should not exceed one drop daily because higher doses could negate the beneficial effects.  Bimatoprost can permanently darken the eyes or eyelids and can make eyelashes thicker or longer.  The changes happen slowly over months or years and they may not be noticeable right away.  Changes could be most noticeable if only using the product in one eye.

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