How does bimatoprost work?
Bimatoprost is from a group of medicines known as prostamides.
It works by increasing the natural flow of fluid from inside your eye into your bloodstream. This lowers the pressure within your eye and stops your sight getting worse.
How long does it take to work?
The pressure in your eye will start to reduce 4 hours after using the eye drops.
Bimatoprost reaches full effect after 8 to 12 hours. The reduced pressure will last for at least 24 hours.
Are there any long-term side effects?
Most people use bimatoprost for many years with no long-term side effects.
Very rarely, it can lower or increase your blood pressure. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns.
Are there other treatments for high pressure in the eye?
There are other eye medicines that work in a similar way to bimatoprost, including:
- latanoprost
- tafluprost
- travoprost
There are also other types of medicine that work in a different way to reduce high pressure in the eye and treat glaucoma. They include:
- carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, such as brinzolamide
- beta blockers, such as timolol
- alpha agonists, such as brimonidine
- cholinergic agonists, such as pilocarpine
Bimatoprost can be combined with timolol. These eye drops are known by the brand names Eyzeetan or Ganfort. Timolol reduces the amount of fluid in the eye. Using a combination of bimatoprost with timolol may help further reduce high pressure in the eye.
Other treatments for glaucoma can include laser treatments and surgery. They cannot reverse any loss of vision, but they can help to stop it getting worse.
Why is bimatoprost included in some cosmetic products?
Bimatoprost is sometimes included as an ingredient in beauty products, for cosmetic use rather than medical reasons. This is because some people may find it helps their eyelashes and eyebrows to grow.
These bimatoprost beauty products are only available to buy online. Always be aware of the dangers of buying medicines online, as their quality cannot be guaranteed.
It may also lead you to use medicines that your doctor has no record of and cannot consider in your overall treatment.
Bimatoprost eye drops for ocular hypertension and glaucoma are only available on prescription.
Will it affect my contraception?
Bimatoprost does not stop any type of contraception from working, including the combined pill or emergency contraception.
Can I drive or ride a bike?
You may have blurred vision for a short time after putting the bimatoprost drops in. If this happens to you, do not drive, cycle, or use machinery or tools until you can see clearly again.
Many people with glaucoma can continue driving a car or motorbike, but their eyesight must be up to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's (DVLA's) standards.
It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while using bimatoprost.
Can I drink alcohol while using bimatoprost?
You can drink alcohol with bimatoprost.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
You can eat and drink normally while using bimatoprost.