Generic name: bimatoprost ophthalmic [ bih-MAT-o-prost ]
Brand name: Lumigan
Dosage form: ophthalmic solution (0.01%; 0.03%)
Drug class: Ophthalmic glaucoma agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 10, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is bimatoprost ophthalmic?

Bimatoprost ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat certain types of glaucoma and other causes of high pressure inside the eye.

Bimatoprost ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Bimatoprost ophthalmic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

bimatoprost ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Stop using bimatoprost ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have:

• eye swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage (may be signs of infection);

• vision changes; or

• red, swollen, or itchy eyelids.

Common side effects of bimatoprost ophthalmic may include:

• eye redness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use bimatoprost ophthalmic if you are allergic to bimatoprost.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• swelling or infection in your eye;

• retinal detachment; or

• eye surgery or injury affecting the lens of your eye.

Bimatoprost ophthalmic may cause a gradual change in the color of your eyes or eyelids and lashes, usually an increase in brown pigment. You may also notice increased growth or thickness of your eyelashes. These changes 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.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Bimatoprost ophthalmic is not approved for use by anyone younger than 16 years old.

How should I use bimatoprost ophthalmic?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

The usual dose of this medicine is 1 drop into the affected eye every evening. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in this medicine could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To apply the eye drops: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Tell your doctor right away if you have an eye injury or eye infection, or if you plan to have eye surgery.

Store this medicine at cool room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of bimatoprost ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using bimatoprost ophthalmic?

Avoid using too much of bimatoprost ophthalmic, which can actually make it less effective.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

What other drugs will affect bimatoprost ophthalmic?

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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