Bimatoprost 0.03% Eye Drops

Bimatoprost Multichem general information

What is Bimatoprost Multichem used for?

Bimatoprost Multichem eye drops 0.03% are used to lower pressure within the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP) in the treatment of glaucoma, which is raised IOP caused by a build up of fluid (aqueous humour) in the eye.  The increased IOP can cause damage to the optic nerve fibres that lead out of the back of the eye to the brain and may lead gradual loss of sight, starting with peripheral vision and eventually to total blindness in that eye.  Bimatoprost Multichem eye drops increases the drainage of aqueous fluid out of the eye which decreases IOP and prevents loss of sight.  Bimatoprost Multichem eye drops are also used to treat ocular hypertension (increased IOC without ocular nerve damage) to lower IOC.  Bimatoprost Multichem eye drops 0.03% (also known as Latisse and Lumigen) are also used to treat hypotrichosis, which is when eyelash growth is abnormal or not sufficient to give you adequate or enough eyelashes to allow you to grow longer, thicker and darker eyelashes. 

How does Bimatoprost Multichem work?

Bimatoprost Multichem eye drops 0.03% contain bimatoprost, a synthetic analogue (mimic) of the naturally occurring prostamide, which is a prostaglandin-like chemical that has distinct and specific actions in various tissues of the body, including potent ocular hypotensive (pressure reducing) activity.  The buildup of pressure in the eye that is seen in glaucoma is caused by a blockage in the draining system for the eye fluid called aqueous humour, which is produced continually to maintain normal eye pressure.  Bimatoprost in Bimatoprost Multichem eye drops binds to the same receptors in the eye as prostamide and increases the flow of aqueous humour out of the eye through the spongy tissue called the trabecular network, which is the conventional drainage route for the aqueous, by reducing the tonographic (pressure-sensitive) resistance to outflow of aqueous humour.  As the flow of fluid into and out of the eye becomes balanced again, the pressure in the eye is lowered and this reduces the risk of damage to the optic nerve and loss of sight that can happen if glaucoma is left untreated.

What does Bimatoprost Multichem contain?

Bimatoprost Multichem eye drops contain the active ingredient bimatoprost 0.3mg/ml (0.03%), a synthetic analogue of prostamide used to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma.  They also contain sodium phosphate dibasic, sodium chloride, citric acid monohydrate, purified water and the preservative benzalkonium chloride; sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid are added to adjust PH. 

Treating glaucoma with Bimatoprost Multichem

Bimatoprost Multichem eye drops 0.03% contain bimatoprost, a synthetic analogue (mimic) of the naturally occurring prostamide that has potent ocular hypotensive (pressure reducing) activity and is used to treat glaucoma.  The buildup of pressure in the eye that is seen in glaucoma is caused by a blockage in the draining system for the eye fluid called aqueous humour, which is produced continually.  Although aqueous humour is important for maintaining normal eye pressure and providing nutrients for the eye, increased production or decreased drainage from the eye increases IOP, which can cause damage to the optic nerve fibres that lead out of the back of the eye to the brain and may lead gradual loss of sight.  Bimatoprost in Bimatoprost Multichem eye drops increases the flow of aqueous humour out of the eye through the spongy tissue called the trabecular network, by reducing the tonographic (pressure-sensitive) resistance to outflow of aqueous humour.  As the flow of fluid into and out of the eye becomes balanced again, the pressure in the eye is lowered and this reduces the risk of damage to the optic nerve and loss of sight that can happen if glaucoma progresses untreated.  

Bimatoprost Multichem for growing long eyelashes

Bimatoprost Multichem eye drops 0.03% (also known as Latisse and Lumigen) is used to treat hypotrichosis, which is when eyelash growth is abnormal or not sufficient to give you adequate or enough eyelashes.  Bimatoprost Multichem eye drops contain bimatoprost, a synthetic analogue (mimic) of a naturally occurring chemical called prostamide, which is thought to be involved in hair growth and works by increasing the length of the active hair growth phase.  Bimatoprost Multichem eye drops can help you grow eyelashes that are longer, fuller and darker than they were before.   

What are the side effects of Bimatoprost Multichem?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Bimatoprost Multichem 0.03% include red congested eyes (conjunctival hyperaemia), growth of eyelashes, itching, irritation or inflammation of the eye (conjunctivitis) and eyelid (blepharitis), sensitivity to light, an increase in colouring or pigment of area around eye, visual changes, eyelash darkening, darkening of the iris, headache, dizziness, infection (primarily colds and upper respiratory tract infections).

Can you use Bimatoprost Multichem/Latisse together for glaucoma and eyelash growth?

If you are using Bimatoprost Multichem eye drops 0.03% or other prostaglandin analogs for reducing your intraocular pressure or if you have glaucoma, you should not use Latisse eye drops for eyelash growth, as using both together may interfere with the reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) that you need to achieve.

When should Bimatoprost Multichem not be used?

You should not use Bimatoprost Multichem 0.03% if you:

• are allergic to bimatoprost or any ingredients in Bimatoprost Multichem
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have kidney or liver or respiratory disease
• are wearing contact lenses, you should remove your contacts and replace them after using Bimatoprost Multichem eye drops

How should Bimatoprost Multichem be used for glaucoma?

You should use your Bimatoprost Multichem 0.03% eye drops by applying one drop into the affected eye, once daily, preferably in the evening, and following the instructions provided.  If you are wearing contact lenses, you should remove them before applying your Bimatoprost Multichem eye drops and then replace them.  You should continue to use your Bimatoprost Multichem eye drops daily for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for several months or years, as they will help maintain normal eye pressure but will not cure glaucoma.  If you are using Bimatoprost Multichem for reducing your intraocular pressure or if you have glaucoma, you should not use Bimatoprost Multichem eye drops for eyelash growth. 

How should Bimatoprost Multichem be used for eyelash growth?

You should use your Bimatoprost Multichem eye drops 0.03% once nightly, by applying to the base of the upper eye lashes of each eye, using a small brush or eyeliner.  These are not provided.  Do not apply to the lower lid and avoid touching other areas as this may result in unwanted hair growth.  Before applying your Bimatoprost Multichem eye drops, ensure that your face is clean and makeup and contact lenses are removed.  You should begin to see results within 8 weeks with maximum eyelash growth by 12-16 weeks.  If you stop using your Bimatoprost Multichem eye drops, your eye lashes will return to their original condition, within a few weeks or months.  If you are using Bimatoprost Multichem for reducing your intraocular pressure or if you have glaucoma, you should not use Bimatoprost Multichem eye drops for eyelash growth.

How long should you take Bimatoprost Multichem?

You should continue to use your Bimatoprost Multichem eye drops 0.03% for glaucoma daily for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for several months or years, as they will help maintain normal eye pressure only while using Bimatoprost Multichem eye drops but will not cure glaucoma. 

You should use your Bimatoprost Multichem eye drops 0.03% for eyelash growth continually for 12-16 weeks for maximum eyelash growth and you will begin to see results within 8 weeks.  If you stop using your Bimatoprost Multichem eye drops, your eye lashes will return to their original condition, within a few weeks or months. 

Missed dose of Bimatoprost Multichem

If you miss a dose of Bimatoprost Multichem 0.03% apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to apply the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not apply a double dose.

How should Bimatoprost Multichem be stored?

You should store your Bimatoprost Multichem 0.03% below 25°C in a cool dry place and always replace the top on the bottle to prevent contamination.  Discard the bottle of Bimatoprost Multichem eye drops 4 weeks after opening.