Lumigan (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.01% is a prostaglandin analogue prescription medication specifically formulated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. As a first-line therapeutic agent, it functions by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor through both the trabecular meshwork and uveoscleral pathways. Its proven efficacy, favorable safety profile, and once-daily dosing regimen make it a cornerstone in the long-term management of these sight-threatening conditions. This product card provides a comprehensive overview for healthcare professionals to support informed clinical decision-making.

Features

• Active Ingredient: Bimatoprost 0.01%
• Pharmacologic Class: Prostaglandin analogue
• Formulation: Sterile, isotonic, buffered ophthalmic solution
• Preservative: Benzalkonium chloride 0.05 mg/mL
• pH: Approximately 7.2
• Osmolality: Approximately 290 mOsm/kg
• Packaging: 2.5 mL or 5 mL translucent low-density polyethylene bottle with a controlled dropper tip and polypropylene cap

Benefits

• Achieves significant and sustained reduction of intraocular pressure, a key modifiable risk factor in glaucoma progression.
• Offers a convenient once-daily dosing schedule, enhancing patient adherence and quality of life.
• Demonstrates a consistent 24-hour IOP-lowering effect, providing round-the-clock therapeutic coverage.
• Functions via a dual mechanism of action, increasing uveoscleral and trabecular outflow.
• Presents a generally well-tolerated side effect profile suitable for long-term chronic use.
• Serves as a viable monotherapy or can be used adjunctively with other IOP-lowering agents.

Common use

Lumigan is indicated for the first-line treatment of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT). It is prescribed to slow the progression of visual field loss by effectively managing the primary risk factor for glaucomatous optic neuropathy. It is suitable for adult patients of various ages and is often initiated as monotherapy, though it can be effectively combined with other classes of IOP-lowering medications, such as beta-blockers or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, when additional pressure control is required.

Dosage and direction

The recommended dosage is one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily, administered in the evening. Dosage should not exceed once daily, as more frequent administration may diminish the IOP-lowering effect. To administer:

1. Wash hands thoroughly.
2. Tilt head backward and look upward.
3. Gently pull down the lower eyelid to form a pouch.
4. Place the dropper tip close to the eye without touching it, and instill one drop into the conjunctival sac.
5. Close the eye gently and apply light pressure to the lacrimal sac (nasolacrimal occlusion) for 1 to 2 minutes to minimize systemic absorption.
6. If using more than one ophthalmic product, wait at least 5 minutes between applications.
7. Replace the cap on the bottle immediately after use.

Precautions

• Contact Lenses: Remove soft contact lenses prior to instillation. Lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes after administration due to the presence of benzalkonium chloride, which can be absorbed by soft lenses and cause ocular irritation.
• Ocular Effects: May gradually increase brown pigmentation of the iris, eyelid, and eyelashes in the treated eye. These changes are likely permanent. May also increase the length, thickness, and number of eyelashes (trichomegaly).
• Systemic Effects: Although topical, some systemic absorption occurs. Use with caution in patients with active intraocular inflammation (e.g., uveitis), aphakic patients, pseudophakic patients with a torn posterior lens capsule, or patients at risk for macular edema.
• Handling: The tip of the dispensing container should not contact the eye, eyelids, or any other surface to avoid contamination of the solution.
• Special Populations: Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established. Use in pregnant women only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Caution is advised in nursing mothers.

Contraindications

Lumigan is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to bimatoprost, benzalkonium chloride, or any other component of the formulation.

Possible side effect

The most common ocular adverse reactions, occurring in approximately 15-45% of patients, include:

• Conjunctival hyperemia
• Growth of eyelashes
• Ocular pruritus
• Ocular dryness
• Visual disturbance
• Foreign body sensation
• Eye pain
• Pigmentation of the periocular skin
• Blepharitis
• Cataract
• Superficial punctate keratitis
• Eyelid erythema
• Ocular irritation
• Allergic conjunctivitis

Less common but more serious side effects may include: intraocular inflammation (iritis/uveitis), cystoid macular edema, and herpes simplex keratitis. Iris pigmentation changes are common and likely permanent.

Drug interaction

Formal systemic drug interaction studies have not been conducted with Lumigan. However, due to the potential for additive effects, it is advisable to use caution when administering Lumigan concomitantly with other prostaglandin analogues or eye drops containing thimerosal, as a precipitate may form. The IOP-lowering effect may be additive when used with other topical ophthalmic agents.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible on the same day. However, if it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Do not instill two drops to make up for a missed dose.

Overdose

Ocular overdose is unlikely to require treatment. If accidentally ingested orally, symptomatic and supportive care is recommended. Based on animal studies, symptoms of systemic overdose may include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Storage

Store unopened bottles at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Once opened, the bottle may be stored at room temperature up to 25°C (77°F) for 6 weeks. Protect from light. Do not freeze. Keep the container tightly closed. Keep out of the reach of children.

Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals and is a summary of the product characteristics. It is not exhaustive. The prescribing physician should be consulted for complete information, including a full description of risks and benefits. The patient should receive a copy of the Medication Guide and be counseled on proper administration and potential side effects. Treatment decisions remain the sole responsibility of the healthcare provider.

Reviews

Clinical studies and meta-analyses consistently demonstrate that bimatoprost 0.01% achieves a mean IOP reduction of 25-33% from baseline, a result that is statistically significant versus both baseline and placebo. It is considered non-inferior to the 0.03% formulation with a potentially improved tolerability profile regarding conjunctival hyperemia. In long-term extension studies, it has shown sustained efficacy and safety over periods exceeding 4 years. Patient-reported outcomes often highlight satisfaction with the once-daily regimen, though some report the cosmetic side effects (eyelash growth, iris darkening) as a consideration.