Lumigan (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) is a prescription medication specifically formulated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. As a prostaglandin analog, it represents a first-line therapeutic option in ophthalmology, offering a targeted mechanism of action that enhances uveoscleral outflow. Its efficacy, coupled with a once-daily dosing regimen, makes it a cornerstone in the long-term management of these sight-threatening conditions. This product card provides a comprehensive overview for healthcare professionals seeking detailed clinical information.

Features

• Active Ingredient: Bimatoprost 0.01% or 0.03% (weight/volume)
• Pharmacological Class: Prostaglandin analog
• Formulation: Sterile, isotonic, buffered ophthalmic solution
• Preservative: Benzalkonium chloride 0.05 mg/mL
• pH: Approximately 7.2
• Osmolality: Approximately 290 mOsmol/kg
• Packaging: 2.5 mL or 5 mL low-density polyethylene bottle with controlled dropper tip

Benefits

• Achieves significant and sustained reduction of intraocular pressure, with mean IOP reductions of 25-33% from baseline demonstrated in clinical trials.
• Offers convenient once-daily dosing, typically in the evening, which supports long-term patient adherence to therapy.
• Functions through a unique dual mechanism, primarily increasing uveoscleral outflow and secondarily enhancing trabecular outflow.
• Provides 24-hour IOP control, including during the early morning hours when pressure peaks often occur.
• Serves as an effective monotherapy and can be used adjunctively with other IOP-lowering agents when required.
• Demonstrates a generally favorable systemic safety profile due to its topical administration and limited systemic absorption.

Common use

Lumigan is primarily indicated for the chronic management of elevated intraocular pressure in patients diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It is routinely prescribed as a first-line monotherapy but may also be utilized as part of a combination regimen with other topical ocular hypotensive agents, such as beta-blockers or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, when target pressure is not achieved with a single agent. Its use is standard in adult and geriatric populations, with careful consideration in pediatric patients under specialist supervision.

Dosage and direction

The recommended dosage is one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening. Administration more than once daily is not recommended as it has been shown to decrease the IOP-lowering effect. Patients should be instructed on proper instillation technique: wash hands thoroughly, tilt head backward, pull down the lower eyelid to form a pouch, instill one drop, close the eye gently, and apply pressure to the nasolacrimal duct for 1-2 minutes to minimize systemic absorption. If using other topical ophthalmic medications, allow at least 5 minutes between applications.

Precautions

Patients should be advised that Lumigan may gradually increase brown pigmentation of the iris, which is likely to be permanent. Eyelid skin darkening may also occur and may be reversible upon discontinuation. There is potential for increased length, thickness, pigmentation, and number of eyelashes, which may be reversible. Use with caution in patients with intraocular inflammation, aphakia, pseudophakia with a torn posterior lens capsule, or known risk factors for macular edema. Contact lenses should be removed prior to instillation and may be reinserted 15 minutes after administration. The preservative benzalkonium chloride may be absorbed by soft contact lenses.

Contraindications

Lumigan is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to bimatoprost or any component of the formulation. Its use is also contraindicated in cases of active intraocular inflammation and in patients with a history of herpes simplex keratitis. Caution is advised regarding use during pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, as reproductive studies have shown adverse effects in animals.

Possible side effect

Common ocular adverse reactions (occurring in approximately 5-15% of patients) include conjunctival hyperemia, growth of eyelashes, and ocular pruritus. Less frequently reported effects (1-4%) include ocular dryness, visual disturbance, foreign body sensation, eye pain, pigmentation of the periocular skin, blepharitis, cataract, superficial punctate keratitis, eyelid erythema, ocular irritation, and eyelid edema. Rare but serious potential side effects include macular edema, uveitis, and iritis. Iris pigmentation changes occur gradually and may not be noticeable for months to years.

Drug interaction

Formal pharmacokinetic drug interaction studies have not been conducted with Lumigan. However, in clinical practice, it is commonly used concomitantly with other topical ophthalmic medications without observed interactions. When using multiple eye drops, administer at least 5 minutes apart to prevent washout. Theoretically, additive effects may occur when used with systemic antihypertensive medications, though significant systemic absorption is minimal with proper nasolacrimal occlusion technique.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, patients should apply the drop as soon as they remember, unless it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Patients should not double the dose to make up for a missed application. Consistency in the dosing schedule is important for maintaining optimal intraocular pressure control.

Overdose

Ophthalmic overdose is unlikely to produce serious effects beyond ocular irritation, conjunctival hyperemia, or transient blurred vision. If accidentally ingested orally, symptomatic treatment should be instituted if necessary. The bottle contains only 2.5 or 5 mL of solution, limiting the potential volume for significant systemic exposure. In case of suspected overdose, medical attention should be sought, though no specific antidote exists.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature 15°-25°C (59°-77°F). Protect from light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Once opened, the solution should be used within 28 days. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use if the solution changes color or becomes cloudy. Avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface to prevent contamination.

Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals and should not replace comprehensive clinical judgment. Prescribers should review the full prescribing information before initiating therapy. The safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Patients should be monitored regularly for intraocular pressure response and potential adverse effects. This product is available by prescription only.

Reviews

Clinical studies have consistently demonstrated Lumigan’s efficacy in reducing intraocular pressure, with many ophthalmologists reporting satisfactory patient outcomes and tolerability in long-term management. The once-daily dosing is frequently cited as a significant advantage for adherence. Some practitioners note the cosmetic side effects (eyelash changes, iris darkening) as considerations in patient selection and counseling. Overall, it remains a well-established option in the glaucoma treatment arsenal, particularly valued for its potent IOP-lowering effect and convenient administration schedule.