What are the alternatives to Bimatoprost?

High level of pressure build up inside your eye (known as ocular hypertension) is a key sign of glaucoma. If left unchecked, high ocular pressure can damage your optic nerves. Normal range is defined as 10 mmHg – 21 mmHg. Those who live with pressure higher than 21 mmHg are advised to take needful remedial measures to prevent likely loss of eyesight. Bimatoprost (available through a brand called Lumigan) is administered to treat high level of intraocular pressure (i.e., IOP). It is important to know of Bimatoprost alternative meds.

Presence of high level of intraocular pressure (IOP) can make way to onset of glaucoma. This eye condition is termed as a thief of eyesight; it acts quite silently over a stretched span of time. Elderly people as well as those who have a family history of glaucoma-incidence are more likely to get this.

What is Bimatoprost?

This medication is administered to reduce high level of intraocular pressures. Timely treatment can prevent the incidence of vision-stealing conditions like glaucoma. Key chemicals present in this drug regulate the level of fluids inside your eyes; in this process, your inner eye pressure is maintained within the normal range.

As an extended use, this med is also used to enhance the size of your eyelashes. You can get it as an eye-drop; its remedial effects may take 3 – 4 hours’ time to start showing up.

This eye medication must be used once per day, preferably during evening. Never use it more than once; excessive application may make it less-effective. If your medication plan includes use of other eye drops or ointment, wait for 10 minutes in between these meds. It is a safe practice to use eye-drops prior to using an eye ointment; this can allow the drops to enter inside your eyes with ease.

Bimatoprost alternative meds

This eye-medication is known to cause a few, adverse side effects. Most commonly experienced discomforts are watery eyes, drying up of eyes, turning more sensitive to light sources, etc. Those who have prior allergies to this medication and/or its active ingredients must inform their caregiver in advance.

There are a few bimatoprost alternative meds that are administered onto those with known allergies or hypersensitivity. Alternatives include drugs such as Timolol ophthalmic, Latanoprost ophthalmic, etc.

Bimatoprost alternative – Timolol ophthalmic

This alternative is prescribed for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma and also for treating intraocular pressure build-ups. The good news is a lowly-priced generic equivalent is sold in pharmacies – both physical drugstores and online pharmacies. This belongs to a category of meds called ophthalmic glaucoma agent; you can procure it either as a solution or as gel-forming solution. This drug is sold as brands viz., Timoptic, Istalol, Betimol, etc.

Bimatoprost alternative – Latanoprost ophthalmic

This bimatoprost alternative med is administered to treat glaucoma (especially, the open-angle version of this ocular condition) as well as to normalise inner eye pressure levels. Like the above alternative, this also is available as a low-price generic drug. This ophthalmic glaucoma agent is available as an ophthalmic solution. You can get it from pharmacies – both online and physical stores. Leading brand names include Xalatan, Iyuzeh, etc.

Prior to using any of these alternatives to bimatoprost, it is essential to consult with your treating doctor. If you experience side effects like reddening of eyes, burning sensation or irritation, inform your caregiving team without much delay.

Women who are pregnant must tell their physician of their medical condition before starting their treatment plan. As none of these bimatoprost alternative medications is not an over-the-counter (OTC) drug, it is a safe thing to follow all the instructions of your treating doctor.

Disclaimer

Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.

Emily Harris

Education: Master’s in Nursing (MSN) from Johns Hopkins University. Experience: 7 years writing for online health portals and nursing journals, specializing in patient education and chronic illness management.