Lumigan

Product Description

Lumigan (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.01% or 0.03% is a synthetic prostamide analog with ocular hypotensive activity. It is primarily used for the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Indications and Usage

Lumigan is indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Its use is contraindicated in patients who have shown hypersensitivity to bimatoprost or any other ingredients in this product.

Dosage and Administration

The recommended dosage is one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening. The drops should not be administered more frequently than once daily as it may diminish the intraocular pressure lowering effect.

Mechanism of Action

Bimatoprost, the active ingredient in Lumigan, is a prostamide analog that lowers intraocular pressure by increasing outflow of aqueous humor through both the trabecular meshwork and uveoscleral routes.

Specific Populations

There are no adequate studies in pregnant women. Lumigan should be administered to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed. Caution should also be exercised when Lumigan is administered to nursing women. The safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. No overall clinical differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and other adult patients.

Drug Interactions

Lumigan has been reported to cause changes to pigmented tissues. The concurrent use of Lumigan and products containing thiomersal may cause precipitation; hence, the contact lenses should be removed before application and may be reinserted after 15 minutes. Bimatoprost should be used with caution in patients on prostaglandin analogs, as using them together may interfere with the desired prostaglandin effect.

Storage and Handling

Store Lumigan at 2°C to 25°C (36°F to 77°F). Do not freeze. The bottle should be kept tightly closed when not in use. Avoid contamination of the solution. Dispose of the solution if it changes color or becomes cloudy.

Pharmacokinetics

Bimatoprost is systemically absorbed through the cornea and is hydrolyzed to the free acid during its passage through the cornea. Peak concentration in the blood is reached approximately 10 minutes after topical ocular administration. Systemic elimination is primarily via the kidney, with a terminal half-life of approximately 45 minutes.

Ocular Side Effects

Common side effects include conjunctival hyperemia, growth of eyelashes, and ocular pruritus. Less frequent side effects include iris pigmentation changes, eyelid skin darkening, dry eye symptoms, and foreign body sensation.

Instructions for Use

Instruct patients to invert the closed bottle and shake once before each use. The dropper tip should not touch any surface, including the eye, to avoid contamination. Patients should be instructed to avoid allowing the tip of the dispensing bottle to contact the eye or surrounding structures.

Proper Disposal

Advise patients to discard the bottle of Lumigan eye drops four weeks after opening because of the potential for bacterial contamination. Patients should also be instructed to dispose of any remaining solution after the course of treatment is completed.

Patient Monitoring

Patients treated with Lumigan should be monitored for intraocular pressure, visual acuity, and ocular symptoms. Adequate intraocular pressure reduction should be confirmed shortly after initiating treatment, and periodically during the treatment course.

Use with Contact Lenses

Because Lumigan contains benzalkonium chloride, which may be absorbed by soft contact lenses, contact lenses should be removed prior to the application of the drops and may be reinserted after 15 minutes.

Handling Overdosage

Should an overdose of Lumigan occur, treatment should be symptomatic. If Lumigan is accidentally ingested, monitor the patient for any potential adverse effects and provide supportive care as necessary.