Lumigan (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution)
The following drug information is obtained from various newswires, published
medical journal articles, and medical conference presentations.
Glaucoma or ocular hypertension
General Information
Lumigan has been approved by the FDA for the reduction of
elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle
glaucoma or ocular hypertension who are intolerant of or
insufficiently responsive to other IOP-lowering medications.
Bimatoprost, the active ingredient in Lumigan, is a synthetic
prostamide analog - it acts by mimicking the effects of
prostamides, which are naturally occurring substances. It is
believed to lower intraocular pressure by increasing the outflow of
fluid (known as aqueous humor) produced by the eye.
There are approximately two to three million individuals in the
United States with glaucoma, a condition often associated with
elevated intraocular pressure leading to optic nerve damage.
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness for which there is
currently no cure; however, recent opinion suggests that achieving
a low level of IOP may slow the progression of the disease.
Clinical Results
Phase III trial results demonstrated that 64% of subjects
receiving Lumigan once daily achieved target IOP of less than or
equal to 17 mm Hg, whereas 37% of subjects receiving timolol twice
daily, a leading drug used to lower IOP, achieved the same target
pressure. At six months, Lumigan produced a 33% reduction in IOP
compared to 23% with timolol (8.1 mm Hg vs. 5.6 mm Hg,
respectively).
Side Effects
In clinical trials, adverse events occurring in approximately
15% to 45% of subjects included (but are not limited to) the
following:
- Conjunctival hyperemia
- Growth of eyelashes
- Ocular pruritus
Events occurring in approximately 3 to 10% of subjects included
those listed below:
- Ocular dryness
- Visual disturbance
- Ocular burning
- Foreign body sensation
- Eye pain
- Pigmentation of the periocular skin
- Eyelash darkening
Mechanism of Action
Bimatoprost is a prostamide, a synthetic structural analog of
prostaglandin with ocular hypotensive activity. It selectively
mimics the effects of naturally occurring substances called
prostamides. Bimatoprost is believed to lower IOP in humans by
increasing outflow of aqueous humor through both the trabecular
meshwork and uveoscleral routes. Elevated IOP presents a major risk
factor for glaucomatous field loss. The higher the level of IOP,
the greater the likelihood of optic nerve damage and visual field
loss. (from Lumigan Label)
Additional Information
