bimatoprost + timolol maleate at a glance
Medicine class
Combined prostamide and non-selective beta-blocker eye drops.
Usual role
Lowers raised eye pressure in adults when certain single-agent eye drops have not worked sufficiently.
Systemic absorption
Some can enter the bloodstream. Closing the eye and pressing its inner corner after application reduces this.
Contact lenses
Selected multidose products contain benzalkonium chloride. Remove lenses before use and follow the product leaflet before reinserting them.
What is bimatoprost + timolol maleate used for?
Selected UK products are licensed for reducing intraocular pressure in adults with:
Open-angle glaucoma that has responded insufficiently to a topical beta-blocker or prostaglandin analogue.
Ocular hypertension that has responded insufficiently to either of those medicine classes.
How does bimatoprost + timolol maleate work?
Bimatoprost increases drainage of aqueous humour from the eye. Timolol blocks beta receptors and reduces production of this fluid. Their complementary actions lower pressure inside the eye.
bimatoprost + timolol maleate preparations and strengths
Eye drops
Route: Ophthalmic
Strengths: 0.3 mg/mL + 5 mg/mL
How to take bimatoprost + timolol maleate
Use exactly as prescribed and follow the leaflet supplied with your bottle.
Wash your hands and do not touch the bottle tip against the eye, eyelid, skin or another surface.
After applying the drops, close the eye and gently press the inner corner beside the nose to limit drainage into the bloodstream.
Separate different eye products and apply eye ointments last.
Remove contact lenses before using a preserved formulation and follow its leaflet before reinserting them.
Wipe away liquid that runs onto the cheek to reduce unwanted skin pigmentation or hair growth.
Do not drive or use machinery until temporary blurred vision has cleared.
bimatoprost + timolol maleate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Red or irritated eyes, burning, stinging, itching or a gritty sensation
- Dry or watery eyes, eye pain, light sensitivity or temporary visual disturbance
- Headache
- Longer or thicker eyelashes and darkening of eyelid skin
- A deeper eyelid crease or sunken appearance around the treated eye
- Gradual increased brown pigmentation of the iris, which may be permanent
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe breathing difficulty, wheezing or worsening asthma or COPD
- Very slow or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, marked dizziness, fainting or collapse
- Serious allergic reaction with facial, mouth or throat swelling
- New or substantial loss of vision, eye swelling or severe eye pain
bimatoprost + timolol maleate in pregnancy
Selected combination-product information says it should not be used during pregnancy unless the prescriber considers it clearly necessary. Anyone pregnant or planning pregnancy should ask their eye specialist to review treatment rather than stopping it independently.
bimatoprost + timolol maleate while breastfeeding
Selected combination-product information advises against use while breastfeeding because human information about bimatoprost in milk is limited, although exposure from timolol eye drops is expected to be small. Ask the eye specialist or prescriber to review the benefits, alternatives and ways to minimise systemic absorption.
bimatoprost + timolol maleate interactions
Tell the prescriber about all eye drops and other medicines. Important examples include:
Oral beta-blockers or other beta-blocker eye drops
May increase systemic beta-blockade, including slow heart rate and low blood pressure; two topical beta-blockers are not recommended together.
Verapamil and other calcium-channel blockers
May add to timolol's effects on heart rate and blood pressure.
Common questions about bimatoprost + timolol maleate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can it change eye colour?
Yes. It can gradually increase brown pigmentation in the iris, especially in mixed-colour eyes. The change may be permanent and can look uneven if only one eye is treated.
Can it affect asthma?
Yes. Timolol can cause bronchospasm even when used in the eye. The combination is contraindicated with asthma or a history of asthma and with severe COPD.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.