Ganfort Eye Drops (Bimatoprost/Timolol Maleate)

Description

Ganfort Eye Drops contain a combination of two active ingredients: Bimatoprost and Timolol Maleate. Bimatoprost is part of a class of medications known as prostaglandin analogs, which help lower intraocular pressure in the eye by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor – the fluid in the eye. On the other hand, Timolol Maleate belongs to the beta-blockers group of drugs, which works by decreasing the production of fluid. Together, they help reduce eye pressure in conditions like glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

Directions

Instill one drop into the affected eye(s) once daily, typically in the morning. When applying the drops, tilt your head back slightly, pull down your lower eyelid to create a pocket, and bring the dropper close to the eye without touching it. Squeeze the dropper so a single drop falls into the eye, and then close your eye gently. Do not blink or rub the eye immediately after application to allow the medication to be absorbed. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying the drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.

Ingredients

The active ingredients in Ganfort are Bimatoprost and Timolol Maleate.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:

• Known hypersensitivity to Ganfort or any of the ingredients in the product
• History of lung problems like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Sinus bradycardia or sick sinus syndrome
• Sino-atrial nodal block
• Second or third degree atrioventricular block not controlled with a pacemaker
• Overt cardiac failure or cardiogenic shock

Cautions

• Before using Ganfort, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
• Any existing health conditions
• Any allergies
• A list of all medications you are currently taking
• Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Ganfort should be used carefully if you have eye inflammation like uveitis, or if you’ve recently had eye trauma, surgery, or an infection. It’s important to tell your eye doctor right away if you notice redness, irritation, swelling, or changes around your eyes or eyelids.
• Some people using Ganfort may be at risk for swelling in the back of the eye, especially those with diabetes, past eye surgery, or other eye problems. If you’ve had retina or lens issues, discuss this with your doctor before using Ganfort.
• Ganfort can cause your eyelashes to grow longer, darker, or thicker over time. It may also darken the skin of your eyelids or your eye’s iris (the colored part), especially if used in only one eye. Some of these changes may be permanent.
• If Ganfort runs onto your cheeks or skin, it may cause unwanted hair growth in those areas. Always apply drops carefully and blot away any excess.
• Ganfort contains a beta-blocker that can affect your heart and lungs. It may cause a slow heart rate, low blood pressure, or worsen heart failure or asthma. Talk to your doctor if you have heart problems, asthma, or breathing conditions. Sudden difficulty breathing or chest pain requires immediate medical attention.
• If you have a history of severe allergic reactions, beta-blockers like timolol may make your body less responsive to emergency allergy treatments like epinephrine. Let your doctor know if this applies to you.
• Ganfort may mask signs of low blood sugar and overactive thyroid, like fast heartbeat or tremors. If you have diabetes or thyroid conditions, monitor your health closely while using this medication.
• Using Ganfort with other heart medications, blood pressure drugs, or medications that affect your breathing or blood sugar may cause stronger side effects. Let your doctor know about any medications you're taking—including over-the-counter drugs or eye drops.
• If you're scheduled for surgery, especially with general anesthesia, tell your surgeon you’re using Ganfort. Beta-blockers may affect your body's response during the procedure.
• Ganfort is not recommended during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. It may harm an unborn baby or cause complications. If you are breastfeeding, you should avoid using Ganfort, as one of its ingredients (timolol) can pass into breast milk and affect your baby.
• Ganfort may cause brief blurred vision after use. Wait until your vision clears before driving or using machines.

Side Effects

The most commonly reported side effects of Ganfort are mild and affect the eyes, including conjunctival hyperaemia and eyelash growth. Other frequent symptoms may include eye burning, dryness, itching, foreign body sensation, and visual disturbances. In some patients, these reactions led to treatment discontinuation, though most were not serious. Less commonly, headache, rhinitis, and skin pigmentation changes may occur.

Postmarketing reports have also identified more serious effects such as iris hyperpigmentation, periorbital fat changes (PAP), and allergic reactions like angioedema. Heart problems such as bradycardia or hypertension and respiratory effects including asthma or shortness of breath have been noted. Patients may also experience dizziness, fatigue, or changes in taste. Rarely, systemic effects associated with either Bimatoprost or Timolol components—like depression, arrhythmia, or gastrointestinal discomfort—can occur.

References

1. Ganfort 0.3/5 (Bimatoprost/Timolol Maleate) Product Information. Mascot NSW: AbbVie Pty Ltd; 2023.
2. Ganfort 0.3/5 Eye Drops Consumer Medicine Information. Wellington, NZ: AbbVie Limited; 2023.

About Dr. Gerardo Sison (Page Author)

An honors graduate of the University of Florida, Dr. Sison started his pharmacy career in a community setting, extending his services to hospitals and clinics over time. He has also worked in medication therapy management, advising patients on proper medication use for their chronic health conditions. Read More....