Ganfort PF 0.3/5 (Bimatoprost And Timolol Maleate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Ganfort PF 0.3/5 Used For?
Ganfort PF 0.3/5 eye drops contain two active ingredients – bimatoprost and timolol – that work together to treat eye conditions related to increased pressure.
Primary Uses
This medication is used to lower raised pressure in the eye and to treat glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition where fluid pressure in the eye may be high, though some people with glaucoma have normal eye pressure. It’s usually caused by fluid building up because it drains out more slowly than it’s being produced.
How It Works
Ganfort PF 0.3/5 works by decreasing the production of fluid in the eye and helping fluid flow out of the eye more effectively. This dual action helps reduce the pressure that can damage the back of the eye and cause gradual vision loss.
Good to know: While this medication helps control your condition, it does not cure glaucoma. There are usually no symptoms of glaucoma, making regular eye pressure checks important.
How to Take Ganfort PF 0.3/5
These eye drops are for use in your eyes only and come in single-use ampoules that should be used immediately after opening.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose is one drop in your affected eye(s) each morning, at about the same time each day. Remove contact lenses before use and wait 15 minutes before replacing them. If using other eye drops, wait 5-10 minutes between applications. Wash hands before and after use, pull down lower eyelid to form a pocket, squeeze one drop into the eye, then press finger against inside corner of eye for about 2 minutes to prevent drainage.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use your drops at the usual time the next day. If you remember during the day, use the drops as soon as you remember and return to your usual schedule the next day.
Important: Never use double the number of drops to make up for a missed dose. Don’t touch the dropper tip to your eye or any surface to avoid contamination.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- red, congested eyes
- growth of eyelashes
- darkening of eyelash color
- burning/stinging in the eye
- itching or irritation of eyes
- eye dryness
- feeling of something in the eye
- watery eyes
- redness or swelling around eyes
- sensitivity to bright light
- red, swollen, itching eyelids
- darkening of iris color
- darkening of skin around eye
- headache
- ringing in ears
- excessive hair growth where product contacts skin
- cold symptoms
- cough
- sleepiness
- reduced interest in sex
- allergic skin reactions
- taste changes
- dry mouth
- sleep problems, nightmares, anxiety
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- eye pain
- spots on eye surface
- eye discharge
- vision changes, double vision
- macular edema (fluid buildup causing blurry vision)
- eyelid spasms
- slow heartbeat
- shortness of breath
- asthma or worsening asthma
- high blood pressure
- weakness, tiredness, nausea, dizziness
- depression
- low blood sugar
- severe allergic reaction with swelling and breathing difficulty
- symptoms of decreased blood flow to brain
- severe chest pain, irregular heartbeat
- swelling or coldness in hands/feet
Important Warnings
Before using Ganfort PF 0.3/5, it’s important to discuss your medical history with your doctor as certain conditions may make this medication unsuitable for you.
Who Should Not Take Ganfort PF 0.3/5
Do not use if you are allergic to bimatoprost, timolol, or any ingredients; have lung problems like asthma, bronchospasm, or COPD; have heart conditions such as slow heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, or heart failure; or if the packaging is damaged or tampered with.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: eye inflammation, macular fluid buildup, previous eye surgery, diabetes-related eye conditions, missing or artificial eye lens, torn lens capsule, severe allergic reactions, heart/blood vessel problems, low blood pressure, liver/kidney problems, overactive thyroid, diabetes, upcoming surgery, muscle weakness, circulation problems, corneal disease, or take other medications.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or intend to breastfeed. Contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using this medication.
Cosmetic Changes: This medication may cause permanent cosmetic changes including loss of fat around the eye, deeper eyelid creases, sunken appearance, drooping eyelids, longer/thicker eyelashes, and darkening of eyelashes, skin around eyes, and iris color.
Drug Interactions
Ganfort PF 0.3/5 may interact with several types of medications, potentially increasing their effects or being affected by them.
Tell your doctor: Inform your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take, including those bought without prescription, as dosage adjustments may be needed.
- medicines for high blood pressure
- some medicines used to treat diabetes
- medicines for heart conditions (irregular heartbeats)
- medicines to expand blood vessels (vasodilator drugs)
- medicines to treat depression
Alcohol & Driving
Take precautions with activities requiring clear vision after using these eye drops.
Alcohol
There is no specific information available about the effects of using Ganfort PF 0.3/5 eye drops with alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Your vision may be blurred after using these eye drops. Wait until your vision clears completely before driving or using machines.
Storage
Store ampoules in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep single-use ampoules in the aluminum pouch until ready to use. Do not store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children. Ampoules are for single use only – throw away after use even if liquid remains. Discard any ampoules left in opened pouches after 10 days.
Overdose Information
If you use too many drops, immediately rinse your eyes with warm water. If the eye drops are accidentally swallowed, immediately contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia or 0800 POISON in New Zealand), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medication works by decreasing fluid production and improving fluid drainage from the eye. Your doctor will monitor your eye pressure to determine how well the medication is working for you.
No, do not use these eye drops while wearing contact lenses. Remove soft contact lenses before applying the drops and wait 15 minutes before replacing them.
If you miss a dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use your drops at the usual time the next day. If you remember during the day, use the drops as soon as you remember. Never use double the number of drops to make up for a missed dose.
Yes, this medication may cause permanent cosmetic changes including longer, thicker eyelashes, darkening of eyelashes and iris color, darkening of skin around the eye, and changes to eyelid appearance including fat loss that can cause sunken eyes or drooping eyelids.
No, do not stop using these eye drops without checking with your doctor. Your eye pressure can rise again and may cause damage to your eye. This medication helps control your condition but does not cure it.
If the eye drops are accidentally swallowed, immediately contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia or 0800 POISON in New Zealand), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Store ampoules in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep them in the aluminum pouch until ready to use. Each ampoule is for single use only – throw it away after use even if liquid remains.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.