Update on the mechanism of action of bimatoprost: a review and discussion of new evidence

Surv Ophthalmol. 2004 Mar:49 Suppl 1:S5-11. doi: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2003.12.014.

Abstract

Bimatoprost is a pharmacologically unique and highly efficacious anti-glaucoma agent. It appears to mimic the activity of the prostamides, which are biosynthesized from the natural endocannabinoid anandamide by the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2). Bimatoprost has also been suggested to lower intraocular pressure by behaving as a prodrug or, alternatively, by stimulating FP receptors directly. These three distinctly different hypotheses for the mechanism of bimatoprost activity are discussed in the light of current evidence.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amides
  • Antihypertensive Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Antihypertensive Agents / pharmacology*
  • Bimatoprost
  • Cloprostenol / analogs & derivatives
  • Glaucoma / drug therapy
  • Glaucoma / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure / drug effects
  • Lipids / pharmacokinetics
  • Lipids / pharmacology*
  • Prodrugs / pharmacokinetics
  • Prodrugs / pharmacology*
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin / metabolism

Substances

  • Amides
  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Lipids
  • Prodrugs
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin
  • prostaglandin F2alpha receptor
  • Cloprostenol
  • Bimatoprost