Ganforth

The drug Ganfort is a combined ophthalmological agent for reducing intraocular pressure, belongs to the group of β-blockers.

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Indications Ganforth

Ganfort is used for local hypotensive therapy of primary open-angle glaucoma, as well as for reducing intraocular pressure in essential ophthalmic hypertension not accompanied by changes in the optic nerves (in cases where other topical agents are ineffective), in uveal hypertension and symptomatic increase in intraocular pressure associated with other pathologies.

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Release form

Ganfort is a transparent solution in the form of eye drops in a PE dropper bottle (1, 3 and 5 ml).

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Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacotherapeutic effect of Ganfort is provided by the active substances included in its composition – bimatoprost and timolol.

Bimatoprost is a synthetic analogue of endogenous prostaglandin F2α, which is structurally and chemically similar to it. It is believed to mimic F2α and is thought to act on prostaglandin receptors in the ciliary body, which is involved in the production of intraocular fluid, leading to increased drainage of the fluid via the uveoscleral pathway.

Timolol (as timolol maleate) is a non-selective β-adrenergic receptor antagonist that inhibits the formation of intraocular fluid. The pharmacological mechanism of action of timolol is still unknown.

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Pharmacokinetics

The official instructions for the drug Ganfort describe the pharmacokinetics of bimatoprost and timolol separately.

Bimatoprost is well absorbed through the cornea, penetrates the eye (into the sclera and iris); enters the blood; binding to plasma proteins is up to 88%; bioavailability is low. It begins to act after 4 hours, the duration of action is about 24 hours. It does not accumulate in the body, it is biotransformed in the liver, metabolites are excreted through the kidneys and intestines.

The bioavailability of timolol is 60%; 80% of metabolism occurs in the liver; half-life is 2.5-5 hours; excretion is renal.

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Dosing and administration

Ganfort should be instilled into the conjunctival sac - one drop in each eye once a day (in the morning).

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Use Ganforth during pregnancy

The use of Ganfort during pregnancy is contraindicated.

Contraindications

Ganfort is contraindicated in chronic heart failure with sinus bradycardia, chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, emphysema and chronic pulmonary obstruction. Ganfort is not prescribed to children.

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Side effects Ganforth

When using Ganfort drops, side effects may include:

• conjunctival hyperemia, allergic conjunctivitis;
• dryness and irritation of the eyes (itching, burning, feeling of clogged eyes, etc.);
• darkening of the iris, darkening and growth of eyelashes;
• superficial keratitis and blepharitis;
• swelling of the central area of the retina (macula);
• rhinitis;
• urticaria;
• headaches and dizziness;
• cough, bronchial spasms;
• reduction of blood pressure and asthenic condition;
• fluctuations in heart rate, pain in the heart area;
• dry mouth, nausea, dyspepsia;
• sleep, mood and memory disorders;
• sexual dysfunction.

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Overdose

Exceeding the dosage of Ganfort leads to headache, dizziness, nausea, heart rhythm disturbances towards bradycardia. In such cases, you should rinse your eyes with water and treat the symptoms of overdose.

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Interactions with other drugs

The combined use of Ganfort and calcium antagonists and β-blockers increases the drop in blood pressure and decreases the pulse rate.

Ganfort is incompatible with orally administered antidiabetic drugs and muscle relaxants.

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Storage conditions

Store at a temperature not exceeding +25°C.

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Shelf life

2 years, shelf life of the drug in an opened bottle is 28 days.

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