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Bimatoprost is a topical solution that belongs to the medicine class
known as prostaglandin analogue. It was formulated by Allergan as an
ophthalmic solution for the treatment and control of glaucoma. It is
also approved by the FDA for prescription use for the reduction of
intraocular pressure.
Bimatoprost also finds another prescription use due to a unique
characteristic it possesses. In addition to being beneficial in
glaucoma, bimatoprost also increases the thickness of eyelashes.
Keeping this is mind Allergan has also gained approval from the FDA
to position bimatoprost as a cosmetic prescription drug for treating
people who suffer from hypotrichosis of the eyelids. This is a
condition where the patient does not have any hair-growth on the
eyelids and is missing eyelashes.
Based on the approvals, Allergan markets bimatoprost under two
different brand names – Lumigan and Latisse. While Lumigan is used
for treatment of glaucoma and control of ocular hypertension,
Latisse is the cosmetic preparation for increasing thickness of
eyelashes.
There are several other medications in the market that belong to the
same family of drugs as bimatoprost; these include latanoprost,
timolol and dorzolamide, all of which are prescribed for controlling
intraocular hypertension in patients.
Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution contains the preservative
benzalkonium chloride, which might occasionally cause allergic
reactions in certain people. However, in clinical trials, the
medication has been found to have to no major allergic reactions in
people.
Lumigan is generally administered into the eye(s) while Latisse is
applied on the eyelids at the base of the eyelashes. Since both
medications have the same ingredients and are meant for use in or on
the eye, getting bimatoprost into your eye does not indicate any
danger.
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