What are the uses of Bimatoprost (Lumigan) or Latisse (Bimatoprost)?

From the Guidelines

Bimatoprost (Lumigan) is primarily used to treat ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure, while Latisse (Bimatoprost) is used to treat hypotrichosis of the eyelashes by increasing their growth, including length, thickness, and darkness. The medication works by mimicking the effects of prostaglandins, which are naturally occurring substances in the body that can influence hair growth cycles and increase the outflow of aqueous fluid from the eyes 1.

Medical Uses

• Ocular hypertension: Bimatoprost (Lumigan) is used to reduce intraocular pressure by increasing the outflow of aqueous fluid from the eyes 1.
• Open-angle glaucoma: Bimatoprost (Lumigan) is used to reduce intraocular pressure, thereby preventing damage to the optic nerve and slowing the progression of the disease 1.
• Hypotrichosis of the eyelashes: Latisse (Bimatoprost) is used to increase the growth, length, thickness, and darkness of eyelashes 1.

Administration and Dosage

• Bimatoprost (Lumigan) is administered as eye drops, typically once daily in the evening 1.
• Latisse (Bimatoprost) is applied once daily to the base of the upper eyelashes using a sterile applicator 1.

Efficacy and Safety

• Bimatoprost has been shown to be effective in reducing intraocular pressure and is well-tolerated by most patients 1.
• Common side effects of Bimatoprost include eye redness, itching, or darkening of the eyelid skin where the solution is applied 1.
• Some users may experience a darkening of the iris, especially in those with lighter-colored eyes 1.

Patient Adherence

• Patient adherence to glaucoma treatment can be improved with fixed combination therapy, which reduces the number of drops required for therapy 1.
• Simplified drug regimens and patient education can also improve adherence to therapy 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03% is a prostaglandin analog indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. ( 1) The primary use of Bimatoprost (Lumigan) is for the:

• Reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with:
  • Open angle glaucoma
  • Ocular hypertension 2

From the Research

Uses of Bimatoprost (Lumigan) or Latisse (Bimatoprost)

• Bimatoprost is used for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension 3, 4, 5, 6
• It reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) by increasing the outflow of aqueous humour 3, 5, 6
• Bimatoprost is also used for the treatment of hypotrichosis (loss of eyelashes) under the brand name Latisse 7
• It increases eyelash growth and has been shown to be effective in lengthening eyelashes within a short period of time 7

Efficacy and Safety

• Bimatoprost has been found to be more effective than timolol in reducing IOP 3, 4, 5, 6
• It has also been shown to be as effective as, or more effective than, other prostaglandin analogues such as latanoprost and travoprost 5, 6
• Common side effects of bimatoprost include conjunctival hyperaemia, growth of eyelashes, and ocular pruritus 3, 4, 5, 6
• Latisse has been found to cause irritation to the ocular surface, including burning and dryness, but these effects are generally mild and temporary 7

Clinical Use

• Bimatoprost is typically administered as a 0.03% ophthalmic solution once daily 3, 5, 6
• Latisse is applied to the lid margin once daily 7
• Patients using bimatoprost or Latisse should be educated on the proper use, precautions, and potential side effects of the medication 7