The Latisse prescribing information (bimatoprost 0.03%) describes bimatoprost as a structural prostaglandin analog. The same label says the precise mechanism of action is unknown. It adds that eyelash growth is believed to occur by increasing the percent of hairs in, and the duration of, the anagen or growth phase. A glaucoma product, Lumigan 0.01%, is a different product for a different purpose.
What bimatoprost is
The Latisse label lists the active ingredient as bimatoprost 0.3 mg/mL, with benzalkonium chloride 0.05 mg/mL as the preservative. The Drugs@FDA page for NDA 022369 lists Latisse as bimatoprost 0.03% solution/drops for topical use by prescription.
What reviews add about how it works
Two review abstracts from 2010 add detail. Neither states a concentration. One, a review of bimatoprost-induced eyelash growth, says treatment with bimatoprost increases the percentage of eyelash follicles in anagen at any one time, which probably accounts for its ability to lengthen lashes. It also says the effects it describes were largely demonstrated in animal studies and are consistent with the results of what it calls a recent Food and Drug Administration phase III clinical trial. The abstract discloses that its author has served as a consultant and clinical trial participant for Allergan, Inc.
The other, a review of bimatoprost in eyelash hypotrichosis, says that when prostaglandin and prostamide analogs interact with the prostanoid receptors in the hair follicle, this most likely stimulates the resting follicles (telogen phase) to growing follicles (anagen phase). "Probably" and "most likely" are the reviewers' own words.
A 2016 review of eyelash follicle biology says eyelash follicles produce shorter hair shafts, have a shorter hair cycle and undergo greying significantly later than scalp follicles. It also says knowledge of the biology underlying growth and pigmentation of eyelashes is still rudimentary.
The glaucoma product is a different product
The two labels below are for different products. Their statements are kept apart here.
| Question | What the source says |
|---|---|
| What is the Latisse label (0.03%) for? | The Latisse label describes a prostaglandin analog indicated to treat hypotrichosis of the eyelashes by increasing their growth including length, thickness and darkness. |
| What is the Lumigan 0.01% label for? | The Lumigan 0.01% label describes a prostaglandin analog indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. |
| How does each label say to use it? | Latisse: apply nightly directly to the skin of the upper eyelid margin at the base of the eyelashes using the accompanying applicators. Lumigan 0.01%: one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening. |
| What strength does each label list? | Latisse: bimatoprost 0.3 mg/mL. Lumigan 0.01%: ophthalmic solution containing 0.1 mg/mL of bimatoprost. |
An eyelash label also addresses eye-pressure drugs. The generic bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03% label for eyelashes (Sandoz Inc.) warns that concurrent administration with intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering prostaglandin analogs in ocular hypertensive patients may decrease the IOP-lowering effect. A licensed provider decides whether a product fits a given person.
What eyelash hypotrichosis and eyelash loss mean
The Latisse patient information says hypotrichosis is another name for having inadequate or not enough eyelashes. A 2023 review abstract says madarosis is characterized by either complete or partial loss of eyebrow or eyelash hair. A second 2023 review abstract says acquired eyebrow and eyelash loss may be due to a variety of underlying local or systemic disease processes, and in other cases it may be idiopathic.
What this does not tell you
These sources do not settle how bimatoprost works. The Latisse label says the precise mechanism is unknown. The reviews use words such as "probably" and "most likely", and one says its effects were largely demonstrated in animal studies. None of this shows what bimatoprost would do for a given person.
This guide covers how the drug is described to work, not side effects. The Latisse label lists the most frequently reported adverse reactions in its clinical trial as eye pruritus, conjunctival hyperemia, skin hyperpigmentation, ocular irritation, dry eye symptoms, and periorbital erythema, and states that these reactions occurred in less than 4% of patients (Latisse label).
The labels here describe Latisse, Lumigan 0.01% and a generic eyelash product. The FDA states that compounded drugs are not FDA approved, which means the agency does not review their safety, effectiveness or quality before they are marketed. Nothing here shows that a compounded product has the same strength, quality or results as an approved product.