Bimatoprost topical ophthalmic Uses, Side Effects & Warnings (2025)

Generic name: bimatoprost topical ophthalmic [bye-MAT-oh-prost-TOP-ik-al-off-THAL-mik]
Brand name: Latisse
Dosage form: topical solution (0.03%)
Drug class: Miscellaneous topical agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 28, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is bimatoprost topical ophthalmic?

Bimatoprost topical ophthalmic is a manmade form of a naturally occurring substance called a prostaglandin.

Bimatoprost topical ophthalmic is used to treat hypotrichosis (abnormal growth of the eyelashes). Bimatoprost helps increase the growth, length, thickness, and darkness of eyelashes.

Bimatoprost topical ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Bimatoprost topical ophthalmic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

bimatoprost topical ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Stop using bimatoprost topical ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe burning or itching of your eyes;

• eye swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage (may be signs of infection);

• vision problems, eye pain, seeing halos around lights;

• increased sensitivity to light; or

• feeling like something is in your eye.

Common side effects of bimatoprost topical ophthalmic may include:

• eye redness or itching; or

• darkening of the skin around your eyes.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use bimatoprost topical ophthalmic if you are allergic to bimatoprost.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• glaucoma or increased pressure inside your eyes;

• any swelling or infection in or around your eye;

• eye surgery or injury affecting the lens of your eye;

• retinal detachment; or

• if the sack around the lens of your eye (posterior lens capsule) is missing or torn.

Bimatoprost may cause a gradual change in the color of your eyes or eyelids and lashes, usually an increase in brown pigment. This change occur slowly, may occur in only one eye, and may be permanent even after your treatment ends. This could result in a cosmetic difference in eye or eyelash color from one eye to the other.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I use bimatoprost topical ophthalmic?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Using more of this medicine will not make it more effective.

Use this medicine in the evening, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Do not use this medicine while wearing contact lenses. Bimatoprost topical ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Wash and thoroughly dry your face before using this medicine. Remove all makeup.

Use only the disposable applicators provided with your medicine to apply it. Do not use the same applicator to treat both eyes. Throw away an applicator after use on one eye.

Apply the medicine directly to the skin of your upper eyelid at the base of your eyelashes. Do not use on the lower eyelid.

Do not place this medicine directly into your eye. Do not touch the tip of the medicine dropper. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

It may take up to 2 months before your lash growth improves. The effects of this medicine are not permanent. Your eyelash growth will return to its pretreatment levels after you stop using bimatoprost topical ophthalmic.

Tell your doctor right away if you have an eye injury or eye infection, or if you plan to have eye surgery.

Store at cool room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Bimatoprost topical ophthalmic dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Hypotrichosis of the Eyelashes:

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and wait until the next night to apply the medicine. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of bimatoprost topical ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using bimatoprost topical ophthalmic?

Avoid getting bimatoprost topical ophthalmic on any skin areas outside the base of your eyelashes. Increased hair growth can occur on any skin surface that comes into contact with bimatoprost topical ophthalmic.

If this medicine gets directly in your eye, rinse with water.

What other drugs will affect bimatoprost topical ophthalmic?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially glaucoma medication.

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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