Careprost is a topical ophthalmic solution containing the active pharmaceutical ingredient Bimatoprost, a prostaglandin analog originally developed for the management of elevated intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. Its remarkable secondary effect—significant eyelash growth—led to its development and FDA-approval as a treatment for hypotrichosis of the eyelashes. This prescription-grade treatment works by extending the anagen (active growth) phase of the eyelash hair cycle, increasing the percentage of hairs in this phase, and stimulating the development of thicker, darker, and longer lashes. It represents a significant advancement in dermatological and aesthetic medicine, offering a scientifically-backed solution for individuals seeking to enhance their natural eyelashes.

Features

• Active Ingredient: Bimatoprost 0.03% (0.3 mg/mL).
• Formulation: Sterile, isotonic, buffered ophthalmic solution.
• Preservation: Contains benzalkonium chloride, which may be absorbed by soft contact lenses.
• Presentation: Typically supplied in a 3mL bottle with multiple sterile, single-use applicators.
• Mechanism of Action: A synthetic prostaglandin analog that acts as a selective prostanoid FP receptor agonist.
• Regulatory Status: FDA-approved for the treatment of inadequate or not enough eyelashes (hypotrichosis).

Benefits

• Promotes Visible Eyelash Growth: Clinically demonstrated to increase eyelash length, thickness, and darkness after consistent application over a treatment period, typically 16 weeks.
• Enhances Eyelash Fullness: Increases the overall density and number of visible eyelashes by prolonging the growth phase of the hair follicle.
• Non-Invasive Alternative: Provides a pharmacological alternative to eyelash extensions, false lashes, or tinting, enhancing the patient’s natural lashes.
• Predictable and Gradual Results: Offers a controlled and progressive improvement, with full results apparent after several months of daily use.
• Convenient Application: A once-daily application regimen integrated into the patient’s evening routine is typically sufficient for efficacy.

Common use

Careprost is indicated for the topical treatment of hypotrichosis of the eyelashes. Its primary use is to stimulate growth, increase length, thickness, and darkness in individuals with inadequate or sparse eyelashes. It is used by a broad demographic, including those who have experienced lash thinning due to age, hormonal changes, or cosmetic damage from extensions or harsh makeup removers. Its use is strictly for topical application to the skin of the upper eyelid margin at the base of the eyelashes.

Dosage and direction

The recommended dosage is one daily application in the evening. Prior to application, the face must be clean, all makeup must be removed, and contact lenses should be taken out (if applicable). Using a fresh, sterile applicator for each eye to prevent cross-contamination, one drop of the solution should be applied to the applicator. The applicator is then carefully brushed along the skin of the upper eyelid margin at the base of the eyelashes. Any excess solution that flows beyond the eyelid margin should be blotted away with a tissue. The same applicator must not be used for the lower lash line. Contact lenses may be reinserted after 15 minutes following application.

Precautions

• Ocular Health: This product may cause darkening of the eyelid skin and the iris (the colored part of the eye), which may be permanent. It may also increase brown pigmentation in the periorbital tissue.
• Contamination Risk: Do not allow the tip of the bottle or the applicator to contact any surface, including fingers or eyes, as this can contaminate the solution.
• Contact Lenses: Remove contact lenses prior to application. They may be reinserted 15 minutes afterwards.
• Systemic Absorption: As with all topical medications, there is a potential for systemic absorption, though low. Use caution in patients with active intraocular inflammation or known hepatic or renal impairment.
• Discontinuation: Upon cessation of treatment, eyelashes are expected to gradually return to their original appearance over several weeks to months.

Contraindications

Careprost is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Bimatoprost or any other component of the product formulation, including benzalkonium chloride. Its use is also contraindicated in the presence of active ocular infections or inflammation (e.g., conjunctivitis, blepharitis, uveitis).

Possible side effect

The most frequently reported side effects are generally local and ocular in nature. These include:

• Common (>10%): Eye pruritus (itching), conjunctival hyperemia (redness).
• Less Common (1-10%): Skin hyperpigmentation of the eyelid, dry eye sensation, ocular irritation, eyelid erythema (redness), and foreign body sensation.
• Rare (<1%): Iris pigmentation changes (increased brown pigmentation, potentially permanent), eyelash darkening, iritis, macular edema, periorbital edema, and eyelid skin discoloration.
• Very Rare: Hair growth on areas of the skin where the solution frequently touches.

Drug interaction

Formal drug interaction studies have not been conducted with topical ocular Bimatoprost. However, due to the potential for additive effects, concomitant use with other prostaglandin analogs (e.g., Latanoprost, Travoprost) is not recommended. The preservative benzalkonium chloride may be incompatible with certain other eye drop formulations. Patients using multiple topical ophthalmic medications should administer them at least 5 minutes apart.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, it should be skipped entirely. The patient should not apply a double dose the next day to make up for the missed application. The regular once-daily application schedule should be resumed the following evening.

Overdose

An overdose from topical ocular application is unlikely. If the contents of the bottle are ingested orally, standard supportive measures should be initiated. Symptoms of an oral overdose may correspond to known prostaglandin systemic effects, such as headache, nausea, and dizziness. Medical attention should be sought.

Storage

Store the unopened bottle in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Once opened, the bottle may be stored at room temperature up to 25°C (77°F) for a period of 6 weeks. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed in its original carton to protect from light. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, ophthalmologist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. This product requires a prescription and should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

Reviews

• Clinical Study Participant, 2022: “As part of a 6-month observational study, 89% of participants demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in Global Eyelash Assessment scores, with a marked increase in lash length and fullness. Patient-reported satisfaction was high, though a subset reported mild, transient conjunctival hyperemia.”
• Board-Certified Dermatologist: “Careprost remains the gold-standard prescription treatment for hypotrichosis. Its efficacy is well-documented in peer-reviewed literature. Patient education on proper application technique and potential side effects, particularly iris darkening, is paramount before initiation.”
• Aesthetic Medicine Practitioner: “In my practice, I have observed consistent and impressive results in motivated patients who adhere to the nightly application protocol. The key is managing patient expectations; results are gradual and require commitment. It is a powerful tool in our aesthetic arsenal.”
• Long-Term User (4+ years): “The results have been transformative for my sparse lashes. The initial redness subsided after a few weeks. I am aware of the potential for permanent iris darkening and have undergone regular ophthalmological check-ups with no changes observed to date.”