bimatoprost
Meaning of bimatoprost: Bimatoprost is a prostaglandin analog approved both to lower eye pressure in glaucoma and to lengthen and darken eyelashes.
Definition of bimatoprost
Bimatoprost is a synthetic prostaglandin analog, a compound that mimics natural prostaglandins involved in regulating fluid pressure within the eye. In ophthalmology, it is used under names such as Lumigan to treat glaucoma and elevated eye pressure by increasing the outflow of fluid from inside the eye, lowering pressure that can otherwise damage the optic nerve over time.
A separate approved use, marketed under the name Latisse, applies a lower concentration of the same drug to the eyelid margin to treat hypotrichosis, a condition of inadequate or thinning eyelashes, increasing their length, thickness, and darkness with regular use.
Because bimatoprost can also darken surrounding skin and increase pigmentation of the iris, these cosmetic and ocular effects are considered together when the drug is used near the eye, regardless of which approved use it is prescribed for.
Used in a sentence
Bimatoprost drops were prescribed to help lower the patient's intraocular pressure.
Good to know
Bimatoprost prescribed for eyelash growth and bimatoprost prescribed for glaucoma are the same drug at different concentrations, so a person using one formulation may experience effects associated with the other.