Bimatoprost in the treatment of eyelash hypotrichosis

Abstract

Eyelashes hypotrichosis is a condition indicated by an inadequate amount of eyelashes. Hypertrichosis of eyelashes, characterized by excessive eyelash growth, is a regular phenomenon associated with ophthalmic prostaglandin and prostamide analogs. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration approved Latisse® (bimatoprost 0.03% solution), identical to the ophthalmic solution for glaucoma treatment, for increasing eyelash length, thickness and darkness in patients with hypotrichosis of the eyelashes. 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). Prostaglandin and prostamide analogs may also prolong the anagen phase of eyelashes, leading to an increase of eyelash length. Although bimatoprost is effective in promoting increased growth of healthy eyelashes and adnexal hairs, its effectiveness in patients with eyelash alopecia areata is debatable and its protective effect is not yet studied in patients with eyelash loss secondary to radiation or chemotherapy. Bimatoprost is generally safe when applied to the base of the eyelashes at the lid margin with minimum side effects. However, other ocular or systemic side effects associated with ophthalmic prostaglandin and prostamide analogs may occur when instilled on the surface of the eye, and patients must be informed and monitored.

Bimatoprost versus Mometasone Furoate in the Treatment of Scalp Alopecia Areata: A Pilot Study

“…This could be attributed to the fact that bimatoprost, unlike latanoprost, does not need to be converted into an active metabolite in order to extend its potent pharmacological activity. Another possible explanation is the additional secondary calcium signaling pathway elicited by bimatoprost that might render a stronger response of hair growth [24]. Accordingly, it could be assumed that bimatoprost, as used in the current study, is a better therapeutic option for AA than latanoprost, which has been tried in most other studies.…”

Recent Progress in Prostaglandin F2αEthanolamide (Prostamide F2α) Research and Therapeutics

“…Bimatoprost seems to stimulate eyelash growth in more patients (13%) than in the latanoprost treatment group (4%) (Gandolfi et al, 2001;Law, 2010). In a 6-month study on 52 patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension, a 46.2% increase in eyelash growth was reported (Inoue et al, 2012).…”

Hypertrichosis of the malar areas and poliosis of the eyelashes caused by latanoprost

“…2 These analogs may also prolong the anagen phase of eyelashes, leading to an increase in eyelash length. 3 Eyelash hypertrichosis has been reported as a common adverse effect of ophthalmic latanoprost treatment, with frequency rates as high as 77% 4 and 50.5%. 5 Even brief exposure to an ophthalmic prostaglandin analog appears to be associated with eyelash changes.…”