Bimat + Applicators

Basic Bimat + Applicators information

• INN (international nonproprietary name): Bimatoprost
• Brand names available in the United Kingdom: Bimat + Applicators, Lumigan, Latisse and generic bimatoprost
• ATC code: S01EE03 (prostaglandin analogues)
• Forms and dosages: Ophthalmic solution 0.01%–0.03%; 3 mL and 5 mL bottles, supplied with sterile applicators
• Manufacturers in the United Kingdom: Allergan/AbbVie, Viatris, Medochemie
• Registration status in the United Kingdom: Prescription-only medicine (POM); bimatoprost eye drops are licensed for glaucoma and ocular hypertension
• OTC / Rx classification: Prescription-only medicine (POM)

What Bimat + Applicators is and how it works

Bimatoprost is a prostaglandin analogue used topically for glaucoma and, at 0.03%, for eyelash hypotrichosis.

The ATC code is S01EE03 and the INN is Bimatoprost.

Applicators are supplied as sterile single‑use items so that patients can apply the solution directly to the upper eyelid margin without contaminating the bottle.

The mechanism for lashes is thought to be extension of the anagen (growth) phase, increasing length, thickness and number of visible lashes.

For intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction the drug alters aqueous humour dynamics via prostaglandin pathways.

Formulation notes: 0.03% is the concentration commonly used for eyelash hypotrichosis; 0.01–0.03% formulations are seen for ocular use such as Lumigan.

Licensed indications differ between products: many are licensed for glaucoma and ocular hypertension (OHT) only.

Lay definition and purpose

Bimatoprost is a prescription eye solution that can be used to treat glaucoma or, at specific strengths, to encourage fuller eyelashes.

Mechanism in brief (lashes and IOP)

When applied at the eyelid margin, bimatoprost lengthens the growth phase of lashes and stimulates thicker, darker hair.

When instilled into the eye for glaucoma, it lowers intraocular pressure by increasing outflow of aqueous humour.

Important regulatory note

Bimatoprost eye products are prescription-only medicines in the UK, and the licensed indication depends on the product.

Legal status and availability in the UK

In our online pharmacy, Bimat + Applicators is available without a prescription, with discreet delivery to the United Kingdom in 9–21 days.

Bimatoprost products are prescription-only medicines (POM) in the UK.

Product variants and pack contents

Most packs contain a bottle of solution plus single-use sterile applicators and clear labelling of concentration and volume.

Common variants are Latisse 0.03% in 3 mL or 5 mL packs (with about 60 or more applicators), Lumigan in 0.01% or 0.03% strengths, and generic bimatoprost in 3 mL or 5 mL bottles.

Typical pack contents

Standard contents: bottle of ophthalmic solution, several sterile single-use applicators, patient information leaflet (PIL) and outer carton with batch and expiry.

Sterile single-use applicators

Single‑use sterile applicators prevent cross‑contamination and lower the risk of ocular infection if used correctly.

Common types are lint‑free brush sticks, foam tips and micro‑sponges; each allows controlled transfer of a minimal amount of solution to the upper lid margin.

Reusing applicators risks bacterial transfer and conjunctival or eyelid infection.

Open one sterile applicator at a time, apply to the upper lid margin only and dispose of the applicator immediately after use.

Types of applicators

Brush tips give precision and control; foam tips reduce lint; micro‑sponges absorb small measured amounts of solution.

Safe sterile handling

Open one applicator at a time, avoid touching the tip, apply the designated amount to the applicator not directly to the eyelid, and discard after a single use.

Disposal and infection prevention

Dispose of used applicators immediately in household waste or clinical waste if local guidance requires it and never share applicators between people.

Dosage and administration

For eyelash hypotrichosis the standard adult dose is one drop of 0.03% solution applied to the upper eyelid margin once nightly using a sterile applicator per eye.

For glaucoma the usual dosing is one drop into the affected eye(s) once daily, avoiding multiple daily doses.

A practical applicator technique for cosmetic use: wash hands, remove cap, dispense a minimal amount onto the applicator, draw the applicator carefully across the upper eyelid margin from inner to outer canthus, use a new applicator for the other eye, and replace cap securely.

If a dose is missed apply the next dose at the usual time and do not double the next application.

If excess solution gets into the eye or surrounding skin, gently rinse with water; persistent problems require clinician review.

Nightly lash regimen (stepwise)

1) Clean eyelid margin and remove makeup.

2) Wash hands.

3) Dispense minimal solution onto single‑use applicator.

4) Apply to upper lid margin once nightly; discard applicator.

Glaucoma administration differences

When used for glaucoma the drop is instilled directly into the conjunctival sac and applicators are not used.

Missed dose and overdose advice

Missed dose: take the next dose at the usual time.

Overdose: rinse with water and seek medical advice if irritation persists.

Safety and contraindications

Absolute contraindications include known hypersensitivity to bimatoprost or excipients such as benzalkonium chloride, and active ocular infections or significant ocular inflammation.

Relative contraindications include uveitis, macular oedema and aphakia or pseudophakia with a torn lens capsule; these warrant specialist review.

Absolute and relative contraindications

Absolute: hypersensitivity to active or excipient; active ocular infection.

Relative: uveitis, macular oedema, aphakia/pseudophakia with torn capsule; requires specialist consideration.

Checks before use

Tell your prescriber or pharmacist about allergies, ocular history, recent surgery, contact lens use, pregnancy/breastfeeding and other eye treatments.

When to seek advice

Seek advice from your prescriber when there is an active infection, unclear ocular history, or possible pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Side effects and pigmentation

Common adverse effects include eyelid or eye irritation, redness, itching, dry or watery eyes and a foreign‑body sensation.

Pigmentation of the eyelid skin or iris has been reported and iris darkening can be permanent even after stopping treatment; this must be explained before starting.

Less common effects include eyelash misdirection and unwanted hair growth where the solution contacts surrounding skin.

For glaucoma patients monitoring schedules differ and should be followed as per the ophthalmologist’s instructions.

Common and serious side effects

Common: irritation, redness, itching, dry eye.

Serious: persistent inflammation, severe pain, visual disturbance, suspected iris pigmentation change.

What to expect

Lash changes appear gradually, nightly use is needed to maintain the benefit, applicators are single-use only, and iris pigmentation may be permanent.

Baseline checks

Note your baseline iris colour and any pre‑existing ocular conditions before starting treatment for lashes.

Special populations

Safety for eyelash growth in children is not established and use is not recommended except for glaucoma under specialist care.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid unless a prescriber judges that potential benefit outweighs risk.

Elderly patients do not generally require dose adjustments but should be monitored for ocular comorbidity.

Contact lens wearers must remove lenses before application and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting to limit preservative exposure from benzalkonium chloride.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding guidance

Advise prescriber consultation; avoid routine cosmetic use in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Children and elderly considerations

Children: not established for cosmetic use.

Elderly: monitor rather than dose adjust routinely.

Contact lens practical advice

Remove lenses prior to application and wait 15 minutes before reinsertion.

Latisse, Lumigan and other bimatoprost products

Bimatoprost across branded and generic products demonstrates consistent lash growth versus placebo when used correctly.

Latisse is marketed specifically for eyelash hypotrichosis at 0.03%, while Lumigan and many generics are primarily indicated for glaucoma and appear in varying concentrations.

Clinical evidence supports bimatoprost’s efficacy for lashes, whereas cosmetic serums without a prostaglandin analogue generally lack comparable randomised controlled trial backing.

Brand summary

Latisse (0.03%) is marketed for eyelash hypotrichosis and supplied with applicators, whereas Lumigan (0.01% or 0.03%) is indicated for glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

Evidence compared with cosmetic serums

Bimatoprost has randomised controlled trial evidence for eyelash growth; most cosmetic serums do not match that evidence base.

Storage and expiry

Store bimatoprost at 2–25°C, away from heat and direct light, and replace the cap tightly after each use.

Do not use after the expiry date or if the solution becomes cloudy or changes colour.

Storage temperature

Store at 2–25°C.

Disposal and post‑opening shelf life

Dispose applicators immediately after use; follow local guidance for clinical waste if provided.

FAQs

Expect lash changes in 4–16 weeks; applicators are single‑use only and must never be shared; iris darkening can be permanent.

Do not use with active eye infections and store between 2–25°C.

Provide a short troubleshooting list: mild irritation — stop and consult; persistent redness or vision changes — urgent review; staining of skin — clean gently and reassess application technique.

Common questions

How soon will I see results? — From 4 weeks; optimal by 16 weeks.

Are applicators reusable? — No; strictly single‑use.

Will my iris change colour? — Possible; iris darkening may be permanent.

Key points

Use nightly, apply to the upper lid margin only and discard the applicator after use. If you experience severe irritation or visual disturbance, stop and see your clinician.

Troubleshooting common issues

If irritation occurs pause use, rinse with water and seek clinician advice if symptoms persist.

Delivery across the United Kingdom