Active Drug Information

The active drug Bimatoprost present in Careprost is one of the synthetic drugs with ocular activity. It has a molecular weight of 415.58, with a molecular formula of C25H37NO4. The drug comes in the form of powder, soluble in water, methyl alcohol, and ethyl alcohol. This ophthalmic solution is a clear, colorless, isotonic solution. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of Bimatoprost solution for hypotrichosis (inadequate eyelashes) in 2008. Apart from hypotrichosis, Careprost is also effective in treating ocular pressure caused by glaucoma.

Mechanism of Action

Careprost works by enhancing the growth cycle of eyelashes. The medicine is known to work by increasing the number of hair follicles in the anagen phase. Therefore, because of the increased anaphase time period, the eyelashes are growing in length and becoming dense. At the same time, the drug also influences the formation of more melanin pigment. This pigment results in making the eyelashes darker in color. Thus, Careprost is able to improve the fullness, thickness, and length of eyelashes.

You need to use this serum regularly to get better and full results. The eye solution should be used at night, before bedtime. One needs to understand that the effectivity of the medicine is not an instant effect; it exhibits its working mechanism gradually. Do not stop the use of Careprost solution suddenly. Follow the directions of your doctor carefully.

Dosing Instructions

• Before using Careprost, clean your face thoroughly and remove the makeup and contact lenses.
• At the bedtime, place one drop of Careprost on the sterile applicator available with the product and apply evenly on the upper eyelid.
• The margin of upper lid in the area of eyelash growth should get lightly moist without any runoff.
• Wipe out the excess solution with the help of a clean tissue or other clean absorbent cloth.
• Do not reuse the applicator for the other eyelid margin; rather use a new applicator for that.

Storage and Disposal

• Keep Careprost medicine out of the reach of pets, toddlers and children. Place it in a very safe and secure place.
• Store this ophthalmic solution in a cool, dry place, at room temperature, and away from heat, moisture or direct sunlight.
• If the serum is expired or it is no longer in use, make sure to dispose it carefully so that it can’t be taken by anyone for use.
• Dispose of the Careprost medicine by seeking help of your pharmacist or doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

• Before using this ophthalmic solution, take advice from your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to the ingredients present in it; or to other similar drug or any other sort of allergy.
• Careprost may have inactive ingredients present in them like preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride that can cause allergies or other problems. Take advice from your pharmacist if any problem exists.
• Before using it, tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history related to anything like eye pressure problems like glaucoma, or other eye problems like macular edema, uveitis, iritis, or lens extraction.
• If you come across a new eye condition, for example, infection, eye injury or eye surgery while using Careprost, discuss with a doctor whether you need to start using a new bottle.
• During pregnancy, Careprost drops should be used only if clearly needed. Discuss the associated risks and benefits with your doctor.

Drug Interactions

• Your doctor may already have studied of any possible drug interactions and so may be monitoring you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist first before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of any medicine.
• Before using Careprost drops, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the prescription and nonprescription products, even herbal products, especially of: glaucoma eye drops.
• Before the use of this product, discuss with your doctor or pharmacist of all the medicines you use. Carry a list of all medications with you, and show the list to your doctor and pharmacist.

Contraindications

People who have the following conditions should not use Careprost drops:

• Patients having hypersensitivity to bimatoprost or any of the ingredients.
• inflammation of uvea of the eye
• absent eye lens
• Macular Edema
• macular swelling/ degeneration of the eye
• inflammation of the iris
• presence of artificial eye lens

Common Side Effects

• Eye redness, itching, discomfort, eyelid redness or dryness may occur. If any of such effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
• Hair growth to certain part of your skin is possible where this medication touches frequently. Ensure to wipe extra medication after its application to the eyelash margins.
• Careprost medication may turn eyelid skin in darker color around the base of the eyelashes. After the medicine use is stopped, eyelid skin darkening shall go away in several weeks to months.
• If any of these unlikely and serious side effects occur like eye pain, rapid vision changes, suspected eye infection like discharge, unusual redness, swelling of eyes inform doctor immediately.