[Hyperpigmentosis and hypertrichosis of the eyelids after use of bimatoprost eye drops]

J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2005 Apr;3(4):276-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1610-0387.2005.05705.x.
[Article in German]

Abstract

After application of bimatoprost containing eye drops for four weeks, a 72 year-old patient, suffering from glaucoma, developed hyperpigmentation and hypertrichosis of the eyelids. These symptoms can be seen in 1-10% of the patients as side effects in local therapy with bimatoprost, a prostaglandin analogue. The changes persist for varying periods of time but are reversible. Although prostaglandin analogues are sometimes more effective in the reduction of the intraocular pressure than beta-adrenoreceptor blocking agents, they remain second-line choices because of their side effects. This case report is meant to re-stimulate interest in the as yet obscure role of prostaglandins in hair biology, in clarifying the underlying mechanisms, and in exploring the possible therapeutic use of prostaglandin analogues in the management of hair loss (e.g. in androgenetic alopecia) or hair depigmentation (e.g. poliosis, canities).

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Amides
  • Bimatoprost
  • Cloprostenol / analogs & derivatives
  • Eyelid Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Eyelid Diseases / pathology
  • Female
  • Glaucoma / complications
  • Glaucoma / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Hyperpigmentation / chemically induced*
  • Hyperpigmentation / pathology
  • Hypertrichosis / chemically induced*
  • Hypertrichosis / pathology
  • Lipids / adverse effects*
  • Lipids / therapeutic use
  • Ophthalmic Solutions / adverse effects
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Amides
  • Lipids
  • Ophthalmic Solutions
  • Cloprostenol
  • Bimatoprost