Careprost 3 ml (0.03%) with brush is an ophthalmic solution whose active ingredient is bimatoprost 0.03% w/v. It is used in two clinical contexts: as a prescription treatment to lower intraocular pressure for glaucoma/ocular hypertension (when used as an eye drop instilled into the eye), and—famously—as a topical eyelash serum to treat hypotrichosis of the eyelashes (thin, short, sparse lashes) by increasing lash length, thickness and darkness when applied carefully to the upper eyelid margin. Careprost is a widely used generic formulation of bimatoprost and is commonly supplied in a 3 ml bottle for patient use.

Key Features

How Careprost (Bimatoprost) Works?

Bimatoprost is a prostaglandin analogue that affects the hair growth cycle. In eyelashes, it appears to increase the proportion of hairs in the growth (anagen) phase and prolong that phase, so lashes grow longer, become thicker and often darken. When bimatoprost is used as an eye drop inside the eye (different clinical context), it lowers intraocular pressure by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor. For eyelash enhancement, the medication is applied to the skin at the base of the upper lashes (not directly into the eye) once nightly and is absorbed locally to act on lash follicles.

Indications / Uses

• Eyelash hypotrichosis: The primary cosmetic indication — to increase eyelash length, thickness and darkness in people with inadequate lashes. Evidence and regulatory approval (for branded bimatoprost products) support this use.
• Glaucoma / ocular hypertension (formulations used inside the eye): Bimatoprost is also an effective IOP-lowering agent when instilled directly into the eye; some Careprost formulations or related products are used for that purpose under medical supervision. (Do not confuse lash-application instructions with intraocular glaucoma dosing.)

Dosage & How to Use

Important: The instructions below reflect typical, evidence-based practice for bimatoprost 0.03% applied for eyelash growth. Always follow the exact instructions provided by your prescriber and the product insert.

1. Remove contact lenses and wash your face and hands thoroughly. If you wear contacts, remove them before application and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting.
2. Use a sterile single-use applicator (supplied with many packs). Place one drop of the solution on the pad or applicator brush.
3. Carefully draw the applicator along the skin of the upper eyelid margin at the base of the eyelashes — one stroke to the upper eyelid margin is sufficient. Avoid applying to the lower lid or directly into the eye.
4. Blot away any excess solution immediately with a tissue to prevent run-off to the surrounding skin. Dispose of the applicator after single use. Do not reuse applicators.
5. Apply once nightly. Additional or more frequent applications do not increase results and may increase side effects.

Typical visible changes begin around 4 weeks, with the most consistent effects by 12–16 weeks; stopping treatment will generally return lashes toward baseline over several weeks to months.

Expected Benefits 

• Longer lashes: noticeable extension in length for many users after several weeks.
• Thicker and fuller appearance: increased hair density and diameter over time.
• Darker pigmentation: lashes often appear darker, enhancing the overall look.
• Cosmetic confidence: many users report improvements in appearance that reduce need for false lashes or heavy mascara.

Be realistic: results vary by individual and may be gradual. For those using it for glaucoma, the medication’s benefit is lowering intraocular pressure — a separate therapeutic goal.

Side Effects

Most side effects are local and mild, but some are more significant and should be discussed with your prescriber:

Common / mild (usually reversible on stopping):

• Eye irritation, redness, itchiness, or a sensation of something in the eye (foreign body sensation).
• Dry eye symptoms.
• Periorbital skin darkening (eyelid skin hyperpigmentation).

Less common / potentially permanent:

• Iris pigmentation (increased brown coloration of the iris): reported with bimatoprost use; this change is likely to be permanent and may take months or years to appear. Patients should be warned about this possibility.

Other reported issues:

• Macular edema (rare) — use with caution in patients with risk factors (e.g., aphakia, posterior capsular rupture).
• Exacerbation of intraocular inflammation (uveitis) in susceptible patients.

If you experience severe eye pain, vision changes, prolonged irritation, or any worrying symptoms, stop use and seek medical attention.

Interactions & Important Clinical Notes

• Ocular hypotensive drugs: If you are using bimatoprost for glaucoma (intraocular use) or other prostaglandin analogs, consult your ophthalmologist — concurrent topical eyelash use may alter intraocular pressure control. Monitoring IOP is recommended when products are used together. 
• Contact lenses: Remove contact lenses before applying and wait the recommended time before reinserting to avoid preservative-related irritation.
• Systemic interactions: Systemic absorption from nightly topical eyelid application is minimal, but if you have concerns or are using multiple ophthalmic medications, discuss with a clinician. Pharmacokinetic studies show low systemic exposure after topical application, but follow medical advice if pregnant, breastfeeding, or on multiple drugs.

Pharmacokinetics

After topical application to the eyelid margin, bimatoprost has low systemic absorption; blood levels peak quickly and are generally low. The drug acts locally on hair follicles to extend the growth phase, but a measurable fraction can reach the eye surface and systemic circulation at low levels — hence safety precautions and advice on contact lens removal and avoiding contamination.

Precautions & Who Should Be Careful

• Do not use if allergic to bimatoprost or any component of the product.
• Eye disease: Use with caution if you have active eye inflammation (uveitis), macular edema, or certain retinal conditions.
• Iris color change risk: Patients should be informed about the potential for permanent brown iris pigmentation. This is more relevant if the product reaches the eye surface. 
• Pregnancy & breastfeeding: There are no adequate controlled studies in pregnant women; consult your provider. For breastfeeding, data show low systemic exposure and low likelihood of infant exposure, but discuss with your clinician if you are nursing. (Where relevant, LactMed and NHS guidance provide practical counsel.) 
• Avoid spreading to other skin areas: Careful blotting of excess and single-use applicators reduces the chance of unwanted hair growth outside the treatment area.

Storage & Handling

• Store at room temperature per label instructions; protect from light and moisture. Check the expiration date on the bottle. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contaminating the dropper tip; do not share applicators.

Practical Tips & Realistic Expectations

• Use once nightly, consistently, for best results. Missing occasional nights reduces effectiveness.
• Don’t apply to the lower lid — that increases the risk of run-off and unwanted hair growth on the cheek.
• Expect the full cosmetic effect to take weeks to months. If you stop, lashes will gradually return toward the pre-treatment state.
• If you want the brand-name product information (Latisse) for comparison or regulatory detail, the FDA label contains in-depth prescribing information.

Conclusion

Careprost 3 ml (0.03%) with brush is a clinically active bimatoprost ophthalmic solution that can deliver meaningful eyelash enhancement (longer, thicker, darker lashes) when used correctly and under medical guidance. It is effective for many users, but not risk-free: local irritation, skin darkening, and (rarely) permanent iris color change are possible. Always use a prescription product as directed, take precautions to avoid contamination or run-off, and discuss medical history and eye conditions with your prescriber before starting.

FAQ’S

Is Careprost the same as Latisse?

Careprost contains the same active molecule (bimatoprost 0.03%) as Latisse, the FDA-approved branded product, but Careprost is a generic/manufacturer-specific product often produced by Sun Pharma. Formulation and excipients can differ, and Latisse is the proprietary, branded product with its own label.

How soon will I see results?

Some users see visible changes around 4 weeks, with the most consistent effect by 12–16 weeks of nightly use. Results are individual.

Are the lash gains permanent?

No lash improvements persist only while you use the product. After stopping, lashes typically return to baseline over time.

Can it change my eye color?

Bimatoprost has been associated with increased brown pigmentation of the iris in some users; this change is likely permanent and should be discussed with your prescriber.

Is it safe to use with contact lenses?

Remove contacts before application and wait the recommended time (usually ~15 minutes) before reinserting lenses. Follow product instructions.

Can anyone buy Careprost over the counter?

In most countries, Careprost (bimatoprost 0.03%) is a prescription medicine. Buying from unregulated sources risks counterfeit or contaminated products — always use a licensed pharmacy and follow medical advice.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK576421/

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Bimatoprost