Does Latisse Interact with Other Medications?

Good news: Latisse (Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03%) has very few drug interactions compared to most prescription medications. Because it's applied topically to the eyelid skin in tiny amounts, very little Bimatoprost enters your bloodstream. This means systemic (whole-body) drug interactions are essentially a non-issue.

However, there are some important interactions to know about — particularly if you use other eye medications. Here's what you need to understand before starting Latisse.

The Most Important Interaction: Other Prostaglandin Eye Drops

This is the interaction that matters most. If you use prostaglandin analog eye drops for glaucoma or ocular hypertension, adding Latisse could cause problems.

Why This Matters

Bimatoprost — the active ingredient in Latisse — is the same drug used in the glaucoma medication Lumigan. Other drugs in the same class include:

• Latanoprost (brand name: Xalatan)
• Travoprost (brand name: Travatan Z)
• Tafluprost (brand name: Zioptan)
• Lumigan (Bimatoprost for glaucoma)

These medications work by lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) — the pressure inside your eye. If you use one of these for glaucoma and then add Latisse (which contains a prostaglandin analog applied near the eye), it could:

• Decrease the IOP-lowering effect of your glaucoma medication
• Cause unpredictable or paradoxical changes in eye pressure
• Complicate your eye doctor's ability to manage your glaucoma

This doesn't mean you absolutely cannot use Latisse if you have glaucoma. It means your ophthalmologist needs to know about it, monitor your eye pressure, and make an informed decision about whether the combination is safe for you.

What to Do

If you use any prostaglandin analog eye drops for glaucoma:

1. Tell your prescriber before starting Latisse. This is critical.
2. Tell your ophthalmologist if a different provider prescribes Latisse for you.
3. Don't assume it's fine because Latisse is "just for lashes." It contains a real medication that can affect eye pressure.

Other Ophthalmic Medications

If you use any other eye drops — whether for glaucoma, dry eyes, allergies, or infections — there's a simple rule: separate your eye medications by at least 5 minutes.

This applies to:

• Artificial tears and lubricating eye drops
• Antibiotic eye drops
• Allergy eye drops (like Pataday or Zaditor)
• Steroid eye drops
• Any other prescription ophthalmic solution

The reason is practical, not chemical. If you apply two eye medications too close together, the second one can wash away the first before it has time to absorb. Waiting at least 5 minutes between applications ensures each medication has time to work.

Since Latisse is applied to the eyelid skin (not dropped into the eye), this is less of a concern than with traditional eye drops. But if any Latisse solution gets into your eye — which can happen — spacing out your medications is good practice.

What About Oral Medications?

Latisse has no known interactions with oral medications. The amount of Bimatoprost that enters your bloodstream from topical eyelid application is extremely small — not enough to interact with pills, capsules, or other systemic medications.

This includes:

• Blood pressure medications
• Antibiotics
• Antidepressants
• Birth control pills
• Pain medications
• Vitamins and supplements

That said, always tell your doctor about all medications you take. It's a good practice with any new prescription, even if known interactions are unlikely.

Food and Alcohol Interactions

Latisse has no known food interactions. You don't need to avoid any foods, drinks, or alcohol while using it. You can eat whatever you like before or after applying Latisse — it won't affect how the medication works.

Contact Lenses

Contact lenses aren't a "drug interaction" in the traditional sense, but they're an important practical consideration:

• Remove contact lenses before applying Latisse. The solution contains preservatives (benzalkonium chloride) that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses.
• Wait at least 15 minutes after applying Latisse before reinserting your contacts.
• This applies to both soft and rigid gas-permeable lenses.

Makeup and Skincare Products

Again, not traditional drug interactions, but worth mentioning since many Latisse users also use eye area products:

• Remove all eye makeup before applying Latisse. Makeup can create a barrier that prevents proper absorption.
• Apply Latisse before other skincare products. If you use serums, creams, or treatments around your eyes, apply Latisse first and let it absorb for a few minutes.
• Avoid waterproof mascara if possible, as the vigorous removal process can damage growing lashes.

What to Tell Your Doctor Before Starting Latisse

To help your provider prescribe Latisse safely, mention the following:

Medical Conditions

• Glaucoma or ocular hypertension — the most important disclosure
• History of eye surgery — especially cataract surgery or procedures involving the macula
• Macular edema — current or past history
• Uveitis or iritis — inflammation inside the eye
• Allergies — especially to Bimatoprost, benzalkonium chloride, or related compounds
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding — or plans to become pregnant

All Eye Medications

List every eye drop, ointment, or ophthalmic solution you use — prescription and over-the-counter. Don't forget occasional-use products like allergy drops.

All Other Medications

While systemic interactions with Latisse are not expected, a complete medication list helps your doctor see the full picture of your health.

Can You Use Latisse with Eyelash Extensions?

This is a common question. Technically, there's no drug interaction between Latisse and eyelash extensions or lash adhesive. However:

• Extensions may make it harder to apply Latisse properly to the lash line
• The adhesive removal process could affect Latisse absorption
• Many lash technicians recommend not using Latisse with extensions because the solution can weaken adhesive bonds

Most dermatologists suggest using one or the other — Latisse for natural growth or extensions for immediate cosmetic effect. Some patients use Latisse to grow their natural lashes and then switch to extensions for special occasions.

What If You're Already Using a Prostaglandin Eye Drop?

If you currently use Lumigan, Xalatan, Travatan, or another prostaglandin analog for glaucoma, here's what to discuss with your ophthalmologist:

• Whether adding Latisse is safe given your current eye pressure levels
• Whether more frequent IOP monitoring would be needed
• Whether the cosmetic benefit is worth the potential risk to your glaucoma management
• Alternative approaches (some ophthalmologists may adjust your glaucoma medication if you want to try Latisse)

Never start or stop any glaucoma medication on your own. Changes to glaucoma treatment should always be managed by your eye doctor.

The Bottom Line

Latisse is one of the simplest prescription medications when it comes to drug interactions. The main concern is using it alongside prostaglandin analog eye drops for glaucoma — if this applies to you, talk to your ophthalmologist before starting. For everyone else, Latisse has no known interactions with oral medications, foods, or supplements.

The most important thing you can do is communicate openly with your doctor about all medications you use, including eye drops. With that information, your provider can prescribe Latisse confidently and safely.

Ready to get started? Learn how to find a doctor who prescribes Latisse. Want to know more about the medication first? Read what Latisse is and how to use it or what side effects to expect.