This article is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or use the medication guide.

Latanoprost Information

What is Latanoprost?

Latanoprost is a solution used to treat high pressure in the eye caused by either open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Glaucoma is a group of severe eye conditions caused by too much pressure inside one or both eyes. This pressure happens when aqueous humor, the fluid inside the eyeball and which gives it its round shape, fails to flow out as it should.

When too much of this fluid accumulates inside the eyeball, it leads to internal eye pressure. As the pressure increases, it causes damage to the optical nerve, responsible for sending images to the brain. This could lead to vision loss or even irreversible blindness.

Latanoprost is classified as a prostaglandin analog. This drug works by increasing the flow of aqueous humor outside the eye leading to a decrease in internal eye pressure.

Latanoprost generic was invented by Carl B. Camras and was approved by the FDA in 1996. Latanoprost is not available over the counter, so you’ll need a doctor’s prescription to purchase it from a pharmacy.

Latanoprost brand name

Latanoprost is a generic drug, but it’s also available in other trades names, such as;

• Xalatan
• Xelpro
• Monoprost

Latanoprost Forms and Strengths

You’ll get Latanoprost Xalatan in the following forms and strengths;

• Latanoprost Ophthalmic solution- 0.005% (2.5 mL)

Proper use of Latanoprost

Latanoprost ophthalmic solution is a prescription-only drug. Use it exactly as directed by your doctor/pharmacist and as indicated in the patient’s information leaflet. Apply only one drop of Latanoprost eye drops to the affected eye daily in the evenings.

Why use Latanoprost at night? Although you can use Latanoprost 0.005 in the morning, researchers note that its optimal effects are realized more when used in the evenings than during the day.

How to Use Glaucoma eye drops Latanoprost

Step 1: Start by cleaning your hands to lower the risk of contamination. You can use water with soap or disinfecting wipes.

Step 2: Shake the bottle well just before use and open the bottle cap. Ensure that you place the lid on a clean surface, for instance, on a fresh tissue sheet.

Step 3: Tilt your head back slightly. Using the index finger of your non-dominant hand, pull down your lower eyelid to create a pocket gently. Some people find it easy to locate this pouch while standing in front of a mirror. If you have neck pain issues, lying flat, for instance, on a bed or couch, will allow you to create an eye pocket easily too.

Step 4: With the pocket ready, hold the bottle in your dominant finger and gently squeeze one drop inside the pouch and keep your eyes closed for at least 2 minutes. Avoid excessive blinking as this will drain out the solution in tears. If you’re blinking excessively and shedding tears a lot, you could perform a Punctal Occlusion. This involves pressing the inside corner of your eye using your index fingertip after instilling the eye drops.

Important tips when using Latanoprost drops

• Always clean your hands before using the eye drops to avoid contamination.
• If you’re using more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5 minutes before administering the second drop.
• If you tend to forget to use your eye drops a lot, consider using it at around the same time every day. You could also cue yourself, for instance, by putting the drops after brushing your teeth or before switching off the bedside lamp.
• Most glaucoma eye drops tend to irritate the eye with each use. If you have sensitive eyes, ask your pharmacist whether it’s possible to switch to Latanoprost preservative free.

Latanoprost Dosage

Adult dose for eye pressure (Intraocular hypertension)

• Use only one drop of Latanoprost ophthalmic solution 0.005 in the affected eye once daily (preferably in the evenings).

Adult dose for glaucoma

• Administer one drop in the affected eye (eyes).

Pediatric dose for glaucoma and eye pressure

• The efficacy of Latanoprost use in patients below 18 years has not yet been established.

Latanoprost overdose

Putting too much Latanoprost (Xalatan generic) is less likely to be harmful, but it might cause eye irritation and redness. There’s no need to worry as this gets better with time. Contact your pharmacist or doctor if you’re worried, though. However, you should contact the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 if someone has swallowed it.

Latanoprost missed dose

If you’ve missed to take your Latanoprost eye drops dose at your scheduled time, you can administer the drops if it’s the same day. However, if you remember it the following day, skip the missed dose and continue with your schedule. Do not instill 2 drops of Latanoprost to compensate for a missed dose.

What is Latanoprost used for?

Latanoprost ophthalmic is prescribed for treating ocular hypertension (increase in pressure inside the eye). It’s also used for glaucoma (a condition where high pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve leading to gradual vision loss).

Latanoprost can also be used in dogs and cats for the same reasons mentioned above. Latanoprost uses in pets are often off-label or over-label; that is, the veterinarian’s directions may be different from what’s indicated on the label. So, follow the veterinarian’s instructions carefully.

Before using Latanoprost

• Before using Latanoprost eye drops, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you’re allergic to it or other eye drops.

• Let your doctor know if you’re pregnant or lactating.

• Tell your doctor if you’ve ever had eye herpes or any other infection in the eye. Let your doctor know if you’ve ever suffered from retinal detachment or surgery on your eye lens too.

• Understand that this medication’s safety and efficacy have not been established in patients below 18 years of age.

Latanoprost allergic reaction

It’s rare for Latanoprost to cause a serious allergic response when administered to the eye. However, people who are allergic to benzalkonium chloride may experience a severe allergic reaction, which involves trouble breathing and swelling of the tongue and throat. Do not use this drug if you’re allergic to it. If you experience the above symptoms, contact your local Poison Control Center immediately for assistance.

Latanoprost interactions

Latanoprost interacts with the following drugs;

• Other types of eye drop
• Bimatoprost
• Thimerosal
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as iBuprofen and Naproxen

Latanoprost may interact with other medications not listed here. We’d suggest asking your doctor or pharmacist whether the eye drops are safe to use with any other prescription, non-prescription, herbal, or non-herbal drug that you’re taking.

Latanoprost and Pregnancy warning

The US FDA lists Latanoprost in category C. This means that research studies on animals have shown adverse effects on the fetus. However, there are no adequate studies on human beings. Therefore, this medication should be used by pregnant women only if the doctor has assessed and found that the potential benefits outweigh the risks. If you get pregnant or are planning to conceive while using Latanoprost, consult your doctor for guidance. Latanoprost is not recommended for use during pregnancy in the UK.

Latanoprost during breastfeeding

Latanoprost use when breastfeeding is not recommended in the UK. In the US and Australia, it’s recommended to proceed with caution as there’s no enough information on whether it gets into human breastmilk.

Is Latanoprost safe for use in children?

Most of the recent studies prove Latanoprost’s eye pressure-lowering ability in children with open-angle and aphakic glaucomas. Although there are no Latanoprost contraindications reported, the US FDA does not approve its use among patients below 18.

Latanoprost warnings

• Latanoprost (Xalatan generic) use causes eyelash changes, including increasing the length and number of hairs and thickness.

• This drug may exacerbate an active inflammation of the eye. Use it with caution, too, if you have a history of eye inflammation.

• Latanoprost may cause pigmentation on the iris. Although this pigmentation is reversible in some patients, there is no adequate information on whether this is possible if you’ve used it for over 5 years.

• Latanoprost drug category C suggests that this medication may harm a fetus. Consult your doctor if you’re pregnant or are planning to get pregnant while using it.

Latanoprost side effects

These Latanoprost eye drops side effects are common but mild;

• Puffy eyes
• Red eyes
• Dry eyes
• Blurred vision
• A feeling of particles in the eye
• Burning, itchiness, and eye irritation
• Increase in numbers, thickness, and color of eyelashes
• Photophobia (increased light sensitivity)

Serious but rare Latanoprost side effects

Call your local Poison Control Center right away if you’re experiencing breathing difficulties and wheezing. Call 911 immediately if you have any of the following severe symptoms;

• Tightness in the chest or throat
• Swelling in your mouth, lips, throat, and tongue
• Trouble breathing and talking
• A skin rash with itchy, red, and peeling skin

Latanoprost storage

You should store an unopened Latanoprost bottle in the refrigerator at 2-8 degrees C. You don’t need to refrigerate the drug after opening. Keep it in its original box at room temperature and away from direct heat, light, and moisture.

Latanoprost cost

Between February and June 2020, the average price of a 2.5 mL 0.005% Latanoprost eye dropper has been ranging between $46.24 and $47.39 without a Latanoprost coupon. Currently, the best price for Latanoprost is around $27. However, with the best Latanoprost coupon, Goodrx Latanoprost is available for as low as $11.5.

Latanoprost Mechanism of Action

Latanoprost is a prostaglandin receptor that works by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor in the eye. This helps in reducing pressure inside the eye (ocular hypertension). This protects the optical nerve from damage, which could otherwise lead to loss of vision.

Latanoprost vs Lumigan

Latanoprost and Lumigan belong to the same classification of drugs and are used to lower eye pressure. Both are available as generics, and you only need to administer them once. This is unlike several other eye medications that need to be instilled in the morning and evening for optimum effectiveness.

However, in a Lumigan vs Latanoprost research study, a higher number of patients explained that they experienced more eye irritation and redness with Lumigan than Latanoprost. It’s also worth noting that Latanoprost is almost 20x cheaper than Lumigan.

Latanoprost for dogs

Latanoprost may be prescribed for dogs and cats to reduce eye pressure caused by glaucoma. Latanoprost used for dogs and cats is usually off label. For that reason, you need to follow your veterinary’s directions carefully as they are often different from what is on the label.

Latanoprost eyelashes

One of the common “downsides” of prostaglandin analogs is increasing the length of eyelashes. Latanoprost (Xalatan generic) also increases the number, thickness, and pigmentation of these hairs.

Most cosmetic companies today view Latanoprost’s effects on eyelashes as substantial enough to use in lash enhancers. But the FDA has not approved Latanoprost for this purpose. If you’re considering the use of Latanoprost for lash growth, first assess its other side effects, including the darkening of the eye and determine whether eyelash growth is worth it.

How long does it take for Latanoprost to start working?

After administering a single dose of Latanoprost 0.005 eye drops, the pressure in the eyeball starts to reduce after 3-4 hours. Latanoprost reaches its peak 8-12 hours after use, and the reduced eye pressure effect remains for at least 24 hours.