latanoprost at a glance
Medicine class
Prostaglandin-analogue eye drop.
Main uses
Raised eye pressure, open-angle glaucoma and paediatric glaucoma.
Contact lenses
Remove contact lenses before using Xalatan and wait 15 minutes before replacing them.
Vision after use
Temporary blurred vision can occur. Do not drive or use machinery until your vision is clear.
What is latanoprost used for?
Licensed uses represented by Xalatan include reducing raised pressure inside the eye in:
Adults with open-angle glaucoma.
Adults with ocular hypertension.
Children with elevated intraocular pressure or paediatric glaucoma.
How does latanoprost work?
Latanoprost is converted in the cornea to its active form. It increases drainage of aqueous fluid, mainly through the uveoscleral pathway, reducing pressure inside the eye.
latanoprost preparations and strengths
Eye drops
Route: Ophthalmic
Strengths: 50 micrograms/mL, 0.005% w/v
How to take latanoprost
Use the eye drops exactly as prescribed and follow the instructions for the supplied container.
Wash and dry your hands.
Do not touch the dropper tip against the eye, eyelids, eyelashes or other surfaces.
After applying the medicine, close the eye and gently press the inner corner beside the nose for about one minute.
Remove contact lenses first; with Xalatan, wait 15 minutes before replacing them.
Apply other eye medicines separately as directed.
Do not drive or use machinery while your vision is blurred.
latanoprost side effects
Common or expected effects
- Gradual darkening of the iris, which may be permanent.
- Eye redness, burning, grittiness, itching or stinging.
- Longer, thicker, darker or more numerous eyelashes.
- Eyelid inflammation, eye pain, light sensitivity or conjunctivitis.
Get urgent medical advice
- Wheezing, breathlessness or worsening asthma.
- Chest pain or palpitations.
- Severe allergic reaction with facial, mouth or throat swelling or difficulty breathing.
- Marked eye pain, severe redness, new light sensitivity or worsening vision.
latanoprost in pregnancy
Independent UK information says latanoprost can be used when recommended by a doctor because systemic absorption is small and available human data have not raised a clear concern. Evidence remains limited, and the Xalatan product information advises against use. Ask an ophthalmologist or prescriber to review treatment; do not stop without advice.
latanoprost while breastfeeding
NHS guidance considers latanoprost compatible with breastfeeding because little reaches the bloodstream and transfer into milk is not expected to be clinically important. Xalatan product information advises against use while breastfeeding. Discuss the benefits and uncertainties with the prescriber before stopping treatment or breastfeeding.
latanoprost interactions
Systemic interactions are not well characterised. Important eye-medicine interactions include:
Other prostaglandins or prostaglandin-analogue eye drops, including bimatoprost, tafluprost and travoprost
Combined use may unexpectedly increase eye pressure and is not recommended unless reviewed by an eye specialist.
Thiomersal-containing eye drops
Mixing can cause precipitation; apply the medicines separately as directed.
Other topical eye medicines
One product may wash another from the eye, so use them separately according to their instructions.
Common questions about latanoprost
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can latanoprost permanently change my eye colour?
Yes. It can gradually increase brown pigment in the iris, and the change may be permanent.
Can I wear contact lenses?
Remove them before applying Xalatan and wait 15 minutes before replacing them because its preservative can be absorbed by soft lenses.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.