Latanoprost (latanoprost)
Also sold as: Latoprost, Xalatan, Travatan (travoprost), Careprost (bimatoprost — similar class)
Pregnancy
Cat C
Lactation
Unknown
Schedule
H
Forms
Eye drops 0.005% (50 mcg/mL) +1
Indications
- Open-angle glaucoma
- Ocular hypertension
- Normal-tension glaucoma (adjunct)
Adult Dosing
Open-angle glaucoma / ocular hypertension
1 drop (0.005% solution) in affected eye(s)
Once daily (OD), preferably in the evening
Evening dosing produces greater IOP reduction than morning dosing. Do not exceed once-daily dosing — more frequent use may paradoxically reduce IOP-lowering effect.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Category C
May stimulate uterine contractions (FP-receptor activity). Avoid during pregnancy. Systemic absorption from eye drops is low but risk cannot be excluded.
Lactation: Unknown
Excretion into breast milk unknown. Use with caution; minimize systemic absorption using nasolacrimal occlusion.
Top Drug Interactions
| Interacting Drug | Effect | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Topical NSAIDs (ketorolac, nepafenac eye drops) | May reduce IOP-lowering effect of latanoprost by inhibiting prostaglandin pathway | Moderate |
| Other prostaglandin analogs (bimatoprost, travoprost) | Concurrent use is not additive and may paradoxically reduce efficacy; avoid combination | Moderate |
| Thimerosal-containing eye drops | Precipitation can occur if administered simultaneously; separate instillation by at least 5 minutes | Moderate |
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Side Effects
Common
- Iris color change (increased brown pigmentation — permanent)
- Periorbital skin darkening
- Eyelash changes (longer, thicker, darker, more numerous)
- Mild conjunctival hyperemia
- Eye irritation / burning / stinging on instillation
- Blurred vision (transient)
- Punctate keratopathy
Serious / Discontinue If
- Macular edema (particularly in aphakic or pseudophakic patients)
- Anterior uveitis / iritis
- Herpes simplex keratitis reactivation
- Corneal edema
- Cystoid macular edema in pseudophakic patients
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to latanoprost or benzalkonium chloride
- Active intraocular inflammation (uveitis)
- Aphakic patients or pseudophakic patients with torn posterior lens capsule (relative — risk of CME)
Available Indian Brands
| Brand | Manufacturer | Price (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Latoprost 0.005% Eye Drops | Sun Pharma | ₹185/2.5 mL |
| Xalatan 0.005% Eye Drops | Pfizer | ₹285/2.5 mL |
| Careprost 0.03% Eye Drops (bimatoprost) | Sun Pharma | ₹125/3 mL |
Monitoring Required
- Intraocular pressure (IOP) — baseline, then every 1–3 months
- Visual field testing — every 6–12 months
- Optic disc evaluation — periodic
- Iris color change — document at baseline and monitor (patient counseling essential)
- Eyelid and eyelash changes — routine review
- Slit-lamp examination for anterior chamber inflammation
- Corneal health — especially in contact lens wearers
Patient Counseling Points
- Administer one drop in the affected eye(s) every evening — consistency of timing is important.
- Remove contact lenses before instillation; wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting.
- Iris color may permanently change to brown — especially in hazel/green/blue-brown eyes. This is cosmetic only and does not harm vision.
- Eyelashes may become longer, thicker, and darker over months of use.
- Skin around the eye may darken — avoid letting drop touch skin; wipe away any excess.
- Apply nasolacrimal duct pressure (finger at inner corner of eye) for 1 minute after instillation to reduce systemic absorption.
- Do not use more than once daily — this will not lower pressure more and may reduce effectiveness.
- Store refrigerated (2–8°C) before opening; after opening, keep at room temperature (below 25°C) and use within 6 weeks.
- Do not use with other prostaglandin eye drops without ophthalmologist advice.
- Notify doctor if eye becomes red, painful, or vision changes suddenly.
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Clinically reviewed by: Dr. Ananya Pillai, MS (Ophthalmology), Glaucoma Specialist
Last reviewed: 2026-04-01
References
- Alm A. Latanoprost in the treatment of glaucoma. Clin Ophthalmol. 2014;8:1967–1985.
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Preferred Practice Pattern. 2020.
- Glaucoma Society of India. Consensus guidelines on glaucoma management. 2022.
- Drug prescribing information — Xalatan (latanoprost 0.005%), Pfizer India. 2023.