Highlights for latanoprost

  1. Latanoprost ophthalmic solution is available as a generic drug and a brand-name drug. Brand name: Xalatan.
  2. This drug is only available as an ophthalmic solution (eye drop).
  3. Latanoprost is used to treat open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
  • Darkening of your eyes and lashes: This drug can darken the color of your eye or change it from a light color to brown. It can also cause the skin around your eye to darken. It may cause your eyelashes to grow longer, thicker, and darker in color. These changes often occur slowly, but they can be permanent. If you only use this drug in one eye, your eyes may look different from each other. Call your doctor if you have these changes.
  • Contact lenses: If you wear contact lenses, you should remove them from your eyes before using this drug. Wait at least 15 minutes after using your eye drops before you put your contacts in your eyes again.
  • Contamination of dropper tip and solution: Be careful not to let the dropper tip of the eye drops touch your eye, eyelids, or surrounding areas when giving yourself the medication. This could contaminate the dropper tip and the solution and lead to infection.
  • Eye problems: This drug may cause macular edema. In this condition, fluid builds up in your eye and causes it to swell. This can damage your vision. You’re at higher risk of this side effect if you have a history of macular edema or other eye problems. Talk to your doctor before using latanoprost if you have a history of eye problems.

Latanoprost is a prescription drug. It comes as an ophthalmic solution (eye drop).

Latanoprost is available as the brand-name drug Xalatan. It’s also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version.

Latanoprost may be used as part of a combination therapy. This means you may need to take it with other medications.

Why it’s used

Latanoprost is used to treat open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. These conditions are caused by an increase in pressure in your eye. They may cause eye pain or vision changes.

How it works

Latanoprost belongs to a class of drugs called prostaglandin inhibitors. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.

Latanoprost works by lowering the pressure in your eyes. It does this by helping to increase the natural flow of fluids out of your eye.

Latanoprost ophthalmic solution can cause certain side effects.

More common side effects

The more common side effects of latanoprost can include:

  • changes in your eye color
  • changes in the thickness, length, or color of your eyelashes
  • darkening of the skin around your eyes
  • blurred vision
  • burning or stinging
  • dry eyes

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

  • Sensitivity to light
  • Eye pain or irritation
  • Trouble seeing or vision loss
  • Pink eye. Symptoms can include:
    • eye itching or redness
    • eye tearing or crusting
  • Redness or swelling of your eyes

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare provider who knows your medical history.

Latanoprost ophthalmic solution can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.

  • Other eye drops. You shouldn’t use latanoprost with eye drops that have an ingredient called thimerosal in them. Using these eye medications together can cause side effects. If you use more than one eye drop, wait at least 5 minutes between using each drug.
  • Prostaglandin analogs. You should not use latanoprost with other prostaglandin analogs. Using these types of eye medications more than once a day may cause the pressure in the eye to increase. These drugs include:
    • bimatoprost
    • tafluprost
    • travoprost
  • trouble breathing
  • swelling of your throat or tongue
  1. Research in animals has shown adverse effects to the fetus when the mother takes the drug.
  2. There haven’t been enough studies done in humans to be certain how the drug might affect the fetus.
  • your age
  • the condition being treated
  • how severe your condition is
  • other medical conditions you have
  • how you react to the first dose
  • Form: ophthalmic solution
  • Strength: 0.005%
  • Form: ophthalmic solution
  • Strength: 0.005%
  • eye irritation
  • redness
  • Store the unopened bottle of latanoprost in the refrigerator. Keep it at a temperature between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C).
  • Once a bottle is opened, this drug may be stored at room temperature. Keep it at 77°F (25°C) for up to 6 weeks.
  • Keep this drug away from light.
  • Always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on bag.
  • Don’t worry about airport X-ray machines. They won’t damage your medication.
  • You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled box with you.
  • Don’t put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold.