Latanoprost ophthalmic Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 12, 2023.

Applies to latanoprost ophthalmic: ophthalmic emulsion, ophthalmic solution.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, latanoprost ophthalmic may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking latanoprost ophthalmic:

More common

• Eye pain or stinging

Less common

• Decreased vision
• painful irritation of the clear front part of the eye
• swelling or redness of the eye and the lining of the eyelid

Incidence not known

• Arm, back, or jaw pain
• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• blurred vision or other change in vision
• burning, dry, or itching eyes
• chest pain or discomfort
• chest tightness or heaviness
• chills
• cough
• diarrhea
• difficulty breathing
• discharge, excessive tearing
• fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• itching
• joint or muscle pain
• noisy breathing
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• sensitivity of the eye to light
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• tearing
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects

Some side effects of latanoprost ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Drainage from the eyes
• longer and thicker eyelashes

Less common

• Eyelash discoloration
• feeling of having something in the eye

Incidence not known

• Darkening of the eyelid skin color
• dizziness
• headache

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to latanoprost ophthalmic: ophthalmic emulsion, ophthalmic solution.

Ocular

Very common (10% or more): Iris pigmentation (33%), foreign body sensation (13%), punctate epithelial keratopathy (10%), eye irritation

Common (1% to 10%): Stinging, conjunctival hyperemia, blurred vision, itching, burning, increased pigmentation of the iris, excessive tearing, lid discomfort/pain, dry eye, eye pain, lid crusting, lid erythema, photophobia, lid edema, blepharitis

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Keratitis

Rare(less than 0.1%): Distichiasis

Postmarketing reports: Eyelash/vellus hair changes (increased length, thickness, pigmentation, and number), corneal edema/erosions, intraocular inflammation (iritis/uveitis), macular edema (including cystoid macular edema), misdirected eyelashes, periorbital and lid changes resulting in deepening of the eyelid sulcus^[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Upper respiratory tract infection/cold/flu, bronchitis

Very are (less than 0.01%): Asthma and exacerbation of asthma, dyspnea^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Common (1% to 10%): Muscle/joint/back pain

Postmarketing reports: Myalgia, arthralgia^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Aggravation of angina in patients with pre-existing disease, chest pain

Postmarketing reports: Palpitations^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Common (1% to 10%): Rash, allergic skin reaction

Postmarketing reports: Toxic epidermal necrolysis, eyelid skin darkening^[Ref]

Nervous system

Postmarketing reports: Dizziness, headache^[Ref]

General

The most commonly reported side effect was increased iris pigmentation.^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection^[Ref]

Hepatic

Common (1% to 10%): Abnormal liver function^[Ref]

Immunologic

Postmarketing reports: Herpes keratitis^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• What is the difference between Xelpros and Xalatan?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer