Generic name: latanoprost ophthalmic [ la-TAN-oh-prost ]
Brand names: Iyuzeh, Xalatan, Xelpros, Xalatan Multi-Pack
Dosage forms: ophthalmic emulsion (0.005%), ophthalmic solution (0.005%; 0.005% preservative-free)
Drug class: Ophthalmic glaucoma agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 3, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is latanoprost ophthalmic?

Latanoprost ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used in adults to treat certain types of glaucoma and other causes of high pressure inside the eye.

Latanoprost ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Latanoprost ophthalmic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Latanoprost may cause serious side effects. Stop using latanoprost and call your doctor at once if you have:

• eye swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage (may be signs of infection);

• red, swollen, or itchy eyelids;

• the eyes may be more sensitive to light;

• vision changes; or

• severe burning, stinging, or irritation after using latanoprost ophthalmic.

Common side effects of latanoprost ophthalmic may include:

• watery eyes;

• itchy eyes;

• puffy eyelids;

• stinging, burning, or redness of the eyes;

• blurred vision;

• feeling like something is in your eye;

• the eyes may be more sensitive to light;

• darkened eye color; or

• eyelash thickening.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use latanoprost ophthalmic if you are allergic to latanoprost or benzalkonium chloride.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• swelling or an infection in your eye;

• herpes infection of the eyes;

• retinal detachment; or

• eye surgery or injury affecting the lens of your eye.

Latanoprost ophthalmic may cause a gradual change in the color of your eyes or eyelids and lashes, usually an increase in brown pigment. You may also notice increased growth or thickness of your eyelashes. These changes occur slowly and you may not notice them for months or years. Color changes may be permanent even after your treatment ends, and may occur only in the eye being treated. This could result in a cosmetic difference in eye or eyelash color from one eye to the other.

It is not known if latanoprost ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

How should I use latanoprost ophthalmic?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

The usual dose of this medicine is 1 drop into the affected eye every evening. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in this medicine could permanently stain the lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.

• Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.

• Wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops.

Do not touch the dropper tip or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye and lead to serious vision problems.

Tell your doctor right away if you have an eye injury or eye infection, or if you plan to have eye surgery.

Store an unopened bottle of latanoprost ophthalmic in a refrigerator. Do not freeze and protect from light.

After opening, latanoprost ophthalmic may be store at room temperature and use within the number of days specified in the Instructions for Use provided with your medicine.

In-use latanoprost ophthalmic is stable for only a certain number of days or weeks. Throw away any medicine not used within that time. Follow all storage directions provided with the medication.

Latanoprost ophthalmic dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Intraocular Hypertension:

One eye drop in the affected eye(s) once a day in the evening

Comments:
-If one dose is missed, treatment should continue with the next dose as normal.
-The dose should not exceed one drop in the affected eye(s) daily as more frequent administration may lessen the intraocular pressure lowering effect.
-Reduction of the intraocular pressure starts approximately 2 to 4 hours after the first administration with the maximum effect reached after 12 hours.
-This drug may be used concomitantly with other topical ophthalmic drugs to lower intraocular pressure.
-If more than one topical ophthalmic drug is being used, each one should be administered at least 5 minutes apart.

Use:
-Reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

Usual Adult Dose for Glaucoma (Open Angle):

One eye drop in the affected eye(s) once a day in the evening

Comments:
-If one dose is missed, treatment should continue with the next dose as normal.
-The dose should not exceed one drop in the affected eye(s) daily as more frequent administration may lessen the intraocular pressure lowering effect.
-Reduction of the intraocular pressure starts approximately 2 to 4 hours after the first administration with the maximum effect reached after 12 hours.
-This drug may be used concomitantly with other topical ophthalmic drugs to lower intraocular pressure.
-If more than one topical ophthalmic drug is being used, each one should be administered at least 5 minutes apart.

Use:
-Reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of latanoprost ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using latanoprost ophthalmic?

Avoid using too much of latanoprost ophthalmic, which can actually make it less effective in lowering the pressure inside the eye.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

What other drugs will affect latanoprost ophthalmic?

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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

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