Latanoprost Ophthalmic Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 7, 2024.

Applies to latanoprost ophthalmic: ophthalmic emulsion, ophthalmic solution.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

If itching, redness, swelling, or other signs of eye or eyelid irritation occur, check with your doctor. These signs may mean that you are allergic to this medicine.

This medicine may cause blurred vision or other vision problems. If these occur, do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not able to see well. If these eye changes are bothersome, check with your doctor.

While you are using latanoprost, the iris (colored part) of your treated eye may slowly become more brown in color. This is more likely to happen if you have blue-brown, gray-brown, green-brown, or yellow-brown eyes. You may notice this change usually within several months or years from the start of treatment. You may also have darkening of the eyelid skin color or longer, thicker, and darker eyelashes. These changes to the iris, eyelid, and lashes may be permanent even if you stop using latanoprost. However, any of these changes will affect only the eye being treated with latanoprost. Check with your doctor if you have any concerns about this.

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:

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:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to latanoprost ophthalmic: ophthalmic emulsion, ophthalmic solution.

General adverse events

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

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]

Genitourinary

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

Hepatic

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

Immunologic

• Postmarketing reports: Herpes keratitis^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• What is the difference between Xelpros and Xalatan?

Further information

Latanoprost ophthalmic side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer