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Latanoprost
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Description
Latanoprost is a medicine used to treat eye conditions such as intraocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma caused due to increased fluid pressure inside the eye. This medicine works by improving the flow of fluid from the eye into the blood. Thus it reduces the fluid pressure inside the eyes and prevents further damage to the eyes.
Latanoprost may cause side effects such as eye pain, irritation, and vision disturbances. These symptoms usually subside on their own. However, consult your doctor if they remain for a long time or become severe. Avoid driving vehicles or operating machines if you experience such symptoms.
Latanoprost should be instilled in your eyes as directed by your doctor. Avoid using more than the prescribed dose. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using this medicine and put them back 15 minutes afterward. Inform your doctor if you develop an eye infection while using this medicine.
Latanoprost is not recommended for use if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor if you are using any other eye drops or have any other eye conditions. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Latanoprost
Redness of the eye
Blurred vision
Burning and stinging of eye
Eye pain
Eye irritation
Skin rash
Inflammation of the iris
Eye colour changes
Uses of Latanoprost
What is it prescribed for?
Intraocular hypertension
Ocular hypertension is a condition in which the pressure inside the eye, called intraocular pressure, is higher than normal. Latanoprost is used for treating this condition as it reduces the fluid pressure within the eyes.
Open angle Glaucoma
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve (the nerve that carries information from the eye to the brain), usually due to high pressure inside the eyes. In the case of open-angle glaucoma, the drainage canal becomes clogged and prevents the drain out of fluid from the eyes. Thus, it may lead to increased pressure inside the eyes and eventually loss of vision. Latanoprost is used to reduce the fluid pressure inside the eyes, thus treating this condition.
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
Onset of action
Latanoprost starts in action in approximately 3-4 hours after administration.Duration of effect
The effect of Latanoprost lasts for approximately 24 hours.Safe with alcohol?
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.Is it habit forming?
No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Latanoprost.Usage in pregnancy?
Latanoprost is not recommended for use during pregnancy as animal studies indicate that it may harm the developing foetus. Due to limited studies in humans, consult your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medicine.Usage while breast-feeding?
Latanoprost is not recommended for use while breastfeeding as it passes into breastmilk.
Allergy
Avoid using Latanoprost if you are allergic to it. Serious allergic reactions to this medicine are rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Latanoprost is not recommended for use during pregnancy as animal studies indicate that it may harm the developing foetus. Due to limited studies in humans, consult your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medicine.
Breast-feeding
Latanoprost is not recommended for use while breastfeeding as it passes into breastmilk.
General warnings
Contamination
Appropriate precautions should be taken to prevent the contamination of the container. Avoid touching the tip of the container to any surface. Close the cap tightly after using Latanoprost.
Contact lens
Latanoprost is not recommended for use if you are wearing contact lenses. Remove the contact lenses prior to administration of the eye drops and wait for 15 minutes before putting them back in the eyes.
Eyelash changes and pigmentation
Latanoprost may gradually cause changes in the eyelashes such as an increase in the length, thickness, pigmentation, and/or the number of lashes or hairs. It may also cause misdirected growth of eyelashes. This medicine may also change the eye colour by increasing the amount of brown pigment in the iris (coloured part of the eye).
Use in children
Latanoprost is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy data are not clinically established.
Driving or operating machines
Latanoprost may cause short-term blurring of vision, pain/irritation/discomfort in the eyes. If you experience such symptoms, avoid driving vehicles or operating machines.
Missed Dose
Instill the missed dose of Latanoprost as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
As Latanoprost is intended for external use, the likelihood of side effects due to an overdose is low. However, do not administer more than the prescribed dose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Bimatoprost
Travoprost
Disease interactions
Herpetic keratitis
Latanoprost should be used with caution if you have a history of herpetic keratitis (viral infection of the eye) due to the increased risk of swelling and reactivation of this condition. It is not recommended for use if you have active herpetic keratitis as it may worsen your condition. Your doctor may recommend suitable alternatives in such cases.
Macular oedema
Latanoprost should be used with caution if you have macular oedema (fluid build-up in the eye causing vision distortions) as it may aggravate the condition.
Uveitis
Latanoprost should be used with caution if you have uveitis (swelling of the middle layer of the eye) as it may worsen your condition.
Kidney diseases
Latanoprost should be used with caution if you have kidney problems. This medicine is excreted through urine. An impaired kidney function may lead to its accumulation in your body and worsen your condition.
Liver Disease
Latanoprost should be used with caution if you have liver problems as this medicine is broken down in the liver. An impaired liver function may lead to its accumulation in your body and worsen your condition.
Respiratory Disorders
Latanoprost should be used with caution if you have respiratory problems as it may trigger or aggregate asthma (narrowing of the airways causing breathing difficulty).
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Latanoprost is meant for external use only. Instill the medicine in your eyes as instructed by your doctor. Follow all the usage instructions mentioned on the label or packaging insert. Wash your hands before and after use.
Wait for at least 5-10 minutes before instilling other medications in the same eye.
Avoid touching the tip of the dropper against your eye or other surfaces. Close the cover of the bottle after administration to keep it clean and free from contamination. Do not wipe or rinse the dropper tip.
Do not use Latanoprost for more than 30 days after breaking the seal.
Avoid using Latanoprost if the solution is cloudy or the colour has changed.
Never use Latanoprost if the seal is broken before you use it for the first time.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Latanoprost works by reducing the fluid pressure inside the eyes.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Ophthalmic glaucoma agents
Schedule
Schedule H
Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2022. LATANOPROST OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION,0.005% (50 mcg/mL). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 27 January 2022].
Drugs, H., 2022. Latanoprost Ophthalmic: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 27 January 2022].
Medicines.org.uk. 2022. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 27 January 2022].
Medicines.org.uk. 2022. Latanoprost 0.005% w/v eye drops solution - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 27 January 2022].
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2022. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 27 January 2022].
Information on this page was last updated on 14 Sep 2022
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.