Latanoprost

XALATAN

Open Latanoprost in the interactive console ↗

Pronunciation: la-TA-noe-prost

Latanoprost ballicule: receptor binding, kinetics and half-life diagram — Mechanism of action: Latanoprost ballicule

Latanoprost XALATAN mascot mnemonic cartoon — Visual mnemonic: Latanoprost mascot
**“X-tra Latin prost drops”**
May cause iris darkening
May cause eyelash growth

What it isProstaglandin analog that increases uveoscleral outflow; first-line treatment for open-angle glaucoma.

Why this oneGeneric and potent with less hyperemia than bimatoprost, it is the default first prostaglandin drop.

What limits itIris and periocular darkening can be permanent; eyelash growth and orbital fat loss alter appearance. Adherence often determines failure.

Latanoprost molecular structure (skeletal formula) — Molecular structure: Latanoprost

Latanoprost prescription history

Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Glaucoma medicines (1900–2026). Latanoprost enters in 1996 (estimated).

FDA-approved for

glaucoma (1996)

Principal riskPermanent iris darkening and eyelash changes

Classes and tags

Clinical profile

Therapeutic safety burden0 / 4

Overdose danger0 / 4

Weight-gain liability0 / 4

Sedation liability0 / 4

QT / Torsades0 / 4

Direct muscarinic antagonism0 / 4

Embryofetal risk0 / 4

Legacy pregnancy categoryUnknown / historical label unavailable

Defining liabilityLocal irritation, sensitization or administration-site injury; negligible systemic toxicity at usual use.

FDA label

Read the full label on DailyMed ↗

NO BOXED WARNINGS

FDA dosing	Population	Start	Target	Max
Elevated IOP (open-angle glaucoma / ocular hypertension)	Adults	1 drop affected eye(s) QHS (evening)	1 drop QD (evening)	Once daily

Renal Undefined

Hepatic Undefined

Exceeding once-daily dosing may reduce IOP-lowering effect or paradoxically raise IOP

Instructions

One drop in affected eye(s) once daily in the evening; do not exceed once daily
Remove contact lenses before use; reinsert 15 minutes after
If using other topical ophthalmics, administer at least 5 minutes apart
Do not combine with other prostaglandins/prostaglandin analogs

Available strengths

drops 0.005 %
sol 50 mcg/mL

Cautions

Iris, periorbital, and eyelash pigmentation (iris pigmentation likely permanent)
Eyelash changes (length/thickness/number)
Intraocular inflammation (iritis/uveitis)
Macular edema, including cystoid macular edema

Adverse reactions

Blurred vision
Burning/stinging
Conjunctival hyperemia
Foreign body sensation
Itching
Increased iris pigmentation
Punctate keratitis

Pregnancy No adequate studies; animal data show malformations and embryofetal lethality at clinically relevant doses

Lactation Undefined

Cost

Latanoprost (XALATAN)

Strength		#/mo	generic $/unit	CostPlus
0.005 %	drops	per unit		not offered

NADAC is a voluntary CMS survey of what retail community pharmacies pay for the drugs they stock. Latanoprost is dispensed outside retail pharmacies, so it rarely appears on surveyed invoices.

Generic entry2011

Active metabolites

Latanoprost free acid

Open Latanoprost in the interactive console ↗

Memory aids: interaction avatars

Box: minimal PK interactions

Open Latanoprost in the interactive console ↗

Self-check

Which aqueous-humor outflow pathway does latanoprost increase?
Uveoscleral outflow.
Which latanoprost color changes can be permanent?
Iris and periocular darkening.