Latanoprost
Also known as Xalatan, Latanoprost Eye Drops, Prostaglandin Glaucoma Drop, Nightly Glaucoma Drop
Bottom Line
Latanoprost is a once-nightly glaucoma drop that lowers eye pressure. It works only if it is taken consistently.
Latanoprost is a prescription eye drop used to lower eye pressure in open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It is usually placed in the affected eye once each evening 1.
It belongs to a prostaglandin analog class. These drops help fluid leave the eye, which lowers pressure on the optic nerve.
Clinical trials compared latanoprost with timolol and found strong pressure-lowering effects in glaucoma and ocular hypertension 2.
Cost And Insurance
Latanoprost is available as a generic, so many plans cover it. Cash prices vary by pharmacy and bottle size.
Ask your doctor before switching manufacturers if the bottle, drop size, or irritation changes. Keep using drops until your doctor says otherwise.
How To Use It
Use one drop in the affected eye each evening. More drops do not work better and may increase side effects.
If you use other eye drops, separate them by at least 5 minutes. Contact lenses are usually removed before using preserved drops 1.
Side Effects
Common effects include red eye, stinging, blurred vision after the drop, longer lashes, and eyelid skin darkening.
Iris color can darken gradually, especially in mixed-color eyes. This change may be permanent 1.
Why Consistency Matters
Glaucoma often has no symptoms until vision is lost. Missing drops can let pressure rise without warning.
Use a reminder, keep the bottle in a visible safe spot, and refill before it runs out. Tell your doctor if cost or irritation makes use difficult.
Common Questions About Latanoprost
Next Steps
- 1Use latanoprost every evening unless your doctor gives a different plan.
- 2Separate other eye drops by at least 5 minutes.
- 3Call your eye doctor for eye pain, light sensitivity, swelling, or sudden vision change.
- 4Ask for help if cost, redness, or bottle handling makes daily use hard.
- 5Keep pressure, optic nerve, and side-vision follow-up visits.
Find specialists for Latanoprost
Board-certified ophthalmologists who treat Latanoprost.
Also relevant