Latanoprost
About
Latanoprost belongs to the class of ophthalmic medications indicated to lower the intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve and results in reduced vision. Ocular hypertension is increased pressure in the eye due to poor drainage of aqueous humour (fluid in the eye that maintains normal pressure by its continuous flow).
Latanoprost contains Latanoprost, and it works by increasing the natural flow of liquid from inside your eye into your bloodstream. This lowers the pressure within your eye and stops your sight from worsening.
Latanoprost is for ophthalmic use only. Depending on your medical condition, you are advised to use Latanoprost for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Before using it, break the seal and wash your hands to avoid any infection. If you wear contact lenses or wear them, remove them before using Latanoprost, and you can put them back 15 minutes after using Latanoprost. In some cases, you may experience changes in your eye colour, blurred vision, changes in the thickness, length, or colour of your eyelashes, irritation, and dry eyes. Most of these side effects of Latanoprost are temporary, do not require medical attention, and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Put Latanoprost only if the doctor prescribes you. Never encourage self-medication or suggest your medicine to someone else. It would be best if you did not stop taking Latanoprost abruptly as it may increase eye pressure. Check with your doctor before starting Latanoprost if you have dry eyes, cornea problem, asthma, kidney or liver disease. Also, do not stop the Latanoprost abruptly as it may lead to severe side effects. Do not take any other eye medication with Latanoprost without consulting your doctor. If you are using two eye medications, never put them together; wait for at least 5 minutes and then put the second one.
Uses of Latanoprost
Medicinal Benefits
Latanoprost contains Latanoprost, which belongs to a class of medications known as prostaglandin inhibitors. Latanoprost is used alone or in combination with other drugs is used to lower eye pressure. It is primarily used in treating high pressure in the eye. It increases the natural flow of aqueous humour from inside the eye into the bloodstream. As a result, the pressure on the eye is decreased. Also, if the pressure is too high and is not treated, it can lead to permanent vision loss. Latanoprost should be put only in the affected eye, and contact with the normal eye should be avoided.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Latanoprost
- Change in eye colour
- Redness of the eye
- Inflamed eyelid
- Eye infection (conjunctivitis)
- Irritated eye
- Burning,
- Itching
- Stinging
- Eye colour
- Blurred vision
- Changes to your eyelashes (growing longer and thicker)
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Latanoprost if you are allergic or hypersensitive latanoprost or prostaglandin inhibitors. Inform your doctor about all the prescription and non-prescription medications you are taking, especially eye medications, products that contain aspirin, and vitamins. If you have a kidney problem, uveitis, asthma, dry eye, herpes simplex eye infection, are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before starting Latanoprost as a dose adjustment may be required. If you are taking any other eye medication, please tell your doctor prior. If you wear contact lenses or wearing them, remove it before using Latanoprost, and you can put it back 15 minutes after using Latanoprost. Wash your hands properly before using Latanoprost to avoid any infection. If you are using two eye medications, never put them together, wait for at least 5 minutes and then put the second one. Do not use Latanoprost with other prostaglandin inhibitors as they are known to contra-indicate.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug interactions: Latanoprost may interact with other prostaglandins ophthalmic medications such as bimatoprost, tafluprost, travoprost etc.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have or ever had eye surgery (cataract surgery), eye problems (eye pain, dry eyes, irritation or inflammation), severe asthma, herpes simplex virus (HSV) eye infection, uveitis (inflammation of the eye).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
safe if prescribedNo interaction is found when Latanoprost is taken along with Latanoprost.
Pregnancy
cautionLatanoprost eye drops should be used with caution as it is a category C drug. Use only if your doctor feels it necessary to be prescribed if you are pregnant.
Breast Feeding
cautionLatanoprost eye drops should be used with caution as it is a category C drug. Use only if your doctor feels it necessary to be prescribed if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
unsafeLatanoprost is known to cause blurry vision. So, do not drive a car or operate any machinery before you start feeling better.
Liver
cautionLatanoprost to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionLatanoprost to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
cautionSufficient scientific data is not available for use Latanoprost in children below the age of 12 years. It should be given by a child specialist under strict medical supervision.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid alcoholic beverages with Latanoprost as it can make you dehydrated and affect the eye's pressure.
- Visit an optician regularly to monitor your eye pressure.
- Try to include heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acid containing food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil.
- A diet including green and leafy vegetables, fruits, helps to lower eye pressure.
- Do regular moderate exercise and appropriate rest is important for illness.
- Fruits and vegetables which contain Vitamin A and C help to improve vision and recover from the disease.
Special Advise
Latanoprost may slowly (over months to years) cause brown discoloration of the colored portion of the eye (iris). Notify your doctor if this occurs and schedule regular eye exams to monitor it.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Ocular hypertension: Ocular hypertension is a condition in which the pressure of the eye is higher than normal. The increased pressure can be due to certain other diseases, an injury, or an adverse effect of certain medications. If left untreated, it can lead to optic nerve damage and permanent vision loss.
Glaucoma: Glaucoma is an eye condition that causes damage to the optic nerve (essential for good vision) due to abnormally increased pressure in the eye. If it is not treated in time, it may cause blindness. Ocular hypertension is a condition caused due to poor drainage of aqueous humour (fluid in the eye that maintains normal pressure by its continuous flow). This leads to a build-up of excess fluid in the eye resulting in increased pressure inside the eye without any damage to the optic nerve. If ocular hypertension is not controlled, it may lead to glaucoma.
FAQs
Latanoprost contains Latanoprost, and it works by increasing the natural flow of liquid from inside your eye into your bloodstream. This lowers the pressure within your eye and stops your sight from worsening.
If you miss a dose of Latanoprost, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it's almost time for the next dose, do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Do not stop taking Latanoprost without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking Latanoprost, you may experience increased eye pressure. It can also lead to loss of sight. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually depending upon your disease condition.
You should inform your doctor if you are undergoing dental surgery, and he might stop the use of Latanoprost before the surgery.
Latanoprost contains a preservative named benzalkonium chloride, which may be absorbed by the contact lenses and change the colour of contact lenses. So, please remove your lenses before putting Latanoprost, and you can wear it 15 minutes after using Latanoprost.
Yes, Latanoprost is known to cause eye irritation as it contains benzalkonium chloride as a preservative. If you have dry eyes or any cornea disorder, please your doctor before using Latanoprost as a dose adjustment may be required.
No, Latanoprost should not be used simultaneously with other eye medications. At least, a gap of 5 minutes should be there between using two eye medications.
No, Latanoprost should be taken in the dose and duration as advised by the doctor. If you take it in more than the recommended dose, it might cause unpleasant side effects. If you think your symptoms are not improving, please consult your doctor.
