Latanoprost ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat certain types of glaucoma and other causes of high pressure inside the eye.
Latanoprost ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
You should not use latanoprost ophthalmic if you are allergic to latanoprost or benzalkonium chloride.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
swelling or an infection in your eye;
herpes infection of the eyes;
retinal detachment; or
eye surgery or injury affecting the lens of your eye.
Latanoprost ophthalmic is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
Latanoprost ophthalmic may cause a gradual change in the color of your eyes or eyelids and lashes, usually an increase in brown pigment. You may also notice increased growth or thickness of your eyelashes. These changes occur slowly and you may not notice them for months or years. Color changes may be permanent even after your treatment ends, and may occur only in the eye being treated. This could result in a cosmetic difference in eye or eyelash color from one eye to the other.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
The usual dose of this medicine is 1 drop into the affected eye every evening. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in this medicine could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
To apply the eye drops:
Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
Wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.
Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.
Tell your doctor right away if you have an eye injury or eye infection, or if you plan to have eye surgery.
Store an unopened bottle of latanoprost eye drops in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
After your first use, store the eye drops at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Throw away the medicine after 6 weeks have passed since you first opened the bottle.
Skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
An overdose of latanoprost ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
Avoid using too much of latanoprost ophthalmic, which can actually make it less effective in lowering the pressure inside the eye.
Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using latanoprost and call your doctor at once if you have:
eye swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage (may be signs of infection);
red, swollen, or itchy eyelids;
increased sensitivity to light;
vision changes; or
severe burning, stinging, or irritation after using this medicine.
Common side effects may include:
watery eyes;
itchy eyes;
puffy eyelids;
stinging, burning, or redness of the eyes;
blurred vision;
feeling like something is in your eye;
your eyes may be more sensitive to light;
darkened eye color; or
eyelash thickening.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Usual Adult Dose for Intraocular Hypertension:
One eye drop in the affected eye(s) once a day in the evening
Comments:
-If one dose is missed, treatment should continue with the next dose as normal.
-The dose should not exceed one drop in the affected eye(s) daily as more frequent administration may lessen the intraocular pressure lowering effect.
-Reduction of the intraocular pressure starts approximately 2 to 4 hours after the first administration with the maximum effect reached after 12 hours.
-This drug may be used concomitantly with other topical ophthalmic drugs to lower intraocular pressure.
-If more than one topical ophthalmic drug is being used, each one should be administered at least 5 minutes apart.
Use:
-Reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension
Usual Adult Dose for Glaucoma (Open Angle):
One eye drop in the affected eye(s) once a day in the evening
Comments:
-If one dose is missed, treatment should continue with the next dose as normal.
-The dose should not exceed one drop in the affected eye(s) daily as more frequent administration may lessen the intraocular pressure lowering effect.
-Reduction of the intraocular pressure starts approximately 2 to 4 hours after the first administration with the maximum effect reached after 12 hours.
-This drug may be used concomitantly with other topical ophthalmic drugs to lower intraocular pressure.
-If more than one topical ophthalmic drug is being used, each one should be administered at least 5 minutes apart.
Use:
-Reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension
Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.