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Latanoprost (eye): uses, side effects & brands
Latanoprost eye drops lower eye pressure in glaucoma, used once at night. It belongs to the Eye (ophthalmic) medicine group. Eye drops and ointments treat glaucoma, infections, allergy, inflammation or dryness of the eyes.
Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor
| Measure | Range |
|---|---|
| Drug class | Eye (ophthalmic) medicine |
| Type | Prescription |
| Dose | Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist |
What it is used for
- Open-angle glaucoma
- Raised eye pressure (ocular hypertension)
- Protecting the optic nerve from further damage
Common brand names
- India: Latoprost, 9 PM, Xalatan
- Worldwide: Xalatan
Common side effects
- Eye redness
- Brief stinging or blurring
- Gradual darkening of the coloured part of the eye (may be permanent)
- Longer, thicker, darker eyelashes
Before taking it — precautions
- Remove contact lenses before use and wait before putting them back
- Tell your doctor about past eye inflammation, eye surgery or swelling at the back of the eye
- Space other eye drops by a few minutes; pregnancy — tell your doctor
When to see a doctor urgently
- Eye pain, marked redness or sudden vision change (urgent)
- Swelling or allergy around the eye
- Blurred or distorted central vision
Frequently asked questions
Will latanoprost change my eye colour?
It can slowly darken the iris, mostly in mixed-colour eyes, and this may be permanent.
Why should I not use it more than prescribed?
Using it more often can actually make it lower eye pressure less well.
Can I stop if my eyes feel fine?
No — glaucoma usually has no symptoms until vision is lost. Keep using it and attend pressure checks.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.