Latanoprost Eye Drops: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects in Pakistan

Latanoprost Eye Drops Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Price in Pakistan

1. Quick Info (Mukhtasir Maloomat)

2. What is Latanoprost Eye Drops?

Latanoprost Eye Drops (Xalatan) is a prostaglandin analogue prescribed by ophthalmologists in Pakistan for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Its active ingredient is Latanoprost 0.005%.

It activates the FP prostaglandin receptor in the eye, increasing uveoscleral outflow — this improves aqueous humour drainage and reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) by 25-35%. It is the most effective single-agent IOP-lowering medicine. Use only under ophthalmologist supervision.

3. Uses

• Open-angle glaucoma
• Ocular hypertension (raised eye pressure without glaucoma damage — prevention)

4. Who Should Take

• Adults diagnosed by an ophthalmologist with open-angle glaucoma
• Patients with ocular hypertension (raised IOP) that needs to be prevented before glaucoma damage occurs
• Patients who need first-line IOP-lowering treatment

5. When NOT to Take

• If allergic to Latanoprost or benzalkonium chloride (preservative)
• Active ocular inflammation (uveitis, iritis) — Latanoprost can worsen inflammation
• Angle-closure glaucoma
• History of herpetic eye disease — caution is necessary

6. Dosage

• One drop in the affected eye(s) — every night before sleep (BEDTIME)

• Once daily at BEDTIME — this dosing schedule is essential

• Do not instil more than once per day — more frequent drops can paradoxically REDUCE IOP lowering

• If you miss a dose, instil as soon as you remember — but never double the dose. Continue the normal schedule from the next night.

7. How to Take

• Remove contact lenses before instilling the drop — they can be reinserted after 15 minutes

• Do not touch the dropper tip to the eyes or any surface — to prevent contamination

• If using other eye drops as well, wait 5 minutes between different drops

• BEDTIME dosing is essential — morning instillation may reduce effectiveness

8. Best Time

• Instillation AT NIGHT BEFORE SLEEP is necessary — due to circadian rhythm, IOP lowering is more effective at night

• Instil at the same time every night — maintain the routine

9. Empty Stomach or After Food

Eye drops have no relation to food. Follow BEDTIME dosing. Remove contacts for 15 minutes.

10. Warnings

• Eye colour can change permanently — BEFORE starting, always inform the patient

• Eyelashes can become longer, darker, and thicker (hypertrichosis) — this may be permanent or slow to reverse

• Instilling in only one eye can permanently cause both eyes to become different colours — obtain informed consent from the patient before starting

• More frequent dosing can paradoxically reduce IOP lowering

11. Precautions

• Before opening: keep refrigerated (2-8°C)
• After opening: store below 25°C, use within 6 weeks
• Keep out of the reach of children

• Vision may be briefly blurry after instillation — exercise caution while driving

12. Side Effects

• Conjunctival hyperaemia; Foreign body sensation; Iris pigmentation change; Eyelash hypertrichosis; Periorbital darkening; Punctate corneal erosions

• Cystoid macular oedema / CME; Anterior uveitis (rare); HSV keratitis reactivation (rare); Systemic reactions (rare)

13. Drug Interactions

• Other prostaglandin analogues (bimatoprost, travoprost) — paradoxical antagonism at FP receptor possible — do not routinely combine
• NSAIDs — may reduce Latanoprost efficacy
• Timolol — commonly combined

Always inform your ophthalmologist before starting any new medicine.

14. When to See Doctor

• Sudden eye pain or sudden change in vision
• Increasing redness in eyes + discharge (infection)
• Severe eye inflammation / iritis
• Extreme eyelash growth or periorbital changes that are cosmetically distressing

15. Alternatives

16. Price in Pakistan

17. FAQs

Q: What is Latanoprost used for?

A: Latanoprost (Xalatan) eye drops are used for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension — they reduce eye pressure (IOP). Use only under ophthalmologist supervision.

Q: Why does Latanoprost change eye colour?

A: Latanoprost increases melanin pigmentation in the iris. This change is permanent — especially in hazel, green, or mixed colour eyes. Instillation in one eye only can permanently cause both eyes to become different colours. The doctor will inform you before starting treatment.

Q: What are the side effects of Latanoprost?

A: Common effects include redness of the eyes, eyelash hypertrichosis, iris colour change, and periorbital darkening. Serious but rare effects include macular oedema and uveitis.

Q: What is the price of Latanoprost in Pakistan?

A: The price of Latanoprost / Xalatan varies by pharmacy and availability. Confirm the updated price at a local pharmacy or licensed online platform.

Q: Why should Latanoprost be instilled at night?

A: Bedtime dosing is more effective — due to circadian rhythm, IOP lowering is greater at night. Morning instillation may reduce effectiveness.

18. Medical Review

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-17

19. Disclaimer

The information on this page is for awareness only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. PakVita is not responsible for any harm.