Daily Medication Pearl: Latanoprost (Xalatan)

Medication Pearl of the Day: Latanoprost (Xalatan)

Indication: Latanoprost (Xalatan) Sterile Ophthalmic Solution is indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Insight:

• Dosing:The recommended dosage is 1 drop (1.5 μg) in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening. If a dose is missed, treatment should continue with the next dose as normal.
• Dosage forms: 2.5 mL fill, 0.005% (50 μg/mL).
• Adverse events:Eyelash changes (increased length, thickness, pigmentation, and number of lashes); eyelid skin darkening; intraocular inflammation (iritis/uveitis); iris pigmentation changes; and macular edema, including cystoid macular edema.
• Mechanism of action: Latanoprost is a prostanoid selective FP receptor agonist that is believed to reduce the intraocular pressure (IOP) by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor. Studies in animals and humans suggest that the main mechanism of action is increased uveoscleral outflow. Elevated IOP represents a major risk factor for glaucomatous field loss. The higher the level of IOP, the greater the likelihood of optic nerve damage and visual field loss.

Source: Xalatan (latanoprost) Ophthalmic Solution, Labeling Revision (fda.gov)