Latanoprost 0.005% Suppliers & Bulk Manufacturers

Available Forms: Eye Drops

Available Strengths: 0.005%

Reference Brands: Xalatan (USA/EU)

Category: Opthalmology

Latanoprost is a prostaglandin analog used to reduce elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It works by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor from the eye, helping prevent optic nerve damage and vision loss.

Product Description:

Latanoprost is a prostaglandin F2-alpha analogue and the drug that changed glaucoma treatment. It is a prodrug, hydrolysed by corneal esterases to the active acid, which increases uveoscleral outflow by remodelling the extracellular matrix in the ciliary muscle. It lowers intraocular pressure more than beta-blockers, needs only one drop a day, and has no systemic cardiac or respiratory effects — which is why prostaglandin analogues became first-line therapy.

It is used once daily in the evening for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Its adverse effects are cosmetic rather than dangerous, but they are permanent and must be explained before starting: gradual brown pigmentation of the iris, most visible in hazel or mixed-colour eyes; darkening of the eyelid skin; longer, thicker, darker lashes; and with years of use, a sunken appearance of the orbit from fat atrophy. Conjunctival redness is common at first. It can reactivate herpes simplex keratitis and is used cautiously after intraocular surgery because of a small risk of macular oedema.

Sourcing notes. Most presentations require refrigeration at 2 to 8°C until opened, after which the bottle is kept at room temperature for the in-use period — so this is a cold-chain product. Off patent, with generics and preservative-free versions widely available.