Latanoprost is a prescription drug used for the treatment of glaucoma. It is commonly supplied as an ophthalmic solution used to reduce pressure in the eyeball for people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (excess pressure in the eye). It works by increasing the outflow of fluid from the eye, thereby reducing intraocular pressure (IOP). Latanoprost may be prescribed or in conjunction with other forms of medication.

Latanoprost is available under the brand name Xalatan, a medicated eye drop.

Latanoprost is prescribed for the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension (too much pressure in the eye). High pressure on the eye can lead to eye pain and vision loss. While latanoprost cannot cure these conditions, it can help reduce the damage done to the optic nerve by decreasing pressure in the eye.

Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes progressive damage to your optic nerve. This damage is usually the result of an abnormal amount of pressure inside of your eye and over time it can lead to vision loss or even blindness.

The most common type of glaucoma is open-angle glaucoma. The only symptom associated with open-angle glaucoma is vision loss. The condition often develops slowly, with little to no symptoms present at first. Usually, patchy spots will begin to appear at the edges of your vision, causing a loss of peripheral vision. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to total vision loss.

Ocular hypertension (high pressure on the eye) occurs when there is an excessive amount of pressure inside the eye. Ocular hypertension cannot be detected through vision testing. In its early stages, ocular hypertension may cause little-to-no symptoms at all. If left untreated, however, ocular hypertension can lead to glaucoma and damage to the optic nerve. Ocular hypertension is most common in people over 40, people managing high blood pressure or diabetes, people who are very nearsighted, and people with a family history of ocular hypertension or glaucoma.

Latanoprost belongs to a classification of medications known as prostaglandin analogs. Prostaglandin analogs are substances that mimic naturally produced prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are lipid-like molecules that act as hormones, sending signals to the body to regulate various activities such as inflammation and metabolism. In terms of eye health, prostaglandins help to regulate intraocular pressure (IOP), controlling the balance of fluids in the eye. In short, latanoprost works to decrease pressure by encouraging the flow of fluid from the eye. Doing so can help lower intraocular pressure.

It is important to note that latanoprost is not a cure for glaucoma. While it cannot restore lost vision, it can prevent further damage to the optic nerve and eye by lowering IOP.

Latanoprost has been shown to cause some mild side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these adverse reactions become severe or do not go away after a few days.

Common side effects reported from latanoprost use include:

• Eye pain or stinging sensation
  
• Itching
  
• Watering
  
• Eyelid redness
  
• Swelling of the eyelid
  
• Dry eyes
  

Latanoprost may alter the pigmentation of your iris, changing it to brown. It may cause eyelashes to grow longer, thicker, and darker in color. These changes may be permanent but often develop slowly. Talk to your health care provider if you begin to notice a change in your iris color or the growth of your eyelashes.

In some cases, more severe reactions to this medication may occur. Seek medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, itching eyes, skin rash, or swelling of the eyes while taking latanoprost. As with all prescription medication, inform your health care provider of any medical conditions you are currently managing. Tell them about any and all medication, prescription drugs, and supplements you are taking before starting treatment with latanoprost. Latanoprost can interact with substances in the body, causing potentially serious adverse reactions.

Finally, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with latanoprost. If you become pregnant while taking latanoprost, inform your health care provider immediately. Do not take this medication if you are currently breastfeeding.

Latanoprost is commonly supplied as a medicated eye drop.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medication. Shake the eye dropper bottle well before each use. When applying the medication, tilt your head back and gently use a finger to press the skin on the lower eyelid away from the eye. Apply the eye drops to the space created. After you drop the medication into the eye, gently close your eye for 1-2 minutes to allow for absorption.

For most adults, one medicated drop of latanoprost should be applied to the affected eye once a day. It is recommended that this application is done in the evening.

To prevent infection, make sure that the tip of the eyedrop bottle does not touch any surface (including your eye). Keep the container tightly closed and out of reach of small children. If you have contact lenses, you should remove these before applying latanoprost. Store the medication bottle in the refrigerator. Do not freeze latanoprost.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage or discontinue the use of latanoprost without consulting your health care provider first.

Latanoprost is currently only available via prescription. This means that a licensed health care provider must authorize the use of this medication.

If you are looking for a prescription, doctors on Sesame can write a prescription–or refill an existing one–during a virtual or in-person visit. Note that not all drugs can be prescribed via an online video appointment. In some cases, an in-person doctor visit is required for a prescription.

Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy. Book an appointment with a provider on Sesame today to discuss whether or not latanoprost is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Sesame cannot guarantee that you will be provided a prescription after a video or in-person appointment. Providers on Sesame are unable to prescribe controlled substances. For more information about controlled substances, check out the Drug Enforcement Agency’s scheduling guidelines here.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for latanoprost to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.