Latanoprost

• latanoprost is structurally related to prostaglandin F2alpha
• probably works via mainly increasing uveoscleral drainage
• administered as one drop daily in the evening
• possible side effects include:
  • minor redness and irritation in the eyes
  • thickening, darkening and lengthening of eyelashes
  • irreversible darkening of the iris (in 30% of patients) - most often in those with mixed-clour irides - this effect is more likely when the drug has been used for over 6 months
• contraindications include:
  • pregnancy and breast feeding
  • patienst with risk factors for cystoid macular oedema - although it has not been proven to cause this condition
• an alternative first-line therapy to timolol (1) because more effective at reducing intraocular pressure, causes fewer systemic unwanted effects, has fewer contraindications and needs to be used only once daily

The summary of product characteristics must be consulted before prescribing this drug

Reference:

1. Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (2003), 41 (2), 12-14.