Latanoprost
Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026
Latanoprost is a prostaglandin F2-alpha analog and the most widely prescribed first-line medication for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) by 25-35% from baseline with once-daily dosing, making it the most effective single-agent IOP-lowering class. It has a favorable systemic safety profile since it is administered topically with minimal systemic absorption.
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What the research says.
A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.
Latanoprost is a prostaglandin F2-alpha analog and the most widely prescribed first-line medication for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is One drop (0.005%) in affected eye(s) once daily in the evening (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. This profile indexes 10 sources.
The bottom line
Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: most effective single-agent iop reduction (25-35%), once-daily evening dosing for convenience, minimal systemic side effects. 10 sources indexed (2014–2024), with 0 interaction records on file.
How it works, mechanistically.
Core mechanism
As a prodrug, latanoprost is hydrolyzed by corneal esterases to its biologically active acid form. It then binds to prostaglandin FP receptors in the ciliary muscle, triggering remodeling of the extracellular matrix and widening of intermuscular spaces. This increases uveoscleral (unconventional) outflow of aqueous humor by 50-80%, effectively reducing intraocular pressure. It may also slightly increase trabecular outflow.1,2
Dosing & protocol.
Topical ophthalmic application; absorbed through cornea where it is activated by esterases. Apply nasolacrimal occlusion (press on inner corner of eye) for 1-2 minutes after instillation to minimize systemic absorption. Must be refrigerated before opening (room temperature OK for 6 weeks after).1
Full safety detail.
Side effects
- Conjunctival hyperemia (eye redness, most common)
- Iris darkening (irreversible increased brown pigmentation)
- Eyelash growth (longer, thicker, darker lashes)
- Periorbital skin darkening
- Ocular irritation and foreign body sensation
- Prostaglandin-associated periorbitopathy (deepening of upper eyelid sulcus with chronic use)
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to latanoprost or benzalkonium chloride (preservative)1,2
- Active intraocular inflammation (uveitis, iritis)2,6
- Risk factors for cystoid macular edema (aphakia, pseudophakia with torn posterior capsule)
- Contact lens wearers should remove lenses before instillation (wait 15 minutes before reinserting)
Sources, by evidence tier.
Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.
Meta-analyses & systematic reviews
4- 1Efficacy and safety of netarsudil/latanoprost fixed-dose combination vs. monotherapy in open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsPMIDLuo N, Jiang X, Hao M et al. · Frontiers in medicine · 2022
Luo N, Jiang X, Hao M et al.. Efficacy and safety of netarsudil/latanoprost fixed-dose combination vs. monotherapy in open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in medicine. 2022
- 2Comparison of Netarsudil/Latanoprost Therapy with Latanoprost Monotherapy for Lowering Intraocular Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysisPMIDLee JW, Ahn HS, Chang J et al. · Korean journal of ophthalmology : KJO · 2022
Lee JW, Ahn HS, Chang J et al.. Comparison of Netarsudil/Latanoprost Therapy with Latanoprost Monotherapy for Lowering Intraocular Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Korean journal of ophthalmology : KJO. 2022
- 3Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing latanoprost with other glaucoma medications in chronic angle-closure glaucomaPMIDLi J, Lin X, Yu M · European journal of ophthalmology · 2015
Li J, Lin X, Yu M. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing latanoprost with other glaucoma medications in chronic angle-closure glaucoma. European journal of ophthalmology. 2015
- 4Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing latanoprost with timolol in the treatment of Asian populations with chronic angle-closure glaucomaPMIDLi SM, Chen R, Li Y et al. · PloS one · 2014
Li SM, Chen R, Li Y et al.. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing latanoprost with timolol in the treatment of Asian populations with chronic angle-closure glaucoma. PloS one. 2014
Randomized controlled trials
1- 5COMfort Eye Trial (COMET) results - a non-inferiority, randomized, investigator-masked, two-parallel group, phase III clinical trial, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a preservative free formulation of latanoprost versus a reference drug (Xalatan®) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT)PMIDKandarakis S, Papadopoulos AP, Roussopoulos G et al. · Expert opinion on drug safety · 2024
Kandarakis S, Papadopoulos AP, Roussopoulos G et al.. COMfort Eye Trial (COMET) results - a non-inferiority, randomized, investigator-masked, two-parallel group, phase III clinical trial, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a preservative free formulation of latanoprost versus a reference drug (Xalatan®) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT). Expert opinion on drug safety. 2024
Reference material
5- 6Alm A, Stjernschantz J. Effects on intraocular pressure and side effects of 0.005% latanoprost applied once daily, evening or morning. A comparison with timolol. Ophthalmology. 1995;102(12):1743-1752.Source linkedPMID
- 7Garway-Heath DF et al. Latanoprost for open-angle glaucoma (UKGTS): a randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet. 2015;385(9975):1295-1304.Source linkedPMID
- 8Li T et al. Comparative effectiveness of first-line medications for primary open-angle glaucoma: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Ophthalmology. 2016;123(1):129-140.Source linkedPMID
- 9Chen R, Yang K, Zheng Z et al.. Meta-analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of Latanoprost Monotherapy in Patients With Angle-closure Glaucoma. Journal of glaucoma. 2016Source linkedPMID
- 10Stalmans I, Lim KS, Oddone F et al.. MERCURY-3: a randomized comparison of netarsudil/latanoprost and bimatoprost/timolol in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Graefe's archive for clinical and experimental ophthalmology = Albrecht von Graefes Archiv fur klinische und experimentelle Ophthalmologie. 2024Source linkedPMID
Common questions.
Quick answers about Latanoprost, drawn from the data on this page.
What is Latanoprost?
Latanoprost is a prostaglandin F2-alpha analog and the most widely prescribed first-line medication for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) by 25-35% from baseline with once-daily dosing, making it the most effective single-agent IOP-lowering class. It has a favorable systemic safety profile since it is administered topically with minimal systemic absorption.
What is Latanoprost used for?
Commonly cited benefits of Latanoprost include: Most effective single-agent IOP reduction (25-35%); Once-daily evening dosing for convenience; Minimal systemic side effects; Well-established first-line glaucoma therapy. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.
What is a typical dose of Latanoprost?
A typical adult dose of Latanoprost is One drop (0.005%) in affected eye(s) once daily in the evening (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Ophthalmic solution (0.005%); preservative-free formulations available. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.
What are the side effects of Latanoprost?
Reported side effects include conjunctival hyperemia (eye redness, most common), iris darkening (irreversible increased brown pigmentation), eyelash growth (longer, thicker, darker lashes), periorbital skin darkening, ocular irritation and foreign body sensation, prostaglandin-associated periorbitopathy (deepening of upper eyelid sulcus with chronic use). This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.
How strong is the evidence for Latanoprost?
NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.
Use this with your stack
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