Latanoprost Medications
Latanoprost is a prostaglandin F2α analogue applied topically to treat glaucoma by enhancing uveoscleral outflow and reducing intraocular pressure.
Latanoprost Compound Info
Latanoprost is a prostaglandin F2α analog used primarily to lower intra-ocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Classified as a prostaglandin analogue, it increases uveoscleral outflow of aqueous humor, thereby reducing pressure on the optic nerve. First approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1996, the drug quickly gained worldwide acceptance and is now listed on the World Health Organization’s Essential Medicines List. Branded as Xalatan and available in generic form, Latanoprost is prescribed as a once-daily eye drop. Off-label, ophthalmologists sometimes employ it for managing certain types of ocular surface disease, though such use lacks formal regulatory endorsement.
What is Latanoprost?
Latanoprost belongs to the prostaglandin analog class, a group that mimics the activity of naturally occurring prostaglandin F2α. The Health Sciences Authority of Singapore approved the medication in 1998 for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The FDA and EMA later confirmed its safety and efficacy, leading to broader market availability. At the molecular level, Latanoprost is a pro-drug that is hydrolyzed by corneal esterases into the active acid form, which then binds to FP receptors in the ciliary muscle. Activation of these receptors remodels the extracellular matrix, facilitating increased outflow of aqueous humor through the uveoscleral pathway. Both Xalatan and generic Latanoprost can be sourced through our online pharmacy, offering patients a choice between brand-name and lower-cost alternatives.
How Latanoprost Works
Mechanism of Action
After instillation, Latanoprost penetrates the cornea and is converted to latanoprost acid. The active molecule selectively stimulates prostaglandin-F (FP) receptors on the ciliary body, triggering a cascade that loosens collagen fibers and expands inter-cellular spaces. This structural change enhances the uveoscleral drainage of aqueous humor, directly lowering intra-ocular pressure.
Therapeutic Effects
By improving outflow, Latanoprost typically reduces intra-ocular pressure by 25-30 % within the first week of therapy. Sustained pressure control helps preserve optic-nerve fibers and slows visual field loss in glaucoma patients. The drug’s effect persists for 24 hours, allowing once-daily dosing.
Onset and Duration
Clinical trials report a measurable pressure reduction as early as 4 hours after the first dose, with peak efficacy reached after 8-12 hours. The therapeutic effect endures for at least 24 hours, supporting a nightly administration schedule that aligns with circadian pressure peaks.
Approved Uses and Applications
Approved Indications
- Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) - regulated by the HSA, FDA, and EMA.
- Ocular hypertension - indicated for patients with elevated intra-ocular pressure without optic-nerve damage.
These indications are supported by large-scale studies such as the 200 Latanoprost Glaucoma Trial, which demonstrated a 31 % mean reduction in intra-ocular pressure compared with placebo.
Off-Label Uses
Some clinicians employ Latanoprost to manage certain cases of secondary glaucoma, ocular surface inflammation, or to aid corneal wound healing after surgery. These applications are not officially sanctioned by regulatory agencies and should be considered experimental.
Clinical Efficacy
The pivotal Phase III trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine reported that 84 % of participants achieved target pressure reduction (<21 mm Hg) after 12 weeks of therapy. A meta-analysis in The Lancet confirmed comparable efficacy across ethnic groups, including Asian populations common in Singapore.
Buying Latanoprost from Our Online Pharmacy
Why Choose Our Service
Our pharmacy service bridges gaps when local dispensing faces stock shortages or price constraints. By leveraging bulk purchasing agreements, we keep costs low while maintaining strict quality standards.
Brand Names and Generic Options
- Xalatan (brand) - .005 % eye drops, 2.5 mL bottle.
- Latanoprost (generic) - identical concentration, typically 30 % cheaper.
- Xalacom - a fixed-dose combination of Latanoprost and timolol, offered for patients needing dual pressure-lowering mechanisms.
Quality & Safety
We facilitate orders through licensed international pharmacies that comply with WHO Good Manufacturing Practices and are inspected by the HSA’s foreign-manufacturer audit program.
Pricing & Access
Generic Latanoprost can be purchased at a fraction of the brand price, and every repeat order receives a lifetime 10 % discount. Shipping fees are waived for orders above SGD 50.
Discreet Delivery
Express delivery arrives in about 7 days, while standard shipping takes up to 3 weeks. Packages are unmarked, sealed in tamper-evident envelopes, and include a plain-language instruction sheet.
Dosing, Formulations & Administration
Available Formulations
Latanoprost is supplied as sterile ophthalmic solution (.005 % w/v) in single-use or multi-dose bottles. Strengths other than the standard concentration are not commercially marketed.
Typical Dosing Ranges
For adults with POAG or ocular hypertension, treatment is often initiated with one drop in the affected eye(s) once nightly. Clinicians may adjust the regimen based on measured pressure response, but the dose itself remains unchanged; titration involves adding adjunctive agents rather than increasing Latanoprost quantity.
Administration Guidelines
The drop should be placed on the inferior conjunctival sac without touching the tip to the eye or lashes. Patients are advised to wait at least 5 minutes before applying another ophthalmic medication. Contact lens wearers should remove lenses before instillation and wait 15 minutes before reinserting them.
A qualified eye-care professional must determine the precise regimen for each individual.
Safety Profile & Considerations
Common Side Effects
- Conjunctival hyperemia (red eye) - observed in ~15 % of users.
- Increased iris pigmentation (brown) - reported in 5-10 % after prolonged use.
- Periorbital darkening - occurs in roughly 3 % of patients.
- Eye irritation or foreign-body sensation - noted in >10 % of trial participants.
Serious Adverse Events
Rare cases of uveitis, cystoid macular edema, and allergic contact dermatitis have been documented. Immediate ophthalmic evaluation is warranted if vision suddenly blurs or pain intensifies.
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to Latanoprost or any component of the formulation.
- Active ocular infection or inflammation, where prostaglandin analogs could exacerbate the condition.
Drug Interactions
- Concurrent use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory eye drops may diminish efficacy.
- Systemic CYP2C9 inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole) have minimal impact because ocular absorption is low, yet clinicians should remain aware of potential systemic exposure in compromised corneal integrity.
Special Populations
- Pregnancy & lactation: animal studies show no teratogenicity, but human data are limited; use only if benefit outweighs risk.
- Elderly patients: no dose adjustment required, but monitor for ocular surface dryness.
- Hepatic or renal impairment: no dosage change is needed, as systemic exposure is negligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How does Latanoprost differ from other glaucoma eye drops? Latanoprost belongs to the prostaglandin class, whereas many alternatives (e.g., timolol) are beta-blockers. Prostaglandins increase outflow, while beta-blockers reduce production of aqueous humor, leading to distinct side-effect profiles.
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When should I expect to notice a pressure-lowering effect? Most patients report a measurable drop in intra-ocular pressure within the first 4-8 hours, with the full therapeutic benefit apparent after about one week of consistent nightly dosing.
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What should I do if my eyes become unusually red after using Latanoprost? Mild redness is common and often transient. If the redness persists beyond a few days or is accompanied by pain, seek prompt evaluation from an eye-care professional.
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Can Latanoprost cause permanent changes to eye colour? The medication can deepen brown iris pigmentation over months to years, a change that is generally irreversible but does not affect visual function.
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Is it safe to use Latanoprost while wearing contact lenses? Remove lenses before instillation, wait 15 minutes, then re-insert. This prevents drug residue from adhering to the lens material and reduces irritation.
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Are there any foods or supplements that interfere with Latanoprost? Because systemic absorption is minimal, dietary interactions are rare. However, high-dose vitamin C supplements may slightly increase ocular irritation in sensitive individuals.
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How often should I have my intra-ocular pressure checked after starting therapy? An initial follow-up at 4-6 weeks is typical, followed by routine monitoring every 3-6 months, depending on disease stability and physician judgment.
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What is the recommended storage condition for Latanoprost eye drops? Store unopened bottles at 2-8 °C (refrigerator). Once opened, keep at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, and discard after 30 days to maintain sterility.
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Can Latanoprost be used in both eyes simultaneously? Yes, the standard regimen involves one drop in each affected eye, administered at the same time each night.
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What information should I provide my doctor when discussing Latanoprost?
- Full list of current medications, including over-the-counter eye drops and supplements.
- History of ocular surgeries or trauma.
- Any known allergies to eye-drop components.
- Recent intra-ocular pressure readings, if available.
Disclaimer
The information provided about Latanoprost is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing Latanoprost for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing Latanoprost.