Xalatan

Legal status and availability in the UK

Latanoprost (Xalatan) is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK.

In our online pharmacy, Xalatan is available without a prescription, with discreet delivery to the United Kingdom in 9–21 days.

Basic Xalatan information

• INN (international nonproprietary name): Latanoprost.
• Brand names available in the United Kingdom: Xalatan; Latanoprost Accord.
• ATC code: S01EE01.
• Forms & dosages: Ophthalmic solution 0.005% (50 μg/mL) in 2.5 mL bottle for topical eye use.
• Manufacturers in the United Kingdom: Pfizer (Xalatan); Accord, Teva and Sandoz (generic latanoprost).
• Registration status in the United Kingdom: Prescription only (Rx), authorised by the MHRA.
• OTC / Rx classification: Prescription only (Rx).

Clinical effectiveness in the UK

How well does latanoprost work?

• IOP control: latanoprost provides consistent IOP control when used as prescribed once daily in the evening.
• Adherence: improved when patients receive clear instruction on drop technique.
• Reasons for switching: ocular irritation, cosmetic eyelid or eyelash changes and tolerability.

Latanoprost branded Xalatan and generics perform similarly in routine NHS practice.

Common tolerability complaints are ocular irritation and cosmetic changes around the eyes, which can prompt clinic visits.

Each standard dose is one drop daily and each drop delivers approximately 1.5 μg of latanoprost.

Indications and expanded uses

What is latanoprost authorised for and when is it used off‑label?

Licensed use

Lowering elevated intraocular pressure in open‑angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension, prescription only.

Use in practice

Latanoprost is used as first‑line monotherapy, including where beta‑blockers are contraindicated, and as adjunctive therapy combined with other IOP‑lowering agents; selected paediatric patients from age ≥1 year are treated under specialist monitoring.

Caution: combining several prostaglandin analogues is avoided because paradoxical IOP responses have been reported.

Composition and brand landscape

What is in the bottle and which brands are available in the UK?

The originator Xalatan is supplied by Pfizer in the United Kingdom.

Generic manufacturers of latanoprost include Accord, Teva and Sandoz.

Each standard 2.5 mL bottle delivers roughly 1.5 μg per drop.

Note that some formulations contain benzalkonium chloride as a preservative, and patients with sensitivity should check the preservative content of generics before switching.

Contraindications and special precautions

Who should take extra care or avoid latanoprost?

Absolute contraindications include known hypersensitivity to latanoprost or any formulation components such as benzalkonium chloride.

Relative contraindications that require close monitoring include a history of iritis or uveitis, aphakia, pseudophakia with a torn posterior lens capsule and severe asthma.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding have limited data, so latanoprost should be used only if the anticipated benefit justifies potential risk.

Patients should avoid driving or operating machinery until any transient blurring of vision after instillation clears.

Storage guidance: store unopened bottles refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C and protect from light.

Dosage guidelines

How should latanoprost be dosed for adults and special populations?

If a dose is missed, resume the next scheduled dose and do not double up.

Overuse can reduce efficacy and may increase local irritation.

Interactions overview

Which medicines and substances affect latanoprost use?

• Latanoprost has limited systemic absorption and clinically significant drug interactions are uncommon.
• Synergistic IOP lowering happens when latanoprost is combined with topical beta‑blockers or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
• Avoid combining multiple prostaglandin analogues because paradoxical IOP elevation can occur.

Reported adverse events are mainly local, such as hyperaemia, eyelash changes and ocular inflammation.

Serious systemic adverse reports are rare.

No notable food or drink interactions have been identified, and alcohol does not alter ocular efficacy.

Comparable medicines and prescribing preferences

What are the main alternatives on the NHS and how do clinicians choose?

Common class alternatives include travoprost, bimatoprost and tafluprost, all prostaglandin analogues (ATC group S01EE).

Latanoprost is often selected first‑line due to established safety, once‑daily dosing and generic availability.

Bimatoprost may be preferred if enhanced eyelash stimulation is desired or if a patient did not respond adequately to other prostaglandins.

Travoprost offers similar efficacy with minor tolerability differences for some patients.

1. Factors guiding choice: efficacy, side‑effect profile and preservative content.
2. Important reminder: do not combine multiple prostaglandin analogues.

Frequently asked questions

1. How do I use latanoprost?

   Instil one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening.

   Avoid touching the bottle tip to the eye to prevent contamination.

2. Will it change my eye colour?

   Increased iris pigmentation is a recognised and often permanent effect.

   Discuss options with the ophthalmology team if you have mixed‑colour irides.

3. Can I use other eye drops at the same time?

   Wait five to ten minutes between different eye medicines to allow absorption.

   Avoid combining prostaglandin analogues.

4. How long is the bottle good for?

   Store unopened bottles refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C and protect from light.

   After opening, keep at room temperature up to 25°C and discard after six weeks.

Guidelines for proper use

What should pharmacists cover when counselling patients on latanoprost?

1. Tilt the head back, pull down the lower eyelid and instil one drop into the conjunctival sac.
2. Close the eye for one to two minutes and apply gentle pressure to the inner corner to reduce systemic absorption.
3. Use the drops in the evening for optimal effect and to align with recommended NHS dosing practice.
4. Store unopened bottles refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C and discard six weeks after opening.
5. Advise patients to report severe pain, sudden vision loss or marked redness to ophthalmology promptly.

Community pharmacy services should offer a short demonstration and provide written leaflets or large‑print labels for older patients.

Encourage reporting of adverse events through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme and document any history of asthma or prostaglandin sensitivity.

Delivery across the United Kingdom