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Latanoprost is an eye drop formulation helpful in the management of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) within patients grappling with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. This prostaglandin F2 alpha analog is a frontline approach in glaucoma treatment, leveraging its proven efficacy in IOP reduction. Renowned for its convenience with a once-daily dosing regimen and an acceptable safety profile, prostaglandins like latanoprost have become the cornerstone of glaucoma therapy. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the fixed-dose combination of netarsudil/latanoprost in March 2019, expanding treatment options for those afflicted with open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Beyond its approved applications, latanoprost is utilized off-label for diverse glaucoma variants. This activity covers latanoprost's mechanism of action, pharmacology, indications, adverse event profiles, contraindications, toxicity, and the collaborative efforts of the interprofessional team essential in managing conditions where latanoprost proves therapeutically beneficial. Objectives: Identify the appropriate indications for latanoprost in the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Screen patients for contraindications and potential drug interactions before initiating latanoprost therapy. Assess patients' response to latanoprost therapy by regularly monitoring intraocular pressure and evaluating treatment effectiveness. Develop effective communication with patients about latanoprost, explaining its benefits, potential side effects, and the importance of adherence. Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.

Researchers found no carcinogenesis or mutagenesis with latanoprost, and the drug did not affect fertility in animal studies. However, latanoprost was noted to cause a chromosomal aberration in treated human lymphocytes. Intravenous infusion of 3 μg/kg of latanoprost in healthy volunteers produced plasma concentrations 200 times higher than during clinical treatment with latanoprost ophthalmic solution, and researchers identified no ADR. There is no evidence to establish a correlation between latanoprost administration and ocular or cutaneous melanoma.[21] Intravenous infusion of 5.5 to 10 μg/kg resulted in fatigue, sweating, dizziness, nausea, and abdominal pain. According to the manufacturer's labeling, treatment should be symptomatic if there is an overdosage with latanoprost ophthalmic solution.

Latanoprost is a prostaglandin analog considered for the first-line management of open-angle glaucoma. Multiple randomized control trials have proven its efficacy in lowering IOP in primary open-angle glaucoma, similar to travoprost and bimatoprost, but the latanoprost may demonstrate better tolerability.[22][1] Retinal examination for cystoid macular edema and ruling out active inflammation before starting the therapy is vital. Also, the IOP should be monitored regularly by the ophthalmologist and the ophthalmic specialty-trained nurse to ensure the medication works. The pharmacist should educate the patient about the adverse effects of the drug, which may include darkening of the color of the iris, eyelids, periocular area, and eyelashes.[22] An interprofessional team approach is needed to provide comprehensive and collaborative care for the patient. An ophthalmology-trained nurse and the pharmacist play a crucial role in assisting the prescriber in achieving this goal. The nurse can help educate the patient about the indication and expected outcomes of latanoprost therapy and the need for following up on IOP testing. The pharmacist can help the team by educating the patient about proper dosing, administration, storage, and adverse drug effects.