Xalatan Eye Drop
Xalatan (latanoprost 0.005%) — Pfizer original prostaglandin analogue. Once-daily eye drop, first-line IOP lowering for open-angle glaucoma. Bedtime instillation.
✓ Medisch beoordeeld door Morgan Ellis — Apotheekonderzoeker · 8 jaar ervaring · Laatst beoordeeld: mei 2026
⚡ Quick Answer — What is Xalatan Eye Drop?
Xalatan Eye Drop is Latanoprost 0.005%, a once-daily prostaglandin eye drop that lowers eye pressure 25–33% in glaucoma. Apply one drop to each affected eye in the evening. Watch for iris darkening and eyelash growth.
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What is Xalatan Eye Drop?
Xalatan Eye Drop is manufactured by Pfizer and contains Latanoprost 0.005% as a sterile ophthalmic solution. Xalatan Eye Drop 0.005% is a prostaglandin F2α analog used to lower raised intra-ocular pressure (IOP) in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It is one of the most potent IOP-lowering eye drops available — typical reduction is 25–33% from baseline. The 3 mL bottle contains benzalkonium chloride preservative — patients with significant sensitivity should consider preservative-free alternatives.
How Latanoprost Works
Latanoprost is a synthetic structural analogue of prostaglandin F2α. It binds the FP prostanoid receptor in the ciliary body, increasing uveoscleral outflow (the secondary drainage pathway for aqueous humour). Because it works on the outflow side of the equation rather than reducing aqueous production, it is additive with beta-blockers, alpha-2 agonists, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. The lash-growth effect comes from FP-receptor activation in the dermal papilla of the eyelash follicle, which prolongs anagen phase and thickens individual hair shafts.
Indicaties
- Open-angle glaucoma: first-line monotherapy for newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) per AAO Preferred Practice Pattern 2020.
- Ocular hypertension: when IOP is consistently > 21 mmHg with risk factors (thin cornea, family history, African or Hispanic ancestry).
- Eyelash hypotrichosis (bimatoprost only — Latisse indication): cosmetic lash enhancement.
- Add-on therapy when first-line agent does not reach target IOP — additive with timolol, brimonidine, dorzolamide.
Dosing & Administration
| Indicatie | Dosering |
|---|---|
| POAG / ocular hypertension | 1 drop in affected eye(s) once daily, in the evening |
| If a dose is missed | Skip and resume normal schedule next evening — do not double up |
| More than one drop? | Adding a second drop does not increase IOP-lowering — it actually reduces efficacy by saturating receptors. Strictly one drop per eye. |
| Multiple eye drops | Wait at least 5 minutes between different eye-drop products to avoid washout |
| Contact lenses | Remove before instillation; reinsert 15 minutes after |
Bijwerkingen
Common (5–15%): ocular redness (conjunctival hyperaemia), eyelash thickening / lengthening / darkening, ocular pruritus, mild stinging on instillation, dry eye sensation.
Cosmetically notable:
- Iris pigmentation (1–2% over months to years): permanent darkening of light-coloured (blue, green, hazel) irises by stimulating iris stromal melanocytes. Brown irises usually unaffected. Lashes and periorbital skin may also darken.
- Periorbital fat atrophy / prostaglandin-associated periorbitopathy (PAP): deepening of the upper-lid sulcus, eyelid ptosis, enophthalmos. Most reported with bimatoprost > travoprost > latanoprost. Usually reversible 3–6 months after stopping.
- Periorbital skin pigmentation: reversible darkening of lid/peri-orbital skin from drug runoff.
Minder vaak: cystoid macular oedema (CME) — especially in pseudophakic eyes or those with macular pathology; uveitis re-activation in patients with a history of uveitis; reactivation of herpes simplex keratitis.
Warnings & Contraindications
- Active uveitis or iritis — relative contraindication; can re-activate intraocular inflammation
- Pseudophakic eyes with torn posterior capsule, aphakia, or known macular oedema risk — increased risk of cystoid macular oedema
- Active herpes simplex keratitis — may reactivate viral disease
- Pregnancy / breastfeeding — Category C; avoid unless benefit clearly outweighs risk (theoretical uterine smooth-muscle activity)
- Children < 16 years — safety not established for cosmetic lash use
Opslag
Store at room temperature (15–25°C / 59–77°F) away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze. Discard 28 days after first opening. Keep the bottle tightly capped between uses to prevent contamination.
Xalatan vs generic latanoprost — should you switch?
Xalatan is the original branded latanoprost 0.005% from Pfizer (FDA-approved 1996). Generic latanoprost has been available since 2011, manufactured by multiple companies. Both contain the same active ingredient at the same concentration. The clinical question is whether the difference between them justifies the price difference.
| Kenmerk | Xalatan (Pfizer) | Generic latanoprost |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient + concentration | Latanoprost 0.005% | Latanoprost 0.005% |
| IOP reduction (clinical trials) | 25–33% | 25–33% (FDA bioequivalence) |
| Preservative | Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) 0.02% | Usually BAK; some preservative-free generics available |
| Refrigeration before opening | Yes (2–8 °C) | Most generics: yes; some require ambient |
| Stability after opening | 4 weeks at room temperature | 4 weeks at room temperature |
| Cost per 2.5 ml bottle | Higher (branded) | ~30–60% lower |
Most patients can switch from Xalatan to generic latanoprost without losing IOP control. The main exception is patients who developed BAK-related ocular surface disease on Xalatan and need a preservative-free formulation — those are limited to specific generics (Monoprost, Lacoma PF) or need to switch to a different prostaglandin.
Xalatan vs other prostaglandin eye drops
| Drop | Active | IOP reduction | Iris pigmentation risk | Periorbital fat atrophy (PAP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xalatan / latanoprost | Latanoprost 0.005% | 25–33% | Significant in light-hued eyes | Less than bimatoprost |
| Lumigan / bimatoprost | Bimatoprost 0.01% / 0.03% | 30–35% (the strongest IOP reducer of the class) | Significant | Most reported with this molecule |
| Travatan / travoprost | Travoprost 0.004% | 27–32% | Significant | Reported |
| Lacoma PF | Latanoprost 0.005% (preservative-free) | 25–33% | Same as Xalatan | Same |
What about Xalatan and lash growth?
Latanoprost was the first prostaglandin shown to thicken, lengthen and darken eyelashes — an unintended cosmetic effect that led directly to the development of the bimatoprost-based Careprost / Latisse for lash hypotrichosis. With Xalatan, lashes typically thicken over 3–6 months and revert when the drop is stopped. This effect is harmless when expected — but periocular skin can also darken slightly, which is harder to reverse.
What does Xalatan cost vs generics?
Branded Xalatan from Pfizer carries a premium of roughly 2–3× over generic latanoprost. We supply both — the WHO-GMP certified generic latanoprost is the same molecule at the same concentration with documented bioequivalence. See the Eye Care category for the full prostaglandin family.
Veelgestelde vragen
How long until I see results from Xalatan Eye Drop?
For glaucoma, IOP reduction begins within 4 hours of the first dose with maximum effect at 8–12 hours; steady-state IOP is reached at 4 weeks. For lash growth (bimatoprost), visible thickening at 4 weeks and full lash growth at 16 weeks.
What if I forget a dose?
Skip the missed dose and resume your normal once-nightly schedule. Do not double up — using two drops at once actually reduces efficacy because of receptor saturation.
Why does Latanoprost darken eye colour?
Latanoprost activates the FP prostanoid receptor on iris stromal melanocytes, stimulating melanin production. Lighter irises (blue, green, hazel) contain less baseline melanin and so show change more readily. The effect is permanent and may be asymmetric if only one eye is treated.
Can I use Xalatan Eye Drop if I wear contact lenses?
Yes, but remove your contacts before instillation and wait 15 minutes before re-inserting. The benzalkonium chloride preservative can be absorbed by soft lenses and cause irritation.
Is Xalatan Eye Drop safe in pregnancy?
Category C. Theoretical concerns about prostaglandin effects on uterine smooth muscle. Discuss with your ophthalmologist — most clinicians switch to a beta-blocker or brimonidine during pregnancy, or pause cosmetic lash use entirely.
What happens if I stop using Xalatan Eye Drop?
For glaucoma, IOP returns to baseline within 4 weeks of stopping. For cosmetic lash use, lashes return to their pre-treatment length and density 4–8 weeks after stopping. Iris darkening, however, is permanent.
Can I use Xalatan Eye Drop on my lower lashes?
No. The product is approved for upper-lash-line application only. Lower-lash application creates excessive runoff onto the cheek, increasing the risk of unwanted hair growth on skin and skin pigmentation changes.
Does Xalatan Eye Drop cause periorbital changes?
Yes — prostaglandin-associated periorbitopathy (PAP) describes the syndrome of deepening upper-lid sulcus, ptosis, and enophthalmos seen in 5–25% of long-term users. Bimatoprost has the highest reported rate; latanoprost the lowest. Usually reversible 3–6 months after stopping.
Can Xalatan Eye Drop be combined with other glaucoma drops?
Yes — prostaglandin analogs are additive with beta-blockers, alpha-2 agonists, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors because they target the outflow side. Wait 5 minutes between different drops. Fixed combinations such as bimatoprost+timolol exist for adherence.
What is the difference between Latanoprost and other prostaglandins?
All three (latanoprost, travoprost, bimatoprost) lower IOP 25–33%. Latanoprost has the gentlest side-effect profile. Travoprost has a slightly higher response rate. Bimatoprost is the most potent for both IOP and lash growth, but with the highest rate of conjunctival hyperaemia and PAP.
Other Eye-Care Medications
Customers viewing this product also consider these alternatives in our Oogzorg range:
- Xalatan Eye Drop (latanoprost)
- Azopt Eye Drops (brinzolamide)
- Alphagan P Drop (brimonidine)
- Iotim Eye Drops (timolol)
- Careprost (bimatoprost)
Medische Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice from a qualified ophthalmologist or optometrist. Eye conditions can rapidly threaten sight — sudden vision loss, severe pain, or trauma is an ophthalmology emergency. Always consult an eye-care professional before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment.
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| Sterkte | 0.005% 2.5 ml |
|---|---|
| Hoeveelheid | 1 Fles/s, 2 Flessen/s, 3 Flessen/s, 6 Flessen/s |
Xalatan Eye Drop
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