Monolan (Latanoprost)

Latanoprost is a prostaglandin analog used to manage conditions characterized by elevated intra‑ocular pressure.

• Open-angle glaucoma: reduces intra‑ocular pressure and helps prevent optic nerve damage.
• Ocular hypertension: lowers eye pressure to reduce the risk of developing glaucoma.
• Secondary open-angle glaucoma: provides pressure‑lowering effect as adjunct therapy in cases unresponsive to other agents.

• Latanoprost is a synthetic analogue of prostaglandin F₂α that binds to FP receptors on the ciliary body epithelium. Activation of these receptors remodels the extracellular matrix, enhancing uveoscleral outflow of aqueous humor. The increased outflow lowers intra‑ocular pressure, providing therapeutic control of glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The drug is administered as a preservative‑free solution that penetrates the cornea, reaching the target tissue within minutes. Its effect persists for 24 hours, allowing once‑daily dosing.

Latanoprost may cause ocular and peri‑ocular reactions, most of which are mild and transient.

Common Side Effects

• Eye redness (hyperemia)
• Increased eyelash growth (hypertrichosis)
• Eye irritation or foreign body sensation
• Blurred vision
• Darkening of the iris or peri‑ocular skin pigmentation

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe eye inflammation such as uveitis or iritis
• Allergic contact dermatitis of the eyelid
• Macular edema leading to visual disturbance
• Iris cyst formation
• Sudden loss of vision

Prior to initiating Latanoprost therapy, clinicians should evaluate patient history and monitor ocular status regularly.

• Baseline intra‑ocular pressure measurement: establish a reference before treatment.
• Monitor iris color changes: document any pigmentation alterations during therapy.
• Avoid use in active ocular infection: postpone treatment until infection resolves.
• Caution in patients with a history of uveitis: increased risk of inflammation.
• Advise patients not to wear contact lenses during the first week of treatment.
• Store at room temperature: keep in original container, protect from light and moisture.

Latanoprost can interact with other ocular medications, affecting efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Concomitant use with other prostaglandin analog eye drops: additive pressure‑lowering effect may cause hypotony.
• Use with topical non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): may reduce prostaglandin activity.
• Use with ocular hypotensive agents that cause systemic hypotension (e.g., systemic beta‑blockers): risk of additive blood pressure reduction.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Use with carbonic anhydrase inhibitor eye drops: additive intra‑ocular pressure reduction requiring monitoring.
• Use with topical corticosteroids: may diminish Latanoprost’s efficacy.
• Use with systemic prostaglandin‑synthesizing drugs: potential for altered response.