Updated: January 25, 2026

What Is Latanoprost? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Author

Peter Daggett

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What Is Latanoprost?
What Is Latanoprost Used For?
How Is Latanoprost Taken?
How to Use Latanoprost Eye Drops Correctly
How to Store Latanoprost
Is Latanoprost a Controlled Substance?
Having Trouble Filling Your Prescription?

Latanoprost (Xalatan) is a once-daily eye drop for glaucoma and high eye pressure. Here's everything you need to know — uses, dosage, storage, and more.

Latanoprost is a prescription eye drop medication used to treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension (high eye pressure). It is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States — with over 9 million prescriptions filled in 2023 — and is considered a first-line treatment by most ophthalmologists and optometrists worldwide. Here's what you need to know.

What Is Latanoprost?

Latanoprost is a prostaglandin analogue — a synthetic version of a natural chemical in the body called prostaglandin F2-alpha. It is sold under the brand name Xalatan (and also Xelpros and Iyuzeh) and is available as a generic medication. It comes as a clear eye drop solution at a concentration of 0.005% (50 micrograms per mL).

The FDA first approved latanoprost in 1996, and it is included on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. In 2023, it was the 67th most commonly prescribed medication in the entire United States.

What Is Latanoprost Used For?

Latanoprost is FDA-approved for:

Open-angle glaucoma. The most common form of glaucoma. Characterized by chronic, progressive optic nerve damage from elevated intraocular pressure. Latanoprost is the most prescribed first-line medication.

Ocular hypertension. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP ≥21 mm Hg) without signs of glaucomatous damage — a risk factor for future glaucoma development.

Latanoprost lowers intraocular pressure by 22–39%, equivalent to a reduction of 6–8 mm Hg, which significantly slows or prevents glaucoma progression. Clinical trials show it is more effective than timolol 0.5% twice daily in most head-to-head comparisons.

How Is Latanoprost Taken?

Latanoprost is applied as an eye drop. The standard dose is:

One drop in the affected eye(s) once daily, in the evening

Do not use more than once daily — more frequent dosing may paradoxically reduce effectiveness

If using other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between each medication

Remove contact lenses before using; wait 15 minutes before reinserting

IOP lowering begins within 3–4 hours of the first dose, with maximum effect at 8–12 hours. The effect lasts at least 24 hours, which is why once-nightly dosing is sufficient.

How to Use Latanoprost Eye Drops Correctly

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water

If wearing contacts, remove them and set a 15-minute timer

Tilt your head back and gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a pocket

Hold the bottle upside down close to (but not touching) your eye

Squeeze one drop into the lower eyelid pocket

Close your eye and gently press the inner corner (near the nose) for 1 minute

Blot any excess drops from your eyelid with a clean tissue

How to Store Latanoprost

Unopened multi-dose bottles: Must be kept in the refrigerator (36°F–46°F / 2°C–8°C)

Opened multi-dose bottles: Can be stored at room temperature (59°F–77°F / 15°C–25°C) for up to 6 weeks

Single-use containers: Store in foil pouch at room temperature; once the foil pouch is opened, use within 30 days. Discard each container after one use.

Is Latanoprost a Controlled Substance?

No. Latanoprost is not a controlled substance. It requires a standard prescription but has no DEA scheduling, no refill restrictions based on substance scheduling, and no requirements for special prescription forms. Any licensed prescriber can write for it.

Having Trouble Filling Your Prescription?

If your pharmacy doesn't have latanoprost in stock, medfinder calls pharmacies near you to find one that can fill it. For tips on reducing your cost, see our latanoprost savings guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Latanoprost is FDA-approved to treat open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension (elevated eye pressure). It lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) by 22–39%, protecting the optic nerve from glaucoma-related damage. It is the most commonly prescribed first-line glaucoma medication in the United States.

Latanoprost is used once daily, in the evening. Do not use more than one drop per day — more frequent dosing can reduce the medication's effectiveness. The IOP-lowering effect begins in 3–4 hours and lasts at least 24 hours, making once-nightly dosing sufficient.

Yes. Xalatan is the brand name for latanoprost 0.005% ophthalmic solution. Generic latanoprost contains the same active ingredient at the same concentration and is therapeutically equivalent to Xalatan. Generic versions are typically much less expensive — as low as $8–$9 with a discount card versus higher brand prices.

Unopened multi-dose bottles of latanoprost must be refrigerated (36°F–46°F). Once opened, the bottle can be kept at room temperature (59°F–77°F) for up to 6 weeks. Single-use containers should be stored in their foil pouch at room temperature; once the pouch is opened, use the containers within 30 days.

Latanoprost begins lowering intraocular pressure within 3–4 hours of the first dose. Maximum IOP reduction occurs 8–12 hours after administration. With continued nightly use, stable long-term pressure reduction is maintained. Your eye doctor will typically check your IOP at follow-up visits (usually 4–6 weeks after starting) to confirm the medication is working adequately.

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