Comprehensive medication guide to Latanoprost including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$30 copay for generic latanoprost; Tier 1–2 on most commercial and Medicare Part D plans; prior authorization uncommon for first-line use.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$30–$82 retail for generic latanoprost 0.005% (2.5 mL); as low as $8–$9 with GoodRx or SingleCare coupons for a 30-day supply.
Medfinder Findability Score
82/100
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Latanoprost is a prescription ophthalmic eye drop medication used to treat open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension (elevated intraocular pressure). It is sold under the brand name Xalatan and is widely available as a generic medication. In 2023, latanoprost was the 67th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with over 9 million prescriptions filled.
Latanoprost belongs to the prostaglandin analogue class of medications. It was FDA-approved in 1996 and is included on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It is considered the first-line treatment for glaucoma by most ophthalmologists and optometrists worldwide.
The standard formulation is latanoprost 0.005% ophthalmic solution (50 micrograms per mL), available as a 2.5 mL multi-dose bottle or in preservative-free single-use containers. It is applied as one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily, in the evening.
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Latanoprost is a prodrug — an inactive precursor that becomes active after absorption. When the eye drop contacts the cornea, enzymes (esterases) convert latanoprost into its active form, latanoprost acid. This active molecule is a selective agonist of the prostaglandin F (FP) receptor, which is found in the ciliary body and iris root of the eye.
By activating FP receptors, latanoprost acid triggers remodeling of the extracellular matrix in the ciliary body, relaxing the tissue and making it more permeable. This dramatically increases aqueous humor outflow through the uveoscleral pathway — the eye's secondary drainage route. The result is a reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) of 22–39%, equivalent to 6–8 mm Hg, beginning within 3–4 hours of the first dose with maximum effect at 8–12 hours.
Clinical trials show that latanoprost provides more effective IOP reduction than timolol 0.5% twice daily in most head-to-head comparisons. Importantly, its effectiveness does not diminish over time — stable IOP reduction is maintained for years of continuous use without tolerance developing.
0.005% (50 mcg/mL) — ophthalmic solution
Standard concentration; 1 drop in affected eye(s) once daily in the evening. Multi-dose 2.5 mL bottle. Unopened: refrigerate. Opened: room temp up to 6 weeks.
0.005% (50 mcg/mL) — ophthalmic solution (single-use)
Preservative-free single-use containers. Store in foil pouch at room temperature; use within 30 days of opening pouch. Discard each vial after one use.
Latanoprost is generally available nationwide from multiple manufacturers — Bausch Health, Greenstone (Pfizer), Rising Pharmaceuticals, and Sandoz. The FDA has not declared a national shortage as of 2026. However, patients frequently encounter localized stock-outs at individual pharmacies. These occur because of cold-chain storage requirements (unopened bottles must be refrigerated), just-in-time pharmacy ordering practices, and concentrated demand from millions of daily users. The departure of Akorn, formerly a significant supplier, has also reduced the manufacturer count.
Patients who cannot find latanoprost at their usual pharmacy should check independent pharmacies, Costco, Walmart, and grocery chain pharmacies — which often carry different manufacturer versions or maintain more consistent generic inventory. Refilling 10–14 days early is the best prevention strategy.
If you're struggling to find latanoprost in stock, medfinder calls pharmacies near you to check which ones have it available and can fill your prescription — with results texted directly to you.
Latanoprost is not a controlled substance, so any licensed prescriber can write for it with no special DEA registration or prescription form requirements. The following providers routinely prescribe latanoprost:
Ophthalmologists (MD/DO) — primary prescribers for new glaucoma diagnoses and complex cases
Optometrists (OD) — prescribe latanoprost in most US states; both ophthalmologists and optometrists prescribe it as their most common glaucoma medication
Primary care physicians and internists — may manage established glaucoma patients and write refill prescriptions
Nurse practitioners (NP) and physician assistants (PA) — can prescribe in most states, particularly those working in ophthalmology or optometry practices
Telehealth options exist for established glaucoma patients needing refills, though initial diagnosis of glaucoma requires in-person eye examination including IOP measurement and optic nerve evaluation. Regular in-person follow-up visits are essential for ongoing monitoring.
No. Latanoprost is not a controlled substance. It is not scheduled by the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) and has no abuse or dependence potential. Latanoprost requires a standard prescription from any licensed prescriber — ophthalmologist, optometrist, primary care physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant — but does not require special prescription forms, electronic prescribing mandates, or scheduling-related refill restrictions.
Pharmacies can fill latanoprost prescriptions without special authorization, and mail-order pharmacies can dispense 90-day supplies with an appropriate prescription. There are no early-fill restrictions based on controlled substance scheduling.
Latanoprost is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are localized to the eye:
Conjunctival hyperemia (eye redness) — 5–15% of patients
Foreign body sensation (gritty or scratchy feeling)
Burning and stinging (brief, immediately after instillation)
Blurred vision (temporary)
Iris darkening (increased brown pigmentation) — may be permanent
Eyelash changes (longer, thicker, darker) — usually reversible
Eyelid skin darkening — usually reversible
Serious side effects (rare — contact your doctor immediately):
Macular edema (vision changes — call doctor right away)
Reactivation of herpetic keratitis (patients with herpes eye history)
Uveitis or iritis (deep eye pain, severe light sensitivity)
Severe allergic reaction (eye swelling, facial swelling, difficulty breathing — call 911)
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Bimatoprost (Lumigan)
Prostaglandin analogue; slightly stronger IOP reduction (7–9 mmHg); more eye redness; generic available but more expensive than latanoprost. Good for patients needing maximum pressure reduction.
Travoprost (Travatan Z)
Prostaglandin analogue; nearly equivalent efficacy to latanoprost; available preservative-free. Good for patients with benzalkonium chloride sensitivity or dry eye.
Tafluprost (Zioptan)
Prostaglandin analogue; fully preservative-free in single-use vials; lowest hyperemia rate; comparable IOP reduction (~25–27%). Preferred for severe ocular surface disease.
Timolol (Timoptic)
Beta-blocker; different mechanism (reduces aqueous production); IOP reduction ~20–27%; twice daily; caution in asthma, COPD, bradycardia. Widely available and inexpensive.
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Bimatoprost / Travoprost / Tafluprost / Latanoprostene Bunod
majorCombining two or more prostaglandin analogues can paradoxically increase IOP rather than lower it further. Avoid concurrent use.
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin, celecoxib, ophthalmic NSAIDs)
moderateConflicting effects on IOP — some studies show reduced efficacy, others show increased. Monitor IOP more closely in patients on chronic NSAID therapy.
Thimerosal-containing eye drops
moderatePrecipitation may occur when latanoprost and thimerosal-containing eye drops contact each other. Administer at least 5 minutes apart.
Latanoprost is an exceptionally effective, once-daily eye drop that has been the cornerstone of glaucoma treatment for nearly three decades. Its proven efficacy, convenient dosing schedule, and availability as an affordable generic make it the most prescribed glaucoma medication in the world. For most patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, latanoprost provides reliable, long-term intraocular pressure control that protects vision.
The biggest challenges patients face with latanoprost are not the medication itself — it's finding it in stock and affording consistent access. With GoodRx or SingleCare, the cost can be as low as $8–$9 per bottle. And when local pharmacies are out, multiple alternative sources and therapeutic substitutes are available.
If you're struggling to find latanoprost in stock, medfinder can help — it contacts pharmacies near you to find which ones have it available, so you spend less time calling around and more time focused on your health.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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