Latanoprost

Latanoprost: Antiglaucoma

The latanoprost is an antiglaucoma analog of prostaglandin F2-alpha ophthalmic prescribed in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It works by reducing the intraocular pressure by facilitating the flow of aqueous humor through uveosclerale. The latanoprost, inactive prodogue giving birth after hydrolise to acid latanoprost. The latanoprost is a selective agonist FP receptor of prostaglandins. Unlike existing therapeuties (that favor the production of aqueous humor), latanoprost reduces intraocular pressure by increasing the uveoscleral flow. Its high efficiency has quickly made latanoprost very popular, but the discovery of numerous side effects, requires special attention at its prescription.

Latanoprost: Side effects

The latanoprost can cause many side effects, so it is very important to take into account the medical histories of patients, and prescribe latanoprost only under medical attention, and with the most caution. One of the main side effects of latanoprost is to accentuate the brown color of the iris and eyelashes, especially in the case of a pigmentation of eyes consisted of several colors. A foreign body sensation has been described in some cases, like a sensation of burning and stinging, itching, however, quite rare. Incidents of keratitis Spot (erosion eye), CME, uveitis were also counted. These adverse effects seem to be provoked by the carrier used : benzalkonium chloride. This product of preservation is present in a very high concentration in the latanoprost. Clinical studies have demonstrated this problem by using a placebo product containing the same concentration of benzalkonium chloride. Nevertheless, the side effects caused by the use of latanoprost are common to all drugs treating chronic glaucoma, which makes it a preferred therapeutic products for the treatment of this disorder. On the other hand, and against other drugs, prostaglandins do not affect the vision of patients.

Latanoprost precautions of use

In case of allergy to any component of latanoprost, his prescription is contraindicated. Latanoprost can not be prescribed in the case of contact lenses wearing. It is also contraindicated for patients with a multicolored iris, for aphaques and pseudophaques. Finally, in the case of pregnancy or breastfeeding, in the absence of detailed clinical test, its use is bannes.