Skip to content
ppharmaranks
Menu
Upjohn logo

xalatan

Xalatan (Latanoprost) is a medication used to treat Open-Angle Glaucoma.

Latanoprost · by Upjohn

Available as a generic: Latanoprost

Not yet rated· sourced from the FDA label
Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated June 7, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass

Key facts

Active ingredient
Latanoprost
Form
Drops
Strength
Latanoprost 0.005%
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
Manufacturer
Upjohn
What the pharmacy pays
~$1.60 per ml — not your price
FDA application
NDA020597

What is Xalatan?

From the FDA label:Latanoprost is a prostaglandin F 2α analogue. Its chemical name is isopropyl-(Z)-7[(1R,2R,3R,5S)3,5-dihydroxy-2-[(3R)-3-hydroxy-5-phenylpentyl]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate. Its molecular formula is C 26 H 40 O 5 and its chemical structure is: Latanoprost is a colorless to slightly yellow oil that is very soluble in acetonitrile and freely soluble in acetone, ethanol, ethyl acetate, isopropanol, methanol, and octanol. It is practically insoluble in water. Latanoprost ophthalmic solution 0.005% is supplied as a sterile, isotonic, buffered aqueous solution of latanoprost with a pH of approximately 6.7 and an osmolality of approximately 267 mOsmol/kg. Each mL of latanoprost ophthalmic solution contains 50 mcg of latanoprost. Benzalkonium chloride, 0.02% is added as a preservative. The inactive ingredients are disodium phosphate anhydrous, sodium chloride, sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate, and water for injection. One drop contains approximately 1.5 mcg of latanoprost. Latanoprost Structural Formula

How to use

The recommended dosage is one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening. If one dose is missed, treatment should continue with the next dose as normal. The dosage of latanoprost ophthalmic solution should not exceed once daily; the combined use of two or more prostaglandins, or prostaglandin analogs including latanoprost ophthalmic solution is not recommended. It has been shown that administration of these prostaglandin drug products more than once daily may decrease the IOP lowering effect or cause paradoxical elevations in IOP. Reduction of the IOP starts approximately 3 to 4 hours after administration and the maximum effect is reached after 8 to 12 hours. Latanoprost ophthalmic solution may be used concomitantly with other topical ophthalmic drug products to lower IOP. In vitro studies have shown that precipitation occurs when eye drops containing thimerosal are mixed with latanoprost ophthalmic solution. If more than one topical ophthalmic drug is being used, the drugs should be administered at least five (5) minutes apart. Contact lenses should be removed prior to the administration of latanoprost ophthalmic solution, and may be reinserted 15 minutes after administration. One drop in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening. ( 2 )

Side effects

The following adverse reactions were reported in postmarketing experience and are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: • Iris pigmentation changes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Eyelid skin darkening [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Eyelash changes (increased length, thickness, pigmentation, and number of lashes) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Intraocular inflammation (iritis/uveitis) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Macular edema, including cystoid macular edema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Most common adverse reactions (5-15%) from clinical trials are blurred vision, burning and stinging, conjunctival hyperemia, foreign body sensation, itching, increased pigmentation of the iris, and punctate keratitis. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Viatris at 1-877-446-3679 (1-877-4-INFO-RX) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, the adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. Latanoprost ophthalmic solution was studied in three multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trials. Patients received 50 mcg/mL latanoprost ophthalmic…

Warnings

Important safety information

Pigmentation: Pigmentation of the iris, periorbital tissue (eyelid) and eyelashes can occur. Iris pigmentation likely to be permanent. ( 5.1 ) • Eyelash Changes: Gradual change to eyelashes including increased length, thickness and number of lashes. Usually reversible. ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Pigmentation Latanoprost ophthalmic solution has been reported to cause changes to pigmented tissues. The most frequently reported changes have been increased pigmentation of the iris, periorbital tissue (eyelid), and eyelashes. Pigmentation is expected to increase as long as latanoprost is administered. The pigmentation change is due to increased melanin content in the melanocytes rather than to an increase in the number of melanocytes. After discontinuation of latanoprost, pigmentation of the iris is likely to be permanent, while pigmentation of the periorbital tissue and eyelash changes have been reported to be reversible in some patients. Patients who receive treatment should be informed of the possibility of increased pigmentation. Beyond 5 years the effects of increased pigmentation are not known [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . Iris color change may not be noticeable for several months to years. Typically, the brown pigmentation around the pupil spreads concentrically towards the periphery of the iris and the entire iris or parts of the iris become more brownish. Neither nevi nor freckles of the iris appear to be affected by treatment. While treatment with latanoprost ophthalmic solution can be continued in patients who develop noticeably increased iris pigmentation, these patients should be examined regularly. 5.2 Eyelash Changes Latanoprost ophthalmic solution may gradually change eyelashes and vellus hair in the treated eye; these changes include increased length, thickness, pigmentation, the number of lashes or hairs, and misdirected growth of eyelashes. Eyelash changes are usually reversible upon discontinuation of treatment. 5.3 Intraocular Inflammation Latanoprost ophthalmic solution should be used with caution in patients with a history of intraocular inflammation (iritis/uveitis) and should generally not be used in patients with active intraocular inflammation because inflammation may be exacerbated. 5.4 Macular Edema Macular edema, including cystoid macular edema, has been reported during treatment with latanoprost ophthalmic solution. Latanoprost ophthalmic solution should be used with caution in aphakic patients, in pseudophakic patients with a torn posterior lens capsule, or in patients with known risk factors for macular edema. 5.5 Herpetic Keratitis Reactivation of herpes simplex keratitis has been reported during treatment with latanoprost ophthalmic solution. Latanoprost ophthalmic solution should be used with caution in patients with a history of herpetic keratitis. Latanoprost ophthalmic solution should be avoided in cases of active herpes simplex keratitis because inflammation may be exacerbated. 5.6 Bacterial Keratitis There have been reports of bacterial keratitis associated with the use of multiple-dose containers of topical ophthalmic products. These containers had been inadvertently contaminated by patients who, in most cases, had a concurrent corneal disease or a disruption of the ocular epithelial surface. 5.7 Contact Lens Use Latanoprost ophthalmic solution contains benzalkonium chloride, which may be absorbed by contact lenses. Contact lenses should be removed prior to the administration of latanoprost ophthalmic solution, and may be reinserted 15 minutes after administration.

Who should not take Xalatan

Known hypersensitivity to latanoprost, benzalkonium chloride, or any other ingredients in this product. Known hypersensitivity to latanoprost, benzalkonium chloride, or any other ingredients in this product. ( 4 )

Overdose — what happens if you take too much

IV infusion of up to 3 mcg/kg of latanoprost in healthy volunteers produced mean plasma concentrations 200 times higher than during clinical treatment with latanoprost and no adverse reactions were observed. IV dosages of 5.5 to 10 mcg/kg caused abdominal pain, dizziness, fatigue, hot flushes, nausea, and sweating. If overdosage with latanoprost ophthalmic solution occurs, treatment should be symptomatic.

U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.

May treat (source: NIH RxClass)

Dosage forms

Drops

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

Ways to save

Ask for the generic

Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →

Request a 90-day supply

Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.

Use copay cards

Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.

Compare alternatives

A same-class option may cost less. See alternatives →

Frequently asked questions

What does Xalatan treat?
Xalatan (Latanoprost) may be used to treat open-angle glaucoma, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
How much does Xalatan cost?
Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $1.60 per ml, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins.
Is there a coupon or discount for Xalatan?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Xalatan. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Xalatan?
Xalatan is marketed by Upjohn. You can see Upjohn's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Xalatan a brand-name or generic drug?
Xalatan is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Latanoprost. Lower-cost generic equivalents containing Latanoprost are available — ask your pharmacist.
Is Xalatan available over the counter?
No. Xalatan is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Xalatan come in?
Xalatan is currently marketed as drops, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
Is Xalatan FDA-registered?
Xalatan is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA020597. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Is Xalatan safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Xalatan. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Xalatan?
Xalatan's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following adverse reactions were reported in postmarketing experience and are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: • Iris pigmentation changes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Eyelid skin darkening [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Eyelash changes (increased l… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to write one.

Write a review

Reviews are user opinions, not medical advice. Consult a licensed professional.

People also viewed

Compare Xalatan head-to-head

Identify a pill by its imprint →Check a drug interaction →Drug recalls →

Browse medications A–Z

Research products from A to Z, compare independent ratings, and find alternatives.