Latanoprost is an eye medication used to treat glaucoma (eye condition characterized by eye pain and visual loss) and ocular hypertension (increased eye pressure), says MedlinePlus. Latanoprost decreases pressure in your eye and provides symptomatic relief. Lantanoprost is available as an eye drop; typically one drop in each eye is administered daily, unless your doctor instructs otherwise.
Common Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, Latanoprost's most frequent side effects include dry, burning, itchy or watery eyes. In some cases, your eyelids may become red and irritated. While these effects are not serious, consult your doctor should they worsen or become persistent.
Serious Side Effects
Drugs.com states that Lantanoprost can cause blurry vision, eyelid crusting and puffiness, photophobia (light sensitivity) and swelling of your cornea (thin outer layer of tissue over your eyes). Latanoprost can also cause such eye infections as uveitis (swelling of the middle layer of your eye) and herpes keratitis (eye infection caused by the herpes virus). Other serious side effects include chest pain, a skin rash and shortness of breath. Call your doctor at once for evaluation and treatment should you experience any of these symptoms.
Other Side Effects
According to the National Library of Medicine, Latanoprost can cause changes in your iris (colored part of your eye), eyelids and eyelashes. It can increase their pigmentation and cause you to have a darker eye color, eyelid and eyelashes. Latanoprost can also cause your eyelashes to grow longer. Discontinuing Latanoprost under your doctor's supervision can return your eyelid and eyelashes to normal color, but iris pigmentation is a permanent side effect.
Contraindications
Latanoprost can cause problems if you suffer from certain medical conditions and take certain medications. For example, it is not clear whether Latanoprost can harm your unborn baby, so it is important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding. You should avoid Latanoprost if you are allergic to benkalonium chloride as this can provoke Lantoprost's side effects. You should not take Latanoprost if you had cataract surgery due to a risk of macular edema (swelling). Avoid mixing Latanoprost with other eye drops containing thimerosal as it can make them less effective.
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