Latanoprost Drug Information

Generic name: LATANOPROST

Prostaglandin Analog [EPC]

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Uses of Latanoprost

Latanoprost ophthalmic solution is indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Dosage & Administration of Latanoprost

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. 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 minutes apart. Contact lenses should be removed prior to the administration of latanoprost ophthalmic solution, and may be reinserted 15 minutes after administration.

Side Effects of Latanoprost

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 solution once daily or 5 mg/mL active-comparator (timolol) twice daily.

The patient population studied had a mean age of 65±10 years. Seven percent of patients withdrew before the 6-month endpoint. Table 2: Adverse Reactions That Were Reported in 1-5% of Patients Receiving Latanoprost

Postmarketing Experience

The following reactions have been identified during postmarketing use of latanoprost ophthalmic solution in clinical practice. Because they are reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. The reactions, which have been chosen for inclusion due to either their seriousness, frequency of reporting, possible causal connection to latanoprost, or a combination of these factors, include: Nervous System Disorders: Dizziness; headache; toxic epidermal necrolysis Eye Disorders: Eyelash and vellus hair changes of the eyelid (increased length, thickness, pigmentation, and number of eyelashes); keratitis; corneal edema and erosions; intraocular inflammation (iritis/uveitis); macular edema, including cystoid macular edema; trichiasis; periorbital and lid changes resulting in deepening of the eyelid sulcus; iris cyst; eyelid skin darkening; localized skin reaction on the eyelids; conjunctivitis; pseudopemphigoid of the ocular conjunctiva.

Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: Asthma and exacerbation of asthma; dyspnea Gastrointestinal Disorders: Nausea; vomiting Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Pruritis Infections and Infestations: Herpes keratitis Cardiac Disorders: Angina; palpitations; angina unstable General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: Chest pain

Symptom/FindingAdverse Reactions (incidence (%))
Latanoprost (n=460)Timolol (n=369)
Foreign body sensation138
Punctate keratitis109
Stinging912
Conjunctival hyperemia83
Blurred vision88
Itching88
Burning78
Increased pigmentation of the Iris70
Adverse Reactions (incidence (%))
Latanoprost (n=460)Timolol (n=369)
Ocular Events/Signs and Symptoms
Excessive tearing46
Eyelid discomfort/pain42
Dry eye33
Eye pain33
Eyelid margin crusting33
Erythema of the eyelid32
Photophobia21
Eyelid edema13
Blepharitis13
Systemic Events
Upper respiratory tract infection/nasopharyngitis/influenza33
Myalgia/arthralgia/back pain10.5
Rash/allergic skin reaction10.3

Warnings & Cautions for Latanoprost

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pregnancy Safety for Latanoprost

Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of latanoprost ophthalmic solution administration in pregnant women.to inform drug-associated risks. In animal reproduction studies, intravenous (IV) administration of latanoprost to pregnant rabbits and rats throughout the period of organogenesis produced malformations, embryofetal lethality and spontaneous abortion at clinically relevant doses. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.

Data Animal Data Embryofetal studies were conducted in pregnant rabbits administered latanoprost daily by IV injection on gestation days 6 through 18, to target the period of organogenesis. A no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was not established for rabbit developmental toxicity. Spina bifida and abortion occurred at 5 mcg/kg/day (equivalent to 32 times the maximum RHOD).

Total litter loss due to early resorption was observed at doses ≥50 mcg/kg/day (324 times the maximum RHOD). Transient signs of maternal toxicity were observed after IV dosing (increased breathing, muscle tremors, slight motor incoordination) at 300 mcg/kg/day (1946 times the maximum RHOD). No maternal toxicity was observed at doses up to 50 mcg/kg/day.

A NOAEL for rat developmental toxicity was not established. Brain porencephalic cyst(s) were observed ≥50 mcg/kg (162 times the maximum RHOD). Skeletal anomalies were observed at 250 mcg/kg (811 times the maximum RHOD).

No maternal toxicity was detectable at 250 mcg/kg/day. Prenatal and postnatal development was assessed in rats. Pregnant rats were administered latanoprost daily by IV injection from gestation day 15, through delivery, until weaning (lactation Day 21).

At 100 mcg/kg/day (324 times the maximum RHOD), maternal deaths and pup mortality occurred.

Pediatric Use of Latanoprost

Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Contraindications for Latanoprost

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

Overdosage Information for Latanoprost

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 ophthalmic solution 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.

Clinical Studies of Latanoprost

Progression of Increased Iris Pigmentation A 3-year open-label, prospective safety study with a 2-year extension phase was conducted to evaluate the progression of increased iris pigmentation with continuous use of latanoprost ophthalmic solution once-daily as adjunctive therapy in 519 patients with open-angle glaucoma. The analysis was based on observed-cases population of the 380 patients who continued in the extension phase. Results showed that the onset of noticeable increased iris pigmentation occurred within the first year of treatment for the majority of the patients who developed noticeable increased iris pigmentation.

Patients continued to show signs of increasing iris pigmentation throughout the 5 years of the study. Observation of increased iris pigmentation did not affect the incidence, nature, or severity of adverse events (other than increased iris pigmentation) recorded in the study. IOP reduction was similar regardless of the development of increased iris pigmentation during the study.

Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.

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