Latanoprost
Isopropyl-(Z)-7[(1R,2R,3R,5S)3,5-dihydroxy-2-[(3R)-3-hydroxy-5-phenylpentyl]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate
Also known as: Xalatan · Monopost · Latanoprostum
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary glaucoma / Acute primary glaucoma | 1 drop per eye | Topical | once daily (evening), or q8-12h | — | 🌍 EU |
- Primary glaucoma / Acute primary glaucoma: Often used in conjunction with other topical antiglaucoma drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary glaucoma | Detailed information not available | Topical | Unknown | — | 🌍 EU |
- Primary glaucoma: Efficacy is variable; shown to reduce IOP acutely but suitability for long-term use is unknown.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Latanoprost is a topical ophthalmic prostaglandin analogue primarily used for the management of primary canine glaucoma and the emergency management of acute primary glaucoma. It is often used in conjunction with other topical antiglaucoma drugs, such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
Clinical Warning: Contraindicated in cases of uveitis and anterior lens luxation. Avoid use in pregnant animals.
Clinical Pearl: While contraindicated in anterior lens luxation, it may be useful in the management of lens subluxation and posterior luxation. Latanoprost has comparable activity to travoprost. Efficacy in cats is variable; it reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) acutely in cats with primary glaucoma, but its suitability and efficacy for long-term use remain unknown.
Mechanism of action
Acts as an agonist for receptors specific for prostaglandin F.
Prostaglandin F receptor activation → increases uveoscleral outflow of aqueous humor → significantly reduces intraocular pressure (IOP).
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Uveitis
- Anterior lens luxation
- Pregnancy
Adverse effects
- Miosis (in dogs and cats)
- Blood-aqueous barrier disruption
- Conjunctival hyperaemia
- Mild ocular irritation
Precautions
Pregnancy Warning: Avoid use in pregnant animals. Ocular Warnings: Do not use in patients with uveitis or anterior lens luxation. May cause disruption of the blood-aqueous barrier.
Handling: Check specific product requirements for storage (room temperature vs. refrigeration).
Drug interactions
Incompatible; do not use in conjunction
Monitoring
- Intraocular pressure (IOP)
- Pupil diameter (monitor for miosis)
- Signs of uveitis or blood-aqueous barrier disruption
- Conjunctival hyperaemia
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Absorbed through the cornea where the isopropyl ester prodrug is hydrolyzed to the biologically active acid.
Distribution
Primarily distributed within the anterior segment of the eye.
Metabolism
Hydrolyzed by esterases in the cornea to the active latanoprost acid.
Elimination
Systemically absorbed latanoprost acid is primarily metabolized by the liver and excreted via urine.
Overdose
No specific overdosage information is provided in the monograph. Overdosage of topical ophthalmic drops may lead to increased severity of local adverse effects such as conjunctival hyperemia, miosis, and ocular irritation. If accidental oral ingestion occurs, systemic toxicity is generally low due to rapid first-pass metabolism, but veterinary advice should be sought.
Available products
Formulations
- Ophthalmic solution: 50 μg/ml (0.005%) in 2.5 ml bottle
- Ophthalmic solution: 50 μg/ml (0.005%) in 0.2 ml single-dose vials
Human-labeled
- Xalatan 50 μg/ml (0.005%) solution in 2.5 ml bottle
- Monopost 50 μg/ml (0.005%) in 0.2 ml vials
Regulatory status
Human authorized products (POM) used off-label in veterinary medicine under the cascade.
Human authorized products (POM) used off-label in veterinary medicine under the cascade.
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Check specific product requirements for storage at room temperature or refrigeration.
Client information
Administration
- How to apply: Wash your hands before and after applying the eye drops. Do not let the tip of the dropper touch the eye or any other surface.
- Multiple drops: If your pet is prescribed multiple types of eye drops, wait at least 5 to 10 minutes between applying each medication to prevent washing the first one out.
What to Expect
- You may notice your pet's pupil becoming very small (pinpoint) after application; this is a normal effect of the drug.
- Mild redness of the eye (bloodshot appearance) can occur.
Warnings
- Do not use if your pet is pregnant.
- Contact your veterinarian immediately if the eye becomes increasingly red, cloudy, painful, or if your pet starts squinting or rubbing the eye.
Storage
- Check the packaging carefully. Some brands require refrigeration, while others can be kept at room temperature.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.