Latanoprost
**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: 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)**.
Dosing by species
- Primary glaucoma / Acute primary glaucoma · 1 drop per eye · Topical · once daily (evening), or q8-12h · Often used in conjunction with other topical antiglaucoma drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
- Primary glaucoma · Detailed information not available · Topical · Unknown · 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.
Routes of administration
Contraindications
- Uveitis
- Anterior lens luxation
- Pregnancy
Adverse effects
- Miosis (in dogs and cats)
- Blood-aqueous barrier disruption
- Conjunctival hyperaemia
- Mild ocular irritation
Drug interactions
- Thiomersal-containing preparations · Incompatible; do not use in conjunction · major
Monitoring
- Intraocular pressure (IOP)
- Pupil diameter (monitor for miosis)
- Signs of uveitis or blood-aqueous barrier disruption
- Conjunctival hyperaemia
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.
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.