[Side-effects and risk profile of latanoprost 0.005% (Xalatan)].
BACKGROUND
Latanoprost, a prostaglandin F(2alpha)-analogue, has been widely in use in clinical practice for a period of over 5 years. The side-effects of latanoprost are analyzed and the clinical relevance is discussed.


RESULTS
Hypertrichosis and increased pigmentation of eyelashes will develop in the majority of patients using latanoprost for more than 6 months. Increased pigmentation of the eyelids may also occur. Hyperpigmentation of the iris is seen in 12-18% of caucasians using latanoprost over a period of 1-2 years. Increased iris pigmentation seems more common in asian people and remains unchanged after discontinuation of therapy. Pigmentation of intra- and extraocular structures is caused by increased melanogenesis, not by melanocyte proliferation. Mild conjunctival hyperemia may develop in approximately 30% of patients, but is most often without clinical relevance. Further reported side-effects include anterior uveitis, reactivation of herpes-keratitis/-dermatitis and cystoid macular edema in pseudophakic and aphakic patients. A causal relationship has still not been proven for these side-effects. Systemic side-effects are rare (e.g. headache, facial rash, cardiovascular effects). No experience exists for treatment of glaucoma with latanoprost in childhood.


CONCLUSIONS
Latanoprost represents a highly effective antiglaucomatous drug, rarely associated with vision-threatening complications. The most common complications are hypertrichosis of eyelashes and increased pigmentation of extra- and intraocular structures. A careful lifetime evaluation of these patients is recommended. Systemic side-effects are rare, but may occur.
Schlote
T
T
Universitäts-Augenklinik Tübingen, Abteilung I. torsten.Schlote@med.uni-tuebingen.de
D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005140:Eyelashes / Q000187:drug effects*; D005141:Eyelid Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D006983:Hypertrichosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D000077338:Latanoprost; D008269:Macular Edema / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis; D011461:Prostaglandins F, Synthetic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014605:Uveitis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis
D011461:Prostaglandins F, Synthetic; D000077338:Latanoprost