title: Extensive facial skin pigmentation after latanoprost treatment.
abstract: Prostaglandin analogues have been reported to cause periorbital pigmentation. We report a case of open-angle glaucoma in which extensive facial skin pigmentation was noticed as an adverse effect of the use of latanoprost (Xalatan; Pfizer Inc., Puurs, Belgium). A 63-year-old woman with a 9-month history of primary open-angle glaucoma visited our facility. The glaucoma had been inadequately controlled by brimonidine 0.2% twice daily. The topical medication had been switched to latanoprost 0.005% 6 months prior to this visit in order to better control the intraocular pressure (IOP). Extensive facial skin pigmentation was noted by the ophthalmologist within 1 month. The latanoprost treatment was discontinued soon after the adverse effect was observed. The pigmentation became lighter and increasingly less noticeable within 3 months. Careful monitoring of the adverse effects of antiglaucoma medication is needed for patients with glaucoma. We report a rare case in which latanoprost treatment could have caused pigmentation of the entire facial skin. This condition should be monitored in the future by ophthalmologists to determine other existing cases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
authors.forename: Ke-Hung
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Chien
authors.forename: Da-Wen
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.forename: Jiann-Torng
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000077338:Latanoprost; D008875:Middle Aged; D011461:Prostaglandins F, Synthetic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D011461:Prostaglandins F, Synthetic; D000077338:Latanoprost