title: A review of the use of  latanoprost  for glaucoma since its launch.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Prostaglandins are increasingly used as first choice treatment for glaucoma because they are highly effective, lack relevant systemic side effects and require just once-daily administration. Latanoprost is an ester prodrug analog of prostaglandin F2α, which reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) by increasing uveoscleral outflow. Latanoprost 0.005% has received European and US approval as the first-line drug for reducing IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Following the recent patent expiry for Xalatan®, a number of latanoprost generics have entered the glaucoma market.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review, achieved through PubMed and Medline research methods, describes the composition, pharmacokinetics, mode of action, efficacy, side effects and safety profile of latanoprost.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Latanoprost was the first prostaglandin analog introduced in glaucoma management and it dramatically changed the market of the disease thanks to its efficacy and safety. Conjunctival hyperemia, which is commonly found after latanoprost use, is associated with a minor efficacy and duration of trabeculectomy; yet, from the ophthalmologist's perspective, this side effect seems largely counterbalanced by the high efficacy and safety of this compound. It is always advisable to consider the pro-inflammatory mode of action of latanoprost because this may have negative effects in particular patients (i.e., those with uveitis and cystoid macular edema) for whom caution and close follow-up is necessary.
authors.affiliation: University of Milan, Eye Clinic, San Paolo Hospital, Via di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Digiuni
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fogagnolo
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rossetti
mesh_terms: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D000077338:Latanoprost; D011461:Prostaglandins F, Synthetic / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D011461:Prostaglandins F, Synthetic; D000077338:Latanoprost