How long does latanoprost (Xalatan) take to work?

After you put a drop of latanoprost (Xalatan) in your eye, it starts lowering eye pressure in about [3 to 4 hours](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=5d0b99ad-f05a-44c7-ac61-26b5a533ea8d&type=display#section-7.4:~:text=IOP%20starts%20approximately-,3%20to%204%20hours,-after%20administration%20and). It takes 8 to 12 hours after using the medication for its maximum effect. Follow up with your eye specialist after a few weeks or months. They'll check how well the medication is lowering your eye pressure.

Why does latanoprost (Xalatan) have to be used at night?

Latanoprost (Xalatan) is usually [used at night](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/glaucoma/glaucoma-eye-drops) because research shows that it works better at controlling eye pressure then. Eye pressure is [often highest](https://www.goodrx.com/xalatan/latanoprost-need-refrigerated) when you're lying down, like when you're sleeping. To help you remember to use the eye drops at night, use them at around the same time as another bedtime habit. For example, you could use latanoprost (Xalatan) after brushing your teeth. If using the drops at night doesn't work well with your daily routine, talk to your prescriber.

Who should not use latanoprost (Xalatan) eye drops?

Latanoprost (Xalatan) is usually a safe choice for most people with high eye pressure. But you shouldn't use this medication if you're allergic to [benzalkonium chloride](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6581159/) (a type of preservative). You also shouldn't use it if you've had an allergic reaction to other latanoprost medications, such as [Iyuzeh](https://www.goodrx.com/iyuzeh/what-is)). In addition, latanoprost (Xalatan) isn't recommended if you already use another [prostaglandin eye drop](https://www.goodrx.com/classes/prostaglandin-analogues), like [Lumigan (bimatoprost)](https://www.goodrx.com/lumigan/what-is). Using more than one of these eye drops might not help and could raise eye pressure instead. Talk to your eye specialist if you have concerns.

What latanoprost (Xalatan) side effects are there for older adults?

Studies show that older adults have similar side effects from latanoprost (Xalatan) as younger people. Everyone has the same level of risk of side effects from the medication. [Common side effects](https://www.goodrx.com/latanoprost/side-effects) include stinging, burning, and itchy eye after using the drops. Some people might also feel like something is in their eye.

Is latanoprost (Xalatan) preservative free?

No. Latanoprost (Xalatan) has a preservative in it. But there's a preservative-free version of latanoprost available called [Iyuzeh](https://www.goodrx.com/iyuzeh/what-is). If you prefer a preservative-free option, ask your eye specialist.

What's the difference between bimatoprost (Lumigan) and latanoprost (Xalatan)?

[Latanoprost (Xalatan)](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=5d0b99ad-f05a-44c7-ac61-26b5a533ea8d) and [bimatoprost (Lumigan)](https://www.goodrx.com/lumigan/what-is) are both [prostaglandin eye drops](https://www.goodrx.com/classes/prostaglandin-analogues). They both help [lower eye pressure](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/glaucoma/glaucoma-eye-drops). But some studies show that bimatoprost (Lumigan) might [work a little better](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11571823/#:~:text=Both%20drugs%20were%20safe%20and,in%20achieving%20low%20target%20pressures.). The side effects can also be slightly different. Latanoprost (Xalatan) might be more likely to cause headaches, while bimatoprost (Lumigan) might cause more eye redness. In addition, the eye drops are also stored differently. Unopened bottles of latanoprost (Xalatan) are refrigerated. Then, the medication is kept at room temperature for up to 6 weeks once opened. Bimatoprost (Lumigan) is kept at room temperature, both when unopened and opened. Talk to your eye specialist to help [compare the medications](https://www.goodrx.com/compare/bimatoprost-vs-latanoprost).

latanoprost

Generic Xalatan

Used for Eye Pressure, Glaucoma

Latanoprost (Xalatan) is an eye drop medication. It's used in adults to treat conditions related to high pressure in the eye, such as glaucoma. It works as a prostaglandin to help with high eye pressure. The typical dosage is 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once each night. Side effects include feeling like there's something in the eye, burning, and stinging. Unopened bottles need to be refrigerated. But once opened, you keep the medication at room temperature. Latanoprost (Xalatan) is available as a brand-name and generic medication.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Cydnee Ng, PharmD

Last reviewed on January 28, 2026

What is Latanoprost (Xalatan)?

What is Latanoprost (Xalatan) used for?

Lowering pressure in the eye in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (high pressure in the eye)

How Latanoprost (Xalatan) works

Latanoprost (Xalatan) is a prostaglandin. It works by draining fluid from the eyes. This helps lower the pressure inside the eyes.

Are you looking for information on Iyuzeh (latanoprost) or Xelpros (latanoprost) instead?

When does Latanoprost (Xalatan) start working?Time passed since treatment started:

HOURS

Full effect

DAYS

WEEKS

MONTHS

Drug facts

Common Brands	Xalatan
Drug Class	Prostaglandin
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	Lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Xalatan

Drug Class

Prostaglandin

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

Lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Side effects of Latanoprost (Xalatan)

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Feeling like there's something inside the eye (13%)
Stinging (9%)
Eye redness (8%)
Blurry vision (8%)
Itchy eye (8%)
Burning (7%)
Changes in eye color (7%)

Less Common Side Effects

Watery eye or more tears than usual
Dry eye
Eye pain
Eyelid discomfort or pain
Crusting on the edge of the eyelid
Eyelid redness
Sensitive to light
Cold- or flu-like symptoms

Latanoprost (Xalatan) serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Severe eye irritation: severe eye redness or itching
Unusual changes in vision: worse vision, blurry vision, wavy vision, color looking dull

When do Latanoprost (Xalatan) possible side effects begin and end?

Time passed since treatment started:

MMINUTES

HHOURS

DDAYS

WWEEKS

MMONTHS

Darker eye color

Itching, burning, and stinging

Red eye

Eyelash growth

Feeling like there is something in your eye

If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: DailyMed

The following Latanoprost (Xalatan) side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Eye pain or stinging

Less common

Decreased vision

painful irritation of the clear front part of the eye

swelling or redness of the eye and the lining of the eyelid

Incidence not known

Arm, back, or jaw pain

blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

blurred vision or other change in vision

burning, dry, or itching eyes

chest pain or discomfort

chest tightness or heaviness

chills

cough

diarrhea

difficulty breathing

discharge, excessive tearing

fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse

itching

joint or muscle pain

noisy breathing

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

sensitivity of the eye to light

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips

tearing

unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Drainage from the eyes

longer and thicker eyelashes

Less common

Eyelash discoloration

feeling of having something in the eye

Incidence not known

Darkening of the eyelid skin color

dizziness

headache

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See more Latanoprost (Xalatan) side effects

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price

$332.22(Save 24.87%)

Manufacturer exclusive discount

$249.60

See prices

Pros and cons of Latanoprost (Xalatan)

Pros

A first-choice option for lowering the pressure in the eye
Only used once a day

Cons

Can permanently change the color of your eye
Need to take out any soft contact lenses before using

Pharmacist tips for Latanoprost (Xalatan)

Follow up with your eye specialist every few weeks or months. They can check how well latanoprost (Xalatan) is lowering your eye pressure and look for side effects.
If you wear soft contact lenses, remove them before using latanoprost (Xalatan). The eye drops have a preservative that can damage or stain your contacts. Wait 15 minutes after using the eye drops before putting your lenses back in.
How to use latanoprost (Xalatan): Wash your hands with soap and water. Tilt your head back and gently pull down your lower eyelid. Hold the bottle upside down so the tip is just over your eye. Squeeze in 1 drop into the eye. Then, close your eye and gently press the inside corner of your eye. Blot any extra medication from your face.
Don't touch the tip of the latanoprost (Xalatan) bottle with your fingers. Also don't let it touch your eye or other surfaces. Keep the bottle tightly closed when you're not using it. This helps keep germs out and lowers the risk of an eye infection from using contaminated medication.
After you use latanoprost (Xalatan), your vision might be blurry for a little bit. Your eyes might also be sensitive to light. If this happens, don't drive or use machinery until your vision becomes clear. Tell your eye specialist if these problems don't go away or get worse.
Latanoprost (Xalatan) can darken the color of your eye, eyelashes, or near the eyelid over time. Your eyelashes might also get thicker. Talk to your eye specialist if you notice any changes that worry you.
Use only 1 drop of latanoprost (Xalatan) in the eye each day. Putting more than 1 drop into the same eye at one time can make the medication work less well.
If you miss a dose of latanoprost (Xalatan), skip it. Wait until the next night to use the eye drop. Don't put 2 drops in the eye to make up for the missed dose.
If you need to use latanoprost (Xalatan) with other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between each one. This helps your eye absorb each medication properly.
Protect the medication from light. Keep latanoprost (Xalatan) in the fridge until you're ready to open a new bottle. It's good in the fridge until the date written on the bottle by the manufacturer. Once you open the bottle, store it at room temperature (up to 77ºF). Throw it away 6 weeks after opening.

More on Latanoprost (Xalatan) tips

Close-up of someone using eye drops.
Hitoshi Nishimura/The Image Bank via Getty Images

Should You Refrigerate Latanoprost? 7 Pharmacist-Backed Tips for Storage and Use

Written by Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA

Common questions about Latanoprost

After you put a drop of Latanoprost in your eye, it starts lowering eye pressure in about 3 to 4 hours. It takes 8 to 12 hours after using the medication for its maximum effect. Follow up with your eye specialist after a few weeks or months. They'll check how well the medication is lowering your eye pressure.

It depends on if you've opened the bottle of Latanoprost or not. Unopened bottles of the medication should be refrigerated. This helps the medication last until the expiration date listed on the packaging. But once you open a bottle and start using it, keep it at room temperature (up to 77ºF) for up to 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, throw it away even if there's some medication left inside.

Latanoprost is usually used at night because research shows that it works better at controlling eye pressure then. Eye pressure is often highest when you're lying down, like when you're sleeping. To help you remember to use the eye drops at night, use them at around the same time as another bedtime habit. For example, you could use Latanoprost after brushing your teeth. If using the drops at night doesn't work well with your daily routine, talk to your prescriber.

Latanoprost is usually a safe choice for most people with high eye pressure. But you shouldn't use this medication if you're allergic to benzalkonium chloride (a type of preservative). You also shouldn't use it if you've had an allergic reaction to other latanoprost medications, such as Iyuzeh). In addition, Latanoprost isn't recommended if you already use another prostaglandin eye drop, like Lumigan (bimatoprost). Using more than one of these eye drops might not help and could raise eye pressure instead. Talk to your eye specialist if you have concerns.

Studies show that older adults have similar side effects from Latanoprost as younger people. Everyone has the same level of risk of side effects from the medication. Common side effects include stinging, burning, and itchy eye after using the drops. Some people might also feel like something is in their eye.

No. Latanoprost has a preservative in it. But there's a preservative-free version of latanoprost available called Iyuzeh. If you prefer a preservative-free option, ask your eye specialist.

Latanoprost and bimatoprost (Lumigan) are both prostaglandin eye drops. They both help lower eye pressure. But some studies show that bimatoprost (Lumigan) might work a little better. The side effects can also be slightly different. Latanoprost might be more likely to cause headaches, while bimatoprost (Lumigan) might cause more eye redness. In addition, the eye drops are also stored differently. Unopened bottles of Latanoprost are refrigerated. Then, the medication is kept at room temperature for up to 6 weeks once opened. Bimatoprost (Lumigan) is kept at room temperature, both when unopened and opened. Talk to your eye specialist to help compare the medications.

Risks and warnings for Latanoprost (Xalatan)

Latanoprost (Xalatan) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Darker eyes or eyelids

Latanoprost (Xalatan) can make the color of your eye, eyelashes, or eyelid darker (browner). This happens because the medication causes the levels of melanin in and around your eye to go up. Melanin is a protein that's responsible for the color of certain parts of your eye.

You might not notice changes in color until after a few months or years of using latanoprost (Xalatan). Color changes in the iris (the circular colored part of your eye) are most likely permanent. Your eyelashes and the skin around your eyes might also get darker. But this could go away after you stop using the medication.

These side effects aren't particularly harmful. But it's best to check in with your eye specialist regularly so they can make sure your eyes stay healthy.

Eyelash changes

Over time, your eyelashes might grow longer or thicker while you're using latanoprost (Xalatan). You also might have more eyelashes in general. These changes usually go away after you stop using the medication.

Eye inflammation

Risk factors: Current eye inflammation (e.g., uveitis)

Latanoprost (Xalatan) can cause eye inflammation (redness and swelling). It can also make any inflammation worse if you already have eye problems. Tell your eye specialist if you feel eye discomfort or have vision changes while using latanoprost (Xalatan).

Swelling of the retina (macular edema)

Risk factors: Not having a lens inside your eye | Having a false lens in your eye | Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) | Genetic eye problems | Eye inflammation | Blocked vein in the eye | Eye surgery

Some people who used latanoprost (Xalatan) had swelling in the retina. This eye condition is called macular edema. Talk to your eye specialist about your risk of macular edema. They'll check your eyes often during treatment.

Macular edema can cause vision changes, like blurry vision or colors looking dull. Tell your eye specialist if you notice any changes in your vision while using latanoprost (Xalatan).

Caution use in people with a history of a herpes eye infection

Tell your eye specialist if you've had a viral eye infection called herpes keratitis. In some people, this infection has come back while using latanoprost (Xalatan). Avoid using this eye drop if the infection is active because it can make eye inflammation worse.

Risk of bacterial eye infection when using contaminated medication

Risk factors: Problems with the cornea | Injury or damage to the surface of the eye

Eye infections can happen if your bottle of latanoprost (Xalatan) gets germs in it and you use the medication. Some people who used contaminated eye drops got an eye infection called bacterial keratitis. This affects the cornea (the protective covering on the front of the eye). It can cause eye swelling and pain.

To lower the risk of this happening, always wash your hands before using latanoprost (Xalatan). Don't let the dropper tip touch your eye or anything else. Also don't touch the tip with your hands or fingers.

Don't use while wearing soft contact lenses

Latanoprost (Xalatan) has a preservative called benzalkonium chloride in it. This preservative can get absorbed by soft contact lenses and damage them.

Take out your soft contact lenses before using latanoprost (Xalatan) eye drops. Then, wait at least 15 minutes before putting your contacts back in.

Latanoprost (Xalatan) dosage

The average cost for 1 eye dropper of 2.5ml of 0.005% of Latanoprost (Xalatan) is $11.18 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 83.06% off the average retail price of $65.99.

Eye dropper

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
2.5ml of 0.005%	1 eye dropper	$11.18	$11.18

See more Latanoprost (Xalatan) dosage

Interactions between Latanoprost (Xalatan) and other drugs

Latanoprost (Xalatan) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Latanoprost (Xalatan). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

See more Latanoprost (Xalatan) interactions

How much does Latanoprost (Xalatan) cost?

To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.

Xalatan (brand)

GoodRx lowest price

$0.00

Latanoprost (Xalatan) (generic)

GoodRx lowest price

$0.00

View prices and coupons

Latanoprost (Xalatan) contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Latanoprost (Xalatan) will not be safe for you to take.