Xalatan
In brief
- In our pharmacy, you can buy Xalatan without a prescription, with delivery in 9–21 days throughout the United Kingdom. Discreet and anonymous packaging.
- Xalatan (latanoprost) is used to lower elevated intraocular pressure in open‑angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension; it is a prostaglandin analogue that increases uveoscleral outflow of aqueous humour.
- The usual dose is one drop of 0.005% (0.05 mg/mL) in the affected eye once daily, preferably in the evening.
- Administration is topical ophthalmic solution (eye drops), available as multidose 2.5 mL or 5 mL dropper bottles or preservative‑free single‑dose vials.
- The effect on intraocular pressure begins within about 3–4 hours, although full therapeutic effect may develop over days to weeks.
- The duration of action is approximately 24 hours, which allows once‑daily dosing.
- There is no specific interaction with alcohol, but moderate alcohol is unlikely to affect efficacy; avoid excessive alcohol which may worsen eye dryness or systemic effects.
- The most common side effect is increased iris pigmentation (darkening of the iris); eyelash growth and mild conjunctival hyperaemia are also frequently reported.
- Would you like to try Xalatan without a prescription?
Basic Xalatan information
- INN (international nonproprietary name): Latanoprost
- Brand names available in the United Kingdom: Xalatan, Monoprost, generic latanoprost
- ATC code: S01EE01
- Forms and dosages: Ophthalmic solution 0.005% (0.05 mg/mL) in multidose 2.5 mL or 5 mL vials; preservative-free single-dose containers also available
- Manufacturers in the United Kingdom: Viatris (Pfizer), Théa, Glenmark, Sun Pharma
- Registration status in the United Kingdom: Prescription-only medicine (POM)
- OTC / Rx classification: Prescription-only medicine (POM)
What Xalatan is and how it works
Xalatan (latanoprost) is a prostaglandin analogue eye drop (ATC code S01EE01: S01 ophthalmologicals, EE prostaglandin analogues, 01 latanoprost). It reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) by increasing uveoscleral outflow.
Latanoprost is licensed to reduce elevated intraocular pressure in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Prostaglandin analogues are commonly prescribed first line when topical monotherapy is suitable, because of once-daily dosing and a strong IOP-lowering effect.
Treatment is chronic and continues as long as IOP control is required and tolerated, with regular ophthalmology follow-up to monitor response and adverse effects.
Legal status and availability in the UK
Xalatan (latanoprost) is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK.
In our online pharmacy, Xalatan is available without a prescription, with discreet delivery to the United Kingdom in 9–21 days.
Available forms and packaging
The standard concentration is 0.005% (0.05 mg/mL), which is the same across brands and generics. Latanoprost is most commonly supplied in 2.5 mL or 5 mL multidose dropper vials, and preservative-free single-dose containers are available for people with sensitivity.
- Xalatan: 2.5 mL / 5 mL multidose
- Monoprost: single-dose, preservative-free
- Generic latanoprost: 2.5 mL / 5 mL
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| INN | Latanoprost |
| Concentration | 0.005% (0.05 mg/mL) |
| Pack sizes | 2.5 mL, 5 mL multidose; single-dose preservative-free |
| Preservative status | Preserved multidose; preservative-free single-dose available |
Bottle design and dropper tip differ between manufacturers and affect drop size and ease of instillation. A 2.5 mL bottle lasts approximately 4-6 weeks and a 5 mL bottle approximately 8-12 weeks with once-daily use in one eye.
Preservative-free options
Preservative sensitivity is a recognised problem for some people on long-term eye drops. Preservative-free single-dose units such as Monoprost are often used by contact lens wearers and by people with dry eye or blepharitis. Switching often reduces irritation, but the handling and discard rules still apply.
How to use Xalatan
The standard dose is one drop of 0.005% in the affected eye(s) once daily, preferably in the evening. Dosing more frequently does not increase efficacy and may reduce the effect. The effect on IOP may be noticeable within days, with full stabilisation over a few weeks.
- Wash hands and remove contact lenses if worn.
- Tilt head back and pull down the lower eyelid to form a small pocket.
- Hold the bottle above the eye and instil a single drop, avoiding contact with the eye.
- Close the eye gently and press on the inner corner of the eye (nasolacrimal occlusion) for 1-2 minutes to reduce systemic absorption.
- Wait 5-10 minutes before using another eye drop.
Missed dose and overdose
If a dose is missed, use it as soon as remembered the same day but do not double up the next dose.
In case of accidental overdose, rinse the eye with water; systemic toxicity is unlikely, but seek medical help for ingestion or persistent symptoms.
Who should not use Xalatan
Do not use latanoprost if you are hypersensitive to latanoprost or any component of the formulation. A history of herpetic keratitis needs specialist input before use.
Cautions requiring monitoring
- Active intraocular inflammation such as uveitis warrants caution and monitoring.
- Aphakia or a ruptured posterior lens capsule increases the risk of macular oedema and needs specialist oversight.
- Severe asthma is a relative caution because rare bronchospasm has been reported.
Children and older adults
Paediatric data are limited; consult a specialist for patients under 18 or with complex paediatric glaucoma. Older adults generally do not need a dose adjustment but should be monitored for ocular surface disease.
Side effects
Common local effects include increased iris pigmentation, eyelash growth and periocular skin darkening. Mild conjunctival hyperaemia and transient burning or stinging are also reported. Cosmetic changes such as iris pigmentation are generally permanent but not harmful.
Macular oedema is uncommon but is a recognised risk in aphakic or pseudophakic eyes with posterior capsule defects. Uveitis and marked vision changes are less common but serious and need prompt ophthalmology review.
| Common | Serious |
|---|---|
| Conjunctival hyperaemia, eyelash growth | Macular oedema, uveitis, severe vision loss |
Seek urgent care for sudden vision changes, severe pain or marked redness. Report suspected adverse reactions via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
Alternatives to Xalatan
Other prostaglandin analogues include bimatoprost (Lumigan), travoprost (Travatan) and tafluprost (Saflutan, preservative-free). Each has a similar mechanism but may differ in tolerability.
Generics from Glenmark, Sun Pharma and others keep the 0.005% concentration, and preservative-free options such as Monoprost are alternatives for people with sensitivity. When changing product, confirm the same concentration (0.005%), expect possible differences in bottle feel and drop size, and discuss any switch with the prescriber.
Multidose vials are the usual choice for long-term therapy. Single-dose preservative-free units reduce preservative exposure and contamination risk but are less convenient to store and handle.
Storage
Many latanoprost brands should be stored refrigerated at 2-8°C before opening. After opening, store below 25°C, protect from light and discard after 4-6 weeks as per the labelling. Single-dose units should be used immediately after opening.
| Stage | Storage |
|---|---|
| Before opening | 2-8°C (refrigerated) for many brands |
| After opening | Store below 25°C; discard after 4-6 weeks |
Quick FAQ
Can I switch brands?
The concentration remains 0.005%, but bottle design and excipients differ; ask your pharmacist or prescriber.
How long can I use the bottle after opening?
Follow the label; commonly 4-6 weeks.
Can I use it with contact lenses?
Remove lenses before instillation and wait 15 minutes before putting them back; preservative-free drops are preferable.
When should I seek help?
Seek urgent care for sudden vision changes, severe eye pain or marked redness, and attend scheduled ophthalmology appointments for IOP checks.
Delivery across the United Kingdom
| City | Region | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| London | Greater London | 9–21 days |
| Birmingham | West Midlands | 9–21 days |
| Manchester | Greater Manchester | 9–21 days |
| Glasgow | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Leeds | West Yorkshire | 9–21 days |
| Liverpool | Merseyside | 9–21 days |
| Sheffield | South Yorkshire | 9–21 days |
| Bristol | South West England | 9–21 days |
| Edinburgh | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Cardiff | Wales | 9–21 days |
| Newcastle Upon Tyne | North East England | 9–21 days |
| Belfast | Northern Ireland | 9–21 days |
| Leicester | Leicestershire | 9–21 days |
| Coventry | West Midlands | 9–21 days |
| Nottingham | Nottinghamshire | 9–21 days |
