Effectiveness of latanoprost (Xalatan) monotherapy in newly discovered and previously medicamentously treated primary open angle glaucoma patients.

The effectiveness of latanoprost (Xalatan TM) monotherapy in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) was evaluated. Latanoprost is a prostaglandin analogue, the pure 15(R) epimer of 13, 14 dihydro 17 phenyl 18, 19, 20 trinor PGF2alpha isopropyl ester. As a prodrug it is being activated by enzymatic hydrolysis in the cornea after which it becomes active acid of latanoprost. Latanoprost is lowering the intraocular pressure (IOP) by increasing the uveoscleral outflow. In this study, latanoprost was used once daily as monotherapy what offers much better compliance for the patients than other combinations of drugs, preserving good IOP control. Based on the significant reduction of the IOp, measured on the day 60 ofthe trial (mean change in IOP was -5.1 mmHg, with 95% confidence interval in range from -5.6 to -4.5), it is concluded that use of latanoprost is advisable when calculating better IOP control, few side-effects and reductions in costs of potential surgical procedures.