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Home > Drug Category > Glaucoma Medications > Monopost and Equivalent

Monopost Information

Monopost (Latanoprost) is a preservative-free eye drop containing latanoprost, a medication primarily used to reduce intraocular pressure. This high pressure is often linked to conditions like open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It is also used in treating chronic angle-closure glaucoma in patients who have had surgical treatment. The active ingredient is latanoprost, a potent prostaglandin analog. It works by increasing the outflow of the aqueous humor (the fluid that fills the front of the eye). Instead of using the primary drainage pathway, which might be blocked or inefficient, the drug appears to remodel the extracellular matrix between ciliary muscle fibers in the eyes. This process likely reduces resistance and allows the fluid to exit the eye more freely through these alternative tissues.

Open-angle glaucoma is a chronic condition where the eye's drainage angle remains open, yet the fluid doesn't leave the eye at the rate it should. This creates a slow buildup of pressure that, over time, is likely to compress and damage the optic nerve fibers. Ocular hypertension is a similar state of high pressure, though it hasn't yet caused detectable nerve damage or vision gaps. Latanoprost helps lower intraocular pressure to a safer level. Because the optic nerve is notoriously sensitive to mechanical stress, even a slight reduction in pressure can be the difference between maintaining sight and progressive blindness. This medication effectively offsets fluid buildup, providing a consistent way to manage the eye's internal environment and protect the nerve from further strain.

Standard latanoprost drops often contain benzalkonium chloride, a preservative that can cause irritation or damage eye’s surface with long-term use. Monopost is supplied in single-dose containers, eliminating the need for these preservatives. This makes it a common choice for patients with sensitive eyes, those suffering from dry eye syndrome, or individuals who react poorly to traditional preservatives.

Monopost Side Effects

Most people tolerate these drops well, though some mild reactions are fairly common. You might experience a temporary stinging sensation, redness, and itchiness in the eyes immediately after application. Other possible side effects include a change in eye color, blurry vision, nausea, vomiting, eye infection (conjunctivitis), changes to your eyelashes (growing longer and thicker), dryness of the eye, and sensitivity to light (photophobia). Contact your doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Cold or flu symptoms, sore throat, fever;
• Darkening of eyelid skin color;
• Discharge from the eye;
• Eye pain, eyelid crusting, redness, swelling, or discomfort;
• Increase in brown color in the colored part of the eye;
• Pain in muscles, joints, or back;
• Persistent sensitivity of the eye to light;
• Redness of the eye or inside of the eyelid;
• Vision changes such as a change in perception of color, blurred or wavy vision in the middle of the eye, or double vision

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Monopost Precautions

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to latanoprost, other ingredients in Monopost, or any other medicines. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Breathing problems such as asthma;
• Eye infections, including viral infections caused by the herpes simplex virus.
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease;
• Other eye problems, such as uveitis or lens problems

Although Monopost is preservative-free, the general recommendation remains to remove contact lenses before administration. Lenses can be reinserted after 15 minutes to ensure the medication has been fully absorbed by the ocular tissues. Refrain from driving or operating machinery immediately after using these eye drops until you understand their impact on your vision, as this medication can cause blurred vision. While this medication can be used safely during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, consult your doctor for guidance about its possible risks and benefits. This medication is not recommended for use in children. Some evidence suggests that the use of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ketorolac, alongside prostaglandins may slightly reduce the pressure-lowering effect, though this interaction appears variable among individuals. Therefore, it is imperative to let your doctor know about any medicine or supplements you are currently taking, including other topical eye medications, to determine if they can be used with Monopost.

Monopost comes as an eye solution, applied in drops to the affected eyes. The generally recommended dose of latanoprost is one drop to the affected eye once daily, preferably in the evening. It is worth noting that using this medication more than once a day is actually counterproductive, as frequent dosing appears to reduce its effectiveness at lowering eye pressure. Also, if you are using other topical eye medications, do not apply them within 5 minutes of applying Monopost eye drops. Ensure you check out the leaflet in the medication pack for more usage details. Store Monopost in a cool, dry place, away from children and pets. Additionally, ensure you use this medication within 6 weeks after opening its container.

Do I need a prescription to order Monopost?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Monopost.