Latanoprost

Detailed overview

Latanoprost is a prostaglandin F2-alpha analog (FP-receptor agonist) approved primarily for the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension in eye drop form (e.g., Xalatan). One known side effect of the eye drop is the growth and darkening of the eyelashes, which became the basis for prostaglandin-based eyelash-growth agents; however, the approved eyelash product is bimatoprost (Latisse), not latanoprost. Latanoprost applied to the scalp for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is off-label and experimental: it is not an approved hair-loss medication. The rationale behind the effect is that prostaglandin agonism at the hair follicle's FP receptor may prolong the anagen (growth) phase. In a small, 24-week, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study, 0.1% topical latanoprost increased hair density compared with placebo in men with early AGA, and combined preparations with minoxidil are also being studied. However, the evidence for the scalp is early, pilot-level, and long-term safety data are limited.