Latanoprost + Timolol (Eye Drop)

Latanoprost + Timolol eye drops are a combination medicine used to treat open-angle glaucoma that hasn't been controlled with a single eye drop.

Drug class	Fixed-Dose Combination
Type	Combination
Forms	Eye Drop
Common strength	0.005% + 0.5%
Common Indian brands	Xalacom, Latocom, Lacoma-T, Latochek-T
Prescription status	Prescription

What Latanoprost + Timolol is used for

Latanoprost + Timolol eye drops are prescribed to manage a specific eye condition:

• Open-angle glaucoma not controlled on a single drop: This medicine is used when your eye pressure remains too high even after using a single type of eye drop for glaucoma. It helps to lower the pressure inside your eye, which is crucial for protecting your vision.

How it works

Latanoprost + Timolol is a ‘Fixed-Dose Combination’ medicine. This means it combines two of the most commonly used types of glaucoma medicines into one bottle. Each medicine works in a different way to lower the pressure inside your eye. By combining them, it provides a more effective way to control eye pressure, especially when a single medicine isn’t enough. This approach also means you have fewer bottles to manage, which can make it easier to stick to your treatment plan.

How it’s used

Using Latanoprost + Timolol eye drops correctly is very important for their effectiveness. Here’s how you typically use them:

• Dosing: You will usually need to put 1 drop into the affected eye(s) once a day. Your doctor will advise you whether to use it in the morning or at another specific time.
• Prescription: This medicine is a ‘Prescription’ drug, meaning you can only get it with a valid prescription from your eye doctor.
• Administration: After instilling the eye drop, gently press on the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) for 1-2 minutes. This helps to reduce the amount of medicine that gets absorbed into your body, which is particularly important for this medicine.
• Do Not Stop Suddenly: It is very important not to stop using these eye drops suddenly without consulting your doctor. Glaucoma requires continuous management, and stopping treatment abruptly can lead to a rise in eye pressure and potential vision damage.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

• Xalacom
• Latocom
• Lacoma-T
• Latochek-T

Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.

Precautions & side effects

While Latanoprost + Timolol eye drops are effective for glaucoma, there are important precautions and warnings you should be aware of:

• Contains a Beta-Blocker: This medicine contains a beta-blocker, which can be absorbed into your body. Because of this, it is crucial to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
  • Asthma
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • A slow heart rate
  • Any other heart disease

  Your doctor needs this information to ensure the medicine is safe for you.

• Reduced Systemic Absorption: To minimise the amount of medicine absorbed into your body, gently press the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) for 1-2 minutes immediately after instilling the drop.
• Adherence and Preservative Exposure: Using a fixed-dose combination like Latanoprost + Timolol means you have fewer bottles to manage. This can make it easier to remember to take your medicine (better adherence) and also reduces your exposure to preservatives, which can sometimes irritate the eye.
• Do Not Stop Suddenly: Never stop using these eye drops suddenly without your doctor’s advice. Abruptly stopping treatment can be harmful, especially for conditions like glaucoma.
• High Warning Level: This medicine has a ‘High’ warning level, indicating that careful monitoring and adherence to precautions are essential. Always follow your doctor’s instructions diligently.

Understanding Glaucoma and Your Treatment

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is vital for good vision. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in your eye. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss and even blindness. The good news is that with early detection and consistent treatment, such as with eye drops like Latanoprost + Timolol, the progression of glaucoma can often be controlled, helping to preserve your vision. Regular check-ups with your eye doctor are crucial to monitor your eye pressure and the health of your optic nerve. It’s important to understand that glaucoma usually has no early symptoms, which is why it’s often called the ‘silent thief of sight’. By the time you notice vision changes, some damage may have already occurred. This is why adhering to your prescribed eye drops daily, even if you feel fine, is paramount. Your doctor has prescribed Latanoprost + Timolol because your open-angle glaucoma was not adequately controlled with a single eye drop, meaning your eye pressure was still too high. This combination medicine works by using two different approaches to lower your eye pressure more effectively, helping to protect your optic nerve from further damage. Remember, managing glaucoma is a lifelong commitment, and your consistent effort in using your medication as directed plays the biggest role in maintaining your eye health.

Correct Eye Drop Instillation and Hygiene

Using eye drops correctly is essential for them to work effectively and to prevent contamination. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your eye drops. Before opening a new bottle, check the expiry date. To instil the drops, first, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper tip directly over your eye, being careful not to touch your eye, eyelid, or any other surface with the tip, as this can contaminate the medicine. Squeeze the bottle gently to release one drop into the pocket. Close your eye gently for a few seconds. After instilling the drop, and this is particularly important for Latanoprost + Timolol, gently press on the inner corner of your eye (the part closest to your nose) for 1-2 minutes. This technique, called punctal occlusion, helps to reduce the amount of medicine that gets absorbed into your bloodstream, minimising potential side effects. If you need to use more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different drops to ensure each medicine has enough time to be absorbed. Always put back the cap tightly after use. Never share your eye drops with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms, as this can spread infections.

Storage, When to Seek Help, and General Advice

Proper storage of your eye drops is important to maintain their effectiveness. Always store your Latanoprost + Timolol eye drops exactly as instructed on the packaging or by your pharmacist. Typically, eye drops should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Do not freeze them unless specifically instructed. Once opened, eye drop bottles usually have a limited shelf life, often around 28 days, after which they should be discarded even if there is medicine left. Mark the opening date on the bottle to help you remember. Always keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children. While Latanoprost + Timolol is generally well-tolerated, it’s important to be aware of when to seek medical attention. If you experience any severe eye irritation, redness, pain, changes in vision, or any new or worsening symptoms after using the drops, contact your eye doctor immediately. Also, because this medicine contains a beta-blocker, if you experience symptoms like unusual tiredness, dizziness, shortness of breath, or a very slow heartbeat, you should inform your doctor without delay. Remember that your eye doctor is your best resource for managing your glaucoma. Attend all your scheduled follow-up appointments, even if your eyes feel fine, as these are crucial for monitoring your eye pressure and the health of your optic nerve. Never adjust your dosage or stop your medication without consulting your doctor. Your active participation in your treatment plan is key to preserving your precious vision.

Frequently asked questions

What is Latanoprost + Timolol used for?

Latanoprost + Timolol eye drops are used to treat open-angle glaucoma, specifically when the condition is not adequately controlled by a single eye drop medicine.

How does Latanoprost + Timolol work?

This medicine is a fixed-dose combination, meaning it combines two different types of medicines into one bottle. These two medicines work together to lower the pressure inside your eye more effectively than a single medicine, which helps protect your optic nerve from damage caused by glaucoma.

What are the common Indian brands for Latanoprost + Timolol?

Some common Indian brands for Latanoprost + Timolol eye drops include Xalacom, Latocom, Lacoma-T, and Latochek-T.

How should I use Latanoprost + Timolol eye drops?

You typically instil 1 drop into the affected eye(s) once a day, usually in the morning or as advised by your doctor. After putting in the drop, gently press on the inner corner of your eye for 1-2 minutes to reduce absorption into the body. Do not stop using it suddenly without your doctor's advice.

Do I need a prescription for Latanoprost + Timolol?

Yes, Latanoprost + Timolol is a prescription medicine and can only be obtained with a valid prescription from your eye doctor.

What are the key precautions I should be aware of when using Latanoprost + Timolol?

This medicine contains a beta-blocker, which can be absorbed into your body. It is critical to tell your doctor if you have asthma, COPD, a slow heart rate, or any heart disease. After instilling the drop, gently press the inner corner of your eye for 1-2 minutes to reduce absorption. Also, never stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice.

References

1. Glaucoma – National Eye Institute
2. What Is Glaucoma? – American Academy of Ophthalmology
3. Glaucoma – MedlinePlus
4. Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
5. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

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Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.

This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.