Netarsudil + Latanoprost Eye Drops: Uses, Brands & Dosage

Netarsudil + Latanoprost is a prescription eye drop used to treat open-angle glaucoma when strong pressure lowering is needed.

Drug class	Fixed-Dose Combination
Type	Combination
Forms	Eye Drop
Common strength	0.02% + 0.005%
Common Indian brands	Rocklatan (Roclanda)
Prescription status	Prescription

What Netarsudil + Latanoprost is used for

Netarsudil + Latanoprost eye drops are a combination medicine specifically designed to help manage certain eye conditions. It is primarily used for:

Open-angle glaucoma: This is a common type of glaucoma where the drainage angle of the eye is open, but fluid doesn’t drain properly, leading to increased pressure inside the eye.

Your ophthalmologist will prescribe this medicine if they determine that you need a strong reduction in your eye pressure to protect your vision.

How it works

Netarsudil + Latanoprost is a unique combination eye drop that works in two different ways to lower the pressure inside your eye (intraocular pressure or IOP). This dual action helps to achieve a stronger pressure-lowering effect.

One part of the medicine, Netarsudil, belongs to a group called ROCK inhibitors. It works by improving the natural drainage of fluid from your eye through a specific pathway. The other part, Latanoprost, is a prostaglandin analogue. It also helps to increase the outflow of fluid from your eye, but through a different pathway. By combining these two mechanisms, the medicine effectively enhances the drainage of fluid from your eye, thereby reducing the pressure.

How it’s used

Using your eye drops correctly is very important to ensure they work effectively and to avoid any complications. Always follow your ophthalmologist’s instructions precisely.

Dosing: The typical dose for Netarsudil + Latanoprost is one drop in the affected eye(s) once a day, preferably at night.

Here are general steps for instilling eye drops:

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the eye drop bottle.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before instilling the drops. Your doctor will advise you on when you can reinsert them, usually after 15 minutes.
Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
Hold the dropper bottle upside down with the tip pointing towards your eye. Do not let the tip touch your eye, eyelid, or any other surface to prevent contamination.
Gently squeeze the bottle to release one drop into the pocket you created.
Close your eye gently and keep it closed for a minute or two. You can also press your finger gently on the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) to help prevent the medicine from draining into your tear duct.
Blot any excess liquid from your eyelid with a clean tissue.
If you need to use another eye drop in the same eye, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different medications to allow each drop to be absorbed properly.
Replace the cap tightly on the bottle immediately after use.
Wash your hands again after instilling the drops.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

Rocklatan (Roclanda)

Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.

Good to know

Prescription eye medicine — use only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or a prescription. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.

Precautions & side effects

While Netarsudil + Latanoprost is an effective medicine for lowering eye pressure, it’s important to be aware of certain precautions and potential effects:

Redness: It is common to experience some redness in the eye after using this medicine. This is usually mild and temporary, but if it is severe or persistent, please inform your ophthalmologist.
Strong IOP Reduction: This medicine is known for its strong ability to reduce intraocular pressure. This is its intended effect, but it means careful monitoring by your ophthalmologist is essential to ensure the pressure is within a safe range for your eye.
Prescription Medicine: This is a prescription-only eye medicine. It must only be used as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. Do not self-medicate or use it based on an old prescription.
Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, remove them before instilling the drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.
Eye Colour Changes: Latanoprost, one of the components, can sometimes cause a gradual change in eye colour, making blue eyes appear more brown. This change is usually permanent. Discuss this with your doctor if you have concerns.
Eyelash Changes: You might notice changes in your eyelashes, such as increased length, thickness, or number.
Driving and Operating Machinery: After instilling eye drops, your vision might be temporarily blurred. Avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision is clear.

Always discuss any concerns or side effects you experience with your ophthalmologist.

Understanding Glaucoma and Why Eye Drops Are Important

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 proper treatment, the progression of glaucoma can often be controlled, preserving your sight.

Your eye constantly produces a clear fluid called aqueous humour, which nourishes the eye and then drains out through a natural drainage system. In glaucoma, either too much fluid is produced, or the drainage system doesn’t work efficiently, causing fluid to build up and increase the pressure inside your eye. This increased pressure then presses on and damages the delicate optic nerve.

Netarsudil + Latanoprost eye drops are prescribed to help manage this pressure. By using these drops as directed, you are actively working to lower the pressure in your eye, which helps protect your optic nerve from further damage. It’s crucial to understand that glaucoma often has no early warning signs or pain, which is why regular eye check-ups are so important, especially if you have risk factors like a family history of glaucoma, diabetes, or are over a certain age. Once diagnosed, consistent use of your prescribed medication is key to managing the condition effectively.

Correct Eye Drop Instillation and Hygiene

Proper technique for instilling eye drops is essential for the medicine to work effectively and to prevent contamination. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling your eye drops. This simple step helps prevent germs from entering your eye, which could lead to an infection. When you open a new bottle, make sure the tip of the dropper doesn’t touch any surface, including your fingers, eyelids, or eyelashes. Contamination can introduce bacteria into the bottle, which can then be transferred to your eye.

After instilling the drop, close your eye gently for a minute or two. Avoid blinking excessively or squeezing your eyes shut tightly, as this can push the medicine out of your eye. You can also gently press your finger on the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) for a minute. This helps block the tear duct, preventing the medicine from draining away too quickly and allowing more time for it to be absorbed into your eye. If you are using more than one type of eye drop, always wait at least 5 to 10 minutes between different medications. This ensures that each drop has enough time to be absorbed and prevents one drop from washing out another.

Storage, When to Seek Help, and General Advice

Store your Netarsudil + Latanoprost eye drops as advised by your ophthalmologist or as indicated on the packaging. Typically, eye drops should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Do not use the eye drops beyond the expiry date printed on the bottle or carton. Also, once opened, eye drop bottles have a limited shelf life (usually 28 days) to prevent contamination. Mark the date you opened the bottle and discard it after the recommended period, even if there is still medicine left.

It is vital to maintain regular follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist. They will monitor your eye pressure and check for any changes in your condition or any side effects from the medication. If you experience any new or worsening eye pain, sudden changes in vision, severe redness, swelling, discharge from the eye, or any other unusual symptoms, contact your ophthalmologist immediately. Never stop using your eye drops without consulting your doctor, even if your eyes feel better, as this could lead to a rapid increase in eye pressure and further damage to your vision. Remember, this page provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always rely on your ophthalmologist for diagnosis, treatment, and specific instructions regarding your eye health.

Frequently asked questions

What is Netarsudil + Latanoprost used for?

Netarsudil + Latanoprost is a prescription eye drop used to treat open-angle glaucoma, especially when a strong reduction in eye pressure is needed.

How does Netarsudil + Latanoprost work?

This medicine works in two ways to lower eye pressure. It contains Netarsudil, which improves the natural drainage of fluid from the eye, and Latanoprost, which also increases fluid outflow through a different pathway. This dual action helps to reduce the pressure inside your eye effectively.

What are the common Indian brands for Netarsudil + Latanoprost?

The common brands for Netarsudil + Latanoprost eye drops include Rocklatan and Roclanda.

How should I use Netarsudil + Latanoprost eye drops?

You should use one drop in the affected eye(s) once a day, preferably at night. Always follow your ophthalmologist's specific instructions for use.

Do I need a prescription for Netarsudil + Latanoprost?

Yes, Netarsudil + Latanoprost is a prescription eye medicine and must only be used as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. Do not self-medicate.

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

A common side effect is eye redness. This medicine provides strong eye pressure reduction, so regular monitoring by your doctor is important. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before instilling drops and wait 15 minutes before reinserting them. Always discuss any concerns or side effects with your ophthalmologist.

References

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.