Can Latanoprost cause constipation? Examining a Rare Side Effect

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2008 case report in JAMA Ophthalmology, one patient using latanoprost for ocular hypertension experienced constipation and other gastrointestinal issues that resolved upon discontinuation of the medication. While not a common side effect, this raises the question: can latanoprost cause constipation? Exploring the potential link between this popular glaucoma medication and digestive issues is important for patient awareness.

Quick Summary

This article examines the uncommon possibility of latanoprost causing constipation, discussing anecdotal evidence from case studies and contrasting it with more frequently reported ocular side effects. It details the medication's systemic absorption and its potential, though minimal, influence on digestive function. The article also provides practical advice on how to manage medication-induced constipation and when to consult a healthcare provider.

Key Points

Constipation is a rare side effect: While not common, anecdotal and case report evidence suggests latanoprost can cause constipation in some susceptible individuals.
Systemic absorption is minimal: Latanoprost is metabolized rapidly by the liver, which is why systemic side effects are infrequent.
Most side effects are ocular: The majority of latanoprost side effects, such as eye redness, irritation, and changes in iris pigmentation, are localized to the eye.
Talk to your doctor about new symptoms: If you experience persistent constipation after starting latanoprost, consult your healthcare provider to confirm the cause and discuss management options.
Management strategies are available: Lifestyle changes, including increased fiber and hydration, along with potential over-the-counter laxatives, can effectively manage medication-induced constipation.
Do not stop medication without approval: It is critical not to stop using latanoprost abruptly without your doctor's guidance, as this could lead to serious consequences for your eye health.

Understanding Latanoprost's Side Effect Profile

Latanoprost is a prostaglandin F2α analogue widely used to treat open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor from the eye. The most commonly reported side effects are localized to the eye and include conjunctival hyperemia (eye redness), itching, irritation, and changes in iris pigmentation. However, as the body absorbs a small amount of the medication systemically, rare systemic side effects can occur.

While lists of common side effects on major drug information sites do not typically include constipation, there is anecdotal and case-report evidence to suggest a link. The gastrointestinal system is highly sensitive to prostaglandins, which play a role in regulating intestinal motility. The prostaglandin F2α analogue in latanoprost could, in rare cases and in susceptible individuals, influence smooth muscle function in the gut, leading to altered bowel movements.

The Role of Systemic Absorption

Upon topical administration, latanoprost is absorbed through the cornea and metabolized quickly in the liver. Its systemic half-life is very short, about 17 minutes, meaning the drug is cleared from the bloodstream rapidly. This quick metabolism explains why systemic side effects are uncommon. In the rare instances they do occur, it may be due to individual sensitivities or slight variations in systemic absorption, even with proper administration techniques like punctal occlusion.

Comparison of Glaucoma Medication Side Effects

It can be helpful to compare latanoprost's potential side effects with those of other common glaucoma medications. This table provides a snapshot of some major drug classes and their common and notable side effects, including gastrointestinal ones.


Medication Class	Example Drug	Common Ocular Side Effects	Common Systemic Side Effects	Gastrointestinal Side Effects	Onset of Action
Prostaglandin Analogs	Latanoprost	Conjunctival hyperemia, iris color changes, eyelash growth	Headache, muscle/joint pain	Rare: Bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea. Very rarely constipation	3-4 hours; peak 8-12 hours
Beta-Blockers	Timolol	Burning, stinging, blurred vision	Bradycardia, breathing difficulty, dizziness	Nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea	30 minutes; peak 1-2 hours
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors	Dorzolamide	Eye burning, itching, blurred vision	Bitter taste, headache	Abdominal pain, nausea	Rapid onset
Alpha-Adrenergic Agonists	Brimonidine	Eye redness, dryness, itching	Fatigue, dry mouth	Nausea, headache	Rapid onset

Managing Potential Latanoprost-Related Constipation

If you believe that latanoprost is causing or contributing to constipation, the first step is to consult your ophthalmologist or general practitioner. They can help determine if the medication is the likely cause and recommend appropriate management. Do not stop using your medication without your doctor's approval.

Here are some common lifestyle and over-the-counter strategies often recommended for medication-induced constipation, including for patients on latanoprost:

Increase fiber intake: Incorporating more fiber-rich foods, such as fruits (like apples and pears with the skin), vegetables (leafy greens, broccoli), legumes, and whole grains, can help promote regularity.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is crucial for keeping stools soft and easy to pass.
Maintain an active lifestyle: Regular exercise helps stimulate the natural contractions of the intestines.
Use over-the-counter laxatives: Depending on your specific needs, a doctor might recommend a fiber supplement (like psyllium husk) or an osmotic laxative (such as polyethylene glycol, also known as PEG).
Follow a bowel management protocol: In some cases, a physician may recommend a specific protocol for managing chronic medication-induced constipation.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

While home remedies can often address mild constipation, you should contact your doctor if the constipation is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, or bloating. Your doctor may want to re-evaluate your treatment plan to ensure latanoprost is the correct choice or to explore alternatives. It is vital to continue using the eye drops as prescribed until you have discussed any changes with your doctor, as discontinuing the medication abruptly could lead to a dangerous increase in intraocular pressure.

Conclusion

While a significant body of evidence for a widespread link between latanoprost and constipation is lacking, case reports have shown that it is a rare but possible side effect for some individuals. For most users, the benefits of controlling intraocular pressure outweigh the minimal risk of systemic side effects, but patient vigilance and communication with a healthcare provider are key. If you experience persistent constipation while on latanoprost, discuss management strategies with your doctor. Most cases can be managed effectively with dietary and lifestyle adjustments, ensuring you can continue to treat your glaucoma effectively while minimizing any discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, constipation is not considered a common side effect of latanoprost. The most frequent side effects are ocular, such as eye redness, irritation, and changes in iris pigmentation. Constipation has been mentioned in isolated case reports, but it is not typically listed among the drug's primary adverse effects.

When latanoprost is applied to the eye, a small amount is absorbed into the bloodstream. This systemic absorption is usually minimal and the drug is metabolized rapidly. However, prostaglandins, the class of drugs latanoprost belongs to, also play a role in regulating the smooth muscle of the digestive system. In rare cases, a susceptible individual may experience an altered gastrointestinal response, which can lead to constipation.

First, contact your doctor to discuss your symptoms. While waiting, you can try standard remedies for constipation, including increasing your intake of fiber-rich foods and water and getting regular exercise. Do not stop using your eye drops unless instructed by a medical professional.

It is best to consult your doctor before starting any new medication, including over-the-counter laxatives, to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your situation. Options like fiber supplements or osmotic laxatives are generally well-tolerated.

While uncommon, latanoprost has been linked to other gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating, though the incidence is not well-established.

Yes. Immediately after applying the eye drop, you can press a finger to the inner corner of your eye for about a minute. This technique, called punctal occlusion, minimizes the amount of medication that drains into the nasal passage and is absorbed systemically.

In the case report where constipation was linked to latanoprost, the symptoms resolved after the patient stopped using the medication. However, you should never stop or change your glaucoma medication without your doctor's supervision, as this can lead to vision loss.