Xalatan vs Latanoprost: are they the same?
Xalatan is a commercial brand whose active ingredient is exactly Latanoprost. This page explains what that means in practice: where they differ (brand, manufacturer, price, available strengths), why they are clinically equivalent, and when the brand or an authorised generic is the better choice.
Are they the same?
Yes — Xalatan contains Latanoprost as its active ingredient. Talking about "Xalatan" in clinical terms is the same as talking about Latanoprost at the dose strengths 0.005%. The differences from the authorised generic are brand, manufacturer (Pfizer), excipients, tablet appearance and price — not the active molecule itself.
When Xalatan is used
Xalatan ist bei Erwachsenen und Kindern zur Senkung des erhöhten Augeninnendrucks bei Patienten mit chronischem Offenwinkelglaukom oder okulärer Hypertension zugelassen.
Mechanisms compared
Because they share the same active ingredient, the mechanism is identical: Latanoprost ist ein Prodrug-Ester, der durch korneale Esterasen zu seiner aktiven freien Säure hydrolysiert wird, welche selektiv an den Prostaglandin-F-(FP)-Rezeptor bindet.
Brand or generic — which to choose?
For most patients, authorised generics of Latanoprost are clinically equivalent substitutes for Xalatan and typically cost substantially less. The practical differences are manufacturer, excipients (rarely matters except in specific sensitivities), tablet appearance and price. The brand is preferred by some patients for personal reasons or insurance coverage; the generic is the default when cost matters.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Is Xalatan the same as Latanoprost? ▾
Clinically yes — Xalatan is the brand and Latanoprost is its active ingredient. At equivalent doses (0.005%) they produce the same effect. The difference is brand, manufacturer (Pfizer) and price.
Is generic Latanoprost as effective as Xalatan? ▾
Yes. Authorised generics of Latanoprost must demonstrate bioequivalence to the brand. The active substance is the same; average effect is the same. Price is usually substantially lower.
Why does Xalatan cost more than generic Latanoprost? ▾
The price difference reflects originator development costs, brand recognition and competition among generic manufacturers. The molecule is identical; the cost is not.
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