Xalatan vs Caverject: side-by-side comparison
Xalatan (Eye Care and Ophthalmic Treatments) and Caverject (Erectile Dysfunction (ED)) belong to different therapeutic classes and are rarely interchangeable. This page compares the medications' purposes, mechanisms and the situations where each is used.
| Property | Xalatan | Caverject |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Latanoprost | Alprostadil |
| Manufacturer | Pfizer | Pfizer |
| Class | Eye Care and Ophthalmic Treatments | Erectile Dysfunction (ED) |
| Strengths | 0.005% | 10mcg, 20mcg, 40mcg |
| Forms | ophthalmic solution | injection |
What's the same
Xalatan and Caverject are used in very different patients, and the points in common are limited. The main shared element is that both meet regulatory standards for efficacy and safety and benefit from pharmacist oversight.
Key differences
Xalatan belongs to Eye Care and Ophthalmic Treatments while Caverject belongs to Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Indications, mechanisms and target populations differ. The comparison is most useful when a clinician has mentioned both medications and the patient wants to understand where each fits.
Mechanism and action
Xalatan: Latanoprost is a prodrug ester hydrolysed by corneal esterases to its active free acid, which selectively binds the prostaglandin F (FP) receptor. Caverject: Alprostadil binds prostaglandin E receptors on smooth muscle of the corpus cavernosum, triggering cAMP-mediated relaxation of cavernosal smooth muscle independent of the nitric oxide pathway used by PDE5 inhibitors.
When Xalatan is preferred
Xalatan is approved in adults and children for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
When Caverject is preferred
Caverject is approved for erectile dysfunction of vasculogenic, neurogenic, psychogenic or mixed aetiology in adult men.
Frequently asked questions
Is Xalatan or Caverject better? ▾
Xalatan and Caverject are not interchangeable — they treat different conditions. Asking which is "better" is meaningful only when a clinician has weighed both for the same specific clinical scenario.
Can I switch from Xalatan to Caverject? ▾
Switching between Xalatan and Caverject is rarely an appropriate decision since they belong to different classes and treat different conditions. The real question is usually whether the diagnosis calls for one medication or the other — which the prescriber resolves.
Do Xalatan and Caverject have the same side effects? ▾
No — they belong to different classes and have distinct side-effect profiles. Each medication has its own prescribing information.
More Xalatan comparisons
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.