Unoprostone Isopropyl
Pronunciation: (yoo-noh-PROST-own).
- Generic name
- Unoprostone isopropyl
- Brand names
- Unoprostin, Rescula, Unopros, Unoprost
- Drug class
- Ophthalmic prostaglandin analog
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country:
Australia: · Full directory
What Unoprostone isopropyl is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Unoprostone isopropyl works
Unoprostone is a prostaglandin F2α analog that primarily increases the outflow of aqueous humor through the uveoscleral pathway and, to a lesser extent, the trabecular meshwork. This results in reduced intraocular pressure (IOP), which is beneficial in glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Unlike other prostaglandin analogs, unoprostone may have a more selective action and a lower risk of causing iris pigmentation. (1)
What Unoprostone isopropyl is used for
Unoprostone is an eye drop medication used to lower increased pressure inside the eye, most commonly in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. By reducing intraocular pressure, it helps prevent damage to the optic nerve and vision loss. Unoprostone works by increasing the outflow of fluid from the eye, which helps decrease pressure.
Extracted from the clinician-authored database description field (no separate structured indications list was present in the DB record for this medicine).
Before taking Unoprostone isopropyl
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Do not use unoprostone isopropyl eye drops if you are hypersensitive (allergic) to unoprostone isopropyl or to any other ingredient in the product, including the preservative benzalkonium chloride. Hypersensitivity is the only contraindication in the US prescribing information. (all countries)
Tell your clinician about
- Any allergy to unoprostone isopropyl or to preservatives used in eye drops, such as benzalkonium chloride.
- Whether you wear soft contact lenses: the drops contain benzalkonium chloride, which soft lenses can absorb, so lenses should be taken out before each dose and put back in no sooner than 15 minutes afterwards.
- Any active inflammation inside the eye — the label advises caution, because the inflammation may be made worse.
- Any history of macular oedema, including aphakic or pseudophakic eyes with a torn posterior lens capsule.
- That the drops may gradually darken the colour of the iris — a change that may take months to years to appear and whose long-term effects are not known — and may darken the tissue around the eye and the eyelashes, which the label reports is reversible in most patients once treatment stops.
- Every other eye drop you use, so that doses can be spaced at least 5 minutes apart.
- Pregnancy, plans for pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
How to take Unoprostone isopropyl
- General Instructions: Use exactly as prescribed, typically one drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily. Do not use more or less than directed.. Adult Dosing: Instill one drop into the affected eye(s) twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart.. Pediatric Dosing: Safety and efficacy in children have not been established; use only if specifically prescribed by a pediatric ophthalmologist.. Administration: Wash hands before use. Tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid, and instill one drop into the conjunctival sac. Close your eyes gently and press the inner corner of your eye for 1-2 minutes to reduce systemic absorption.. When To Stop: Do not stop using unoprostone without consulting your doctor, even if symptoms improve. Discontinuation may result in increased eye pressure and risk of vision loss.. Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Discard any unused solution 28 days after opening.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not use two doses at once.
Overdose
Overdose with unoprostone is unlikely with proper use. If accidental ingestion or significant overdose occurs, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center.
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
The most common side effects include mild eye irritation, burning or stinging after application, temporary blurred vision, and increased eye redness.
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Warning sign
What to notice: Persistent eye pain or discomfort Changes in vision or visual disturbances Severe redness or swelling of the eye Signs of an eye infection (e.g., discharge, crusting) Sudden decrease in vision
What to do: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe eye pain, sudden vision loss, swelling around the eyes, signs of an allergic reaction (such as rash, itching, swelling of the face/tongue/throat, or difficulty breathing), or persistent eye discharge. (1)
Serious warnings
For ophthalmic use only — serious
Symptoms: For ophthalmic use only; do not ingest. May cause temporary blurred vision after application. Use with caution in patients with a history of ocular inflammation. Not recommended for use in children unless specifically prescribed. Inform your doctor of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated.
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to unoprostone or any component of the formulation. Use with caution in patients with active intraocular inflammation (e.g., uveitis), aphakia, or pseudophakia with a torn posterior lens capsule. Safety in pregnancy, lactation, and pediatric populations has not been established.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated.
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Unoprostone may interact with other ophthalmic medications. If you use more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5 minutes between applications. Inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products you use. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Pregnancy category C; should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk; caution should be exercised.
Children
Frequency: Not established.. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Max Daily Dose: Not established.. Max Single Dose: Not established.. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children.
Renal_impairment
Renal impairment: Use with caution; no specific dosing adjustments provided. Hepatic impairment: Use with caution; no specific dosing adjustments provided. Elderly: No specific dosage adjustment required; monitor for potential increased sensitivity.
Hepatic_impairment
Renal impairment: Use with caution; no specific dosing adjustments provided. Hepatic impairment: Use with caution; no specific dosing adjustments provided. Elderly: No specific dosage adjustment required; monitor for potential increased sensitivity.
Monitoring
Storage
The clinician-authored database record does not specify storage conditions for this medicine. Ophthalmic unoprostone solution (an eye drop for glaucoma) typically requires storage away from light at controlled room temperature before opening, with a limited-use period after the bottle is first opened, per manufacturer labeling — follow the specific product's own label.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Elevated intraocular pressure in open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension
Dose summary: One drop (0.15%) in the affected eye(s) twice daily.
Renal context: Use with caution; no specific dosing adjustments provided. (1)
Frequently asked questions
What is unoprostone used for?
Unoprostone is used to lower high pressure inside the eye in conditions such as open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension, helping to prevent optic nerve damage and vision loss.
How quickly does unoprostone work?
Unoprostone begins to lower intraocular pressure within a few hours of application, with the full effect typically seen within several days to weeks of regular use.
Can I use unoprostone with other eye drops?
Yes, but you should wait at least 5 minutes between different eye medications to prevent dilution or washout. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
Are there any long-term side effects?
Long-term use is generally well tolerated, but rare side effects may include changes in eye color, eyelash growth, or darkening of the eyelid skin. Report any unusual changes to your doctor.
Is unoprostone safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
The safety of unoprostone in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well established. Use only if clearly needed and prescribed by your doctor.
What should I do if I get unoprostone in my mouth or swallow it?
If accidental ingestion occurs, seek medical attention or contact a poison control center immediately, as systemic effects are possible.
How should I store unoprostone eye drops?
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed and discard any unused solution 28 days after opening.
What happens if I take too much Unoprostone?
Accidental overdose of Unoprostone is unlikely given its topical ophthalmic application. However, if an excessive amount is applied, it is recommended to rinse the eye with lukewarm water. Systemic overdose symptoms are rare. If you experience any unusual or severe symptoms, such as significant eye irritation or vision changes, seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Unoprostone?
There are no known direct interactions between Unoprostone (an ophthalmic medication) and alcohol consumption. As Unoprostone is applied topically to the eye, its systemic absorption is minimal. Therefore, alcohol is not expected to interfere with the effectiveness or safety of Unoprostone. However, always consult your healthcare provider regarding alcohol use with any medication.
Is Unoprostone safe during pregnancy?
Unoprostone's pregnancy category is not definitively established and requires careful consideration. Animal studies have shown potential risks, but human data is limited. Therefore, it is crucial to consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before using Unoprostone. Your healthcare provider can assess the potential benefits against any risks to you and your baby.
What is the mechanism of action of Unoprostone isopropyl?
Unoprostone is a prostaglandin F2α analog that primarily increases the outflow of aqueous humor through the uveoscleral pathway and, to a lesser extent, the trabecular meshwork. This results in reduced intraocular pressure (IOP), which is beneficial in glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Unlike other prostaglandin analogs, unoprostone may have a more selective action and a lower risk of causing iris pigmentation. (1)
What is the generic name of Unoprostone Isopropyl?
The generic name is Unoprostone isopropyl. It is sold under brand names including Unoprostin, Rescula, Unopros, Unoprost.
What class of drug is Unoprostone isopropyl?
Unoprostone Isopropyl is classed as: Ophthalmic prostaglandin analog.
References
- Unoprostone - MedGuideGlobal Clinician-Authored Medicine RecordMedGuideGlobal · International (clinical database record) · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 1
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Unoprostone isopropyl names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.