BACKGROUND: Prostanoids are the newest pharmacologic group of ocular hypotensive drugs for clinical management of glaucoma. The group includes four chemical compounds structurally derived from naturally-occurring prostaglandin (PG) F(2). Prostanoids have been divided into PG analogues (unoprostone, latanoprost and travoprost) and prostamides (bimatoprost) because of differences in molecular structures. The drugs share a novel mechanism of action that produces a potent ocular hypotensive effect and a novel local adverse effect of increased iridial pigmentation. OBJECTIVE: To summarise the pharmacologic and clinical data regarding the effectiveness and safety of prostanoids in clinical glaucoma management. METHODS: The review was supported by a literature search of peer-reviewed publications, based on medical information available in databases such as PubMed. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: The prostanoids began a treatment revolution not only because of their novel mechanism of action but also as a result of a new local side effect.
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Arranz-Márquez et al. (2008) studied this question.
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