Latanoprost and herpes simplex keratitis

PURPOSE: To report three cases in which herpes simplex keratitis developed after initiation of latanoprost therapy. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: One patient with a history of herpes simplex keratitis had recurre nce of herpes simplex keratitis with latanoprost treatment, resolution when latanoprost was stopped, and another recurrence when rechallenged with lat anoprost. A second patient with a history of herpes simplex keratitis had b ilateral recurrence with initiation of latanoprost; antiviral therapy could not eradicate herpes simplex keratitis until the latanoprost was discontin ued. The third patient with latanoprost associated herpes simplex keratitis cleared with the discontinuation of latanoprost and start of antiviral the rapy; reinstitution of latanoprost with prophylactic antiviral medication k ept the cornea clear, but as soon as the antiviral suppression was disconti nued, herpes simplex keratitis reappeared. CONCLUSION: Latanoprost, among its diverse pharmacologic effects, may media te inflammation in the eye, Prostaglandins may be a final common pathway fo r stimulating recurrence of herpes simplex keratitis. Clinicians should be aware of this possible association. (C) 1999 by Elsevier Science Inc, All r ights reserved.