Glanatec (Ripasudil)

Glanatec (ripasudil) 0.4% eye drops are approved in Japan to lower eye pressure in glaucoma and ocular hypertension when other medicines are not effective enough or cannot be used. It was the world’s first Rho kinase inhibitor eye drop. The usual dose is one drop in the affected eye twice a day.

Ripasudil inhibits Rho kinase in the trabecular meshwork, the eye’s main drainage tissue. This relaxes the meshwork and increases the outflow of fluid (aqueous humour) through the conventional pathway, lowering intraocular pressure.

• Redness of the eye is very common (about 69% of patients in the Japanese label data). It usually appears briefly, right after the drop is put in. Tell the eye doctor if it does not go away.
• Allergic conjunctivitis and eyelid inflammation (blepharitis) can develop with longer use.
• When using other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between them.
• The drops contain benzalkonium chloride. Remove soft contact lenses before use and wait at least 5 minutes before putting them back in.

Can Glanatec be imported to India?

Yes. If an ophthalmologist prescribes Glanatec, it can be imported for that patient under the named-patient route.

How many bottles are needed?

Each bottle holds 5 mL, and in Japan bottles are packed in boxes of 5, 10 or 30. There is one strength (0.4%) and a fixed dose of one drop twice a day, so the prescription only needs to say which eye or eyes and how many bottles.

What documents do we need?

• A prescription from an ophthalmologist
• An eye report confirming glaucoma or ocular hypertension, with recent eye pressure readings
• Government-issued photo ID of the patient

We confirm the order only after the prescription has been checked.

How should Glanatec be stored?

At room temperature. The shelf life is 3 years. Do not let the bottle tip touch the eye. After putting in the drop, close the eye for 1–5 minutes and press gently on the inner corner.

Glanatec is mostly prescribed as an add-on when other glaucoma drops are not lowering the pressure enough. We source it from Japan through authorised channels and import it in the patient’s name.

For Glanatec price and delivery time in India, call +91-9310090915 or email info@indianpharmanetwork.in.

Global Approval Status:

• Japan: Approved on 26 September 2014 and launched in December 2014.
• Singapore: Launched in 2022.
• United States / European Union: Not approved.

Sources:

• Glanatec ophthalmic solution 0.4% – Japanese package insert (PMDA, revised June 2023)
• Glanatec re-examination report (PMDA, 2023)

Information last checked: October 2026.

What is Glanatec used for?

Glanatec (ripasudil) is a Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor eye drop used for glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

Who manufactures Glanatec?

Glanatec is from Kowa Company, Ltd. (Japan), which licensed it from D. Western Therapeutics Institute.

How does Glanatec work?

Ripasudil inhibits Rho kinase in the trabecular meshwork, the eye’s main drainage tissue.

Can Glanatec be used with other glaucoma drops?

Yes. It is often used in addition to other glaucoma medicines when eye pressure is not controlled.

Why does my eye turn red after using Glanatec?

Redness of the white of the eye is the most common side effect and usually lasts only a short time after each drop. If it stays, or you notice itching or swollen eyelids, tell your eye doctor.

Is Glanatec approved by the US FDA?

No. Glanatec is not approved by the US FDA.