Xalatan Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Generic names: Latanoprost

Pronounced: ZAL-a-tan

Brand names: Xalatan

Latanoprost ophthalmic reduces pressure in the eye by increasing the amount of fluid that drains from the eye. It is practically insoluble in water. Xalatan may slowly cause darkening of the eye color due to increased brown color, darkening of the eyelid and eyelashes, and increased growth and thickness of eyelashes. A contaminated solution can cause an eye infection and lead to serious damage, including loss of vision. It can be prescribed alone or with other glaucoma medications. It is a colorless to slightly yellow oil which is very soluble in acetonitrile and freely soluble in acetone, ethanol, ethyl acetate, isopropanol, methanol, and octanol. Latanoprost ophthalmic contains a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), so do not wear soft contact lenses when applying this medication. Color changes may occur only in the eye being treated.

Xalatan Dosage:

• The usual dose is 1 drop in the affected eye once every evening.
• The dosage of latanoprost should not exceed once daily since it has been shown that more frequent administration may decrease the intraocular pressure lowering effect.
• If more than one topical ophthalmic drug is being used, the drugs should be administered at least 5 minutes apart.

Uses of Xalatan:

• Xalatan is used to relieve high pressure within the eye (a hallmark of the condition known as open-angle glaucoma).
• Xalatan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
• It reduces pressure in the eye by increasing the amount of fluid that drains from the eye.

Side Effects of Xalatan:

Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:

• Inflamed or infected eyes or eyelids.
• Skin rash, peeling, blistering or loosening of skin.
• Upper respiratory infection.
• Changes in eye, eyelash, or eyelid color.
• Blurred vision.
• Increased pigmentation of the iris.
• Stinging.
• Sensitivity of the eyes to light.
• Foreign body sensation.
• Inflammatory disease of the cornea.
• A feeling of something in your eye may occur.

Warnings and precautions before taking Xalatan:

• Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands.
• Do not use double or extra doses.
• If your eye sustains an injury or becomes infected, or you have eye surgery, you may need to start a new bottle of Xalatan. Be sure to check with your doctor.
• Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: an active swelling process within the eye (e.g., iritis, uveitis).
• Contact your doctor if you experience any type of eye condition or if you need to have eye surgery.
• Before using latanoprost, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to the preservative in this product (benzalkonium chloride); or if you have any other allergies.

Drug Interaction:

• Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use .
• Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
• Mixing Xalatan with eye drops containing thiomersal can cause the formation of solid substances in the eye.
• To avoid this problem, administer the drops at least 5 minutes apart.

Overdose:

• This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.
• If you are taking xalatan and after taking you feel that the overdose is suspected, then contact with your doctor immediately.
• Symptoms of a Xalatan overdose may include burning, irritation, and redness of the eyes.
• If an overdose is suspected, flush the eye with water .
• US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
• Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

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