Xalatan
Generic Name: latanoprost ophthalmic (la TAN oh prost)
Brand Names: Xalatan
What is Xalatan?
Xalatan reduces pressure in the eye by increasing the amount of fluid that drains from the eye.
Xalatan is used to treat certain types of glaucoma and other causes of high pressure inside the eye.Xalatan may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information about Xalatan
Do not use Xalatan while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using Xalatan before putting your contact lenses in.Xalatan may cause a gradual change in the color of your eyes or eyelids and lashes, as well as increased growth or thickness of your eyelashes. These color changes, usually an increase in brown pigment, occur slowly and you may not notice them for months or years. Color changes may be permanent even after your treatment ends, and may occur only in the eye being treated. This could result in a cosmetic difference in eye or eyelash color from one eye to the other.
Do not allow the dropper to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.After using Xalatan, wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops that your doctor has prescribed.
Before using Xalatan
Do not use Xalatan if you are allergic to latanoprost.Before using Xalatan, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have swelling or infection of your eye.
Xalatan may cause a gradual change in the color of your eyes or eyelids and lashes, as well as increased growth or thickness of your eyelashes. These color changes, usually an increase in brown pigment, occur slowly and you may not notice them for months or years. Color changes may be permanent even after your treatment ends, and may occur only in the eye being treated. This could result in a cosmetic difference in eye or eyelash color from one eye to the other.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Xalatan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.How should I use Xalatan?
Do not use Xalatan while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using Xalatan before putting your contact lenses in.Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.
Wash your hands before using the Xalatan eye drops.To apply the eye drops:
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Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
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If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop. Also wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops that your doctor has prescribed.
Do not use the Xalatan eye drops if it has been longer than 6 weeks since you first opened the bottle. If you still need to use the medication, call your doctor for a new prescription.
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you forget to use the Xalatan eye drops, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.An overdose of Xalatan used in the eyes is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.
What should I avoid while using Xalatan?
Avoid using too much of Xalatan, which can actually make it less effective in lowering the pressure inside the eye.Avoid using any eye drop medicine that has not been prescribed by your doctor.
Xalatan side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Xalatan and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:-
redness, swelling, itching, or pain in or around your eye;
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oozing or discharge from your eye;
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increased sensitivity to light;
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vision changes; or
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chest pain.
Less serious side effects may include:
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cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat;
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headache, dizziness;
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mild eye discomfort;
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blurred vision;
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feeling like something is in your eye;
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dry or watery eyes; or
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stinging or burning of the eyes after using the drops.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
What other drugs will affect Xalatan?
There may be other drugs that can affect Xalatan. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about Xalatan.
- Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.
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More Xalatan resources:
Xalatan Ophthalmic - Includes detailed dosage instructions.
Glaucoma (Open Angle), Intraocular Hypertension
