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Home > Drug Category > Glaucoma Medications > Xalacom and Equivalent

Xalacom Information

Xalacom is a combination ophthalmic solution containing two active ingredients: latanoprost (a prostaglandin F2alpha analog) and timolol maleate (a beta-adrenergic blocker). This medication is used to reduce elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in adults with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Glaucoma is a condition characterized by increased pressure inside the eye, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss if left untreated. Xalacom works through two complementary mechanisms: latanoprost increases the outflow of fluid from the eye through a natural pathway. At the same time, timolol decreases the production of fluid within the eye. By lowering IOP, Xalacom helps to protect the optic nerve and preserve vision in individuals at risk.

Xalacom Side Effects

The most common side effects of Xalacom may include eye irritation (stinging, burning, itching), eye pain, blurred vision, eye redness, dry eyes, changes in iris pigmentation (increased brown colour), darkening/thickening/lengthening of eyelashes, and eyelid skin darkening. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Depression or mood changes;
• Eye infection or inflammation (e.g., severe redness, discharge, pain);
• Eye pain or light sensitivity;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, severe itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), or severe dizziness, trouble breathing;
• Slow or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting (signs of systemic beta-blocker effects);
• Sudden decrease or loss of vision or other significant vision changes;
• Swelling in the back of the eye (macular edema), especially if you have risk factors (e.g., aphakia, pseudophakia);
• Worsening of breathing problems (e.g., wheezing, shortness of breath, especially if you have asthma or COPD).

Xalacom Precautions

Do not use Xalacom if you are allergic to latanoprost, timolol, benzalkonium chloride (a preservative), or any other ingredients in this medication. Also, do not use it if you have certain reactive airway diseases such as bronchial asthma (current or history), severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or specific heart conditions including sinus bradycardia (slow heartbeat), second- or third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, overt cardiac failure, or cardiogenic shock. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including any heart conditions, low blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disorders, severe allergies, peripheral vascular disease (e.g., Raynaud’s phenomenon), or other eye conditions (e.g., active eye infection, inflammation of the iris/uvea, history of herpes simplex eye infection, aphakia, pseudophakia, or risk factors for macular edema). Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins, especially other eye drops. There may be significant drug interactions with oral beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, quinidine, and certain medications that deplete catecholamines. Using two or more prostaglandin analogs or beta-blockers in the eye is not recommended. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Xalacom should generally be avoided during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus from the timolol component. It is unknown if latanoprost passes into breast milk, but timolol does; discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Remove contact lenses before using Xalacom and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them, as soft contact lenses can absorb the preservative.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Xalacom comes as a sterile ophthalmic solution (eye drops). The usual dosage is one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily, preferably in the evening. Do not use more than one drop per day, as more frequent use may decrease its effectiveness or paradoxically increase eye pressure. Wash your hands thoroughly before applying the drops. Tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid to form a pouch, and look up. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and squeeze out one drop. Do not touch the dropper tip to your eye, eyelid, or any other surface to avoid contamination. Close your eyes gently for 1 to 2 minutes. If you are using other eye drops, administer them at least 5 minutes apart from each other. If a dose is missed, continue treatment with the next scheduled dose; do not administer a double dose. Store unopened bottles of Xalacom in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C or 36°F to 46°F), protected from light. Once opened, the bottle may be stored at room temperature (up to 25°C or 77°F) for up to 10 weeks, protected from light. Discard any unused portion after 10 weeks of opening. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Xalacom?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Xalacom.