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Home > Drug Category > Glaucoma Medications > Xalatan Eye Drops and Equivalent

Xalatan Information

Xalatan (Latanoprost) is a prostaglandin F2-alpha analogue available as an ophthalmic solution. It is primarily used to reduce elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. These conditions are characterized by abnormally high pressure inside the eye, which, if left untreated, can lead to progressive damage to the optic nerve and potentially irreversible vision loss. Xalatan works by increasing the outflow of aqueous humour, the fluid that constantly flows through the eye, thereby effectively lowering the eye pressure. It is typically used once daily in the evening and can be part of a monotherapy regimen or used in combination with other ocular hypotensive agents.

Xalatan Side Effects

The most common side effects of Xalatan may include blurred vision, burning, stinging, or itching in the eye, conjunctival hyperemia (eye redness), dry eyes, foreign body sensation in the eye, increased iris pigmentation (may be permanent, leading to a gradual change in eye color, especially in mixed-color irises), increased eyelash growth (length, thickness, number, and/or direction of development), eyelid changes (e.g., increased skin pigmentation around the eye, eyelid edema), keratopathy (e.g., punctate keratitis), and mild eye irritation. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Allergic reactions (e.g., rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing)
• Chest pain
• Corneal edema (swelling of the cornea)
• Deepening of the eyelid sulcus (eyes appear sunken)
• Eye pain or discomfort that worsens
• Eye swelling or discharge
• Eyelid skin darkening
• Iritis/Uveitis (inflammation inside the eye)
• Macular edema (swelling of the retina), especially in aphakic or pseudophakic patients with a torn posterior lens capsule
• Muscle or joint pain
• Severe eye pain or redness
• Sudden vision changes
• Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., cold, flu-like symptoms)

Xalatan Precautions

Do not use Xalatan if you are allergic to Latanoprost or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have active or a history of intraocular inflammation (e.g., iritis, uveitis) – Xalatan should generally be avoided in these patients, aphakia (absence of the natural lens of the eye), pseudophakia (presence of an artificial lens) with a torn posterior lens capsule, known risk factors for macular edema, or a history of herpes simplex keratitis (especially active). Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Xalatan and other medications, particularly other prostaglandin analogues (e.g., travoprost, bimatoprost), which may lead to paradoxical increases in IOP if used together. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before using Xalatan. While studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity at high doses, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Xalatan should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed before using Xalatan. The excretion of latanoprost or its metabolites in human milk is unknown. A decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. Do not use this medicine in children under 18 years of age without talking to your doctor, as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Since Xalatan can cause temporary blurred vision, exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until your vision returns to normal.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Xalatan comes as an ophthalmic solution (eye drops). The typical dose is one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening. Using more than once a day may decrease the IOP-lowering effect. Wash your hands thoroughly before administering eye drops. Tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid to form a pocket, and instill the prescribed number of drops into the conjunctival sac. Avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination. After instillation, gently close your eye for a moment. If you are using other eye medications, wait at least 5 minutes between applications. Remove contact lenses before instilling Xalatan and wait at least 15 minutes after instillation before reinserting them, as the preservative (benzalkonium chloride) can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Do not stop using Xalatan without talking to your doctor, even if your symptoms improve, as discontinuing treatment can lead to increased eye pressure and potential vision damage. Your doctor may perform regular eye exams and monitor your IOP while you are using this medication. Store unopened bottles of Xalatan in a refrigerator (between 2°C and 8°C). Once opened, the bottle may be stored at room temperature (up to 25°C) for up to 6 weeks. Protect from light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Xalatan Eye Drops?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Xalatan Eye Drops.