What is Xalatan?

Xalatan (latanoprost) is classified as an ophthalmic glaucoma agent and lowers pressure inside the eye by increasing the amount of fluid that drains from the eye.

Xalatan eye drops are used to treat certain types of glaucoma and other causes of high pressure inside the eye.

Xalatan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information

Do not use Xalatan while wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can discolor 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 tip of the dropper to touch any surface, including your 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.

Xalatan side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Xalatan: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Xalatan and call your doctor at once if you have:

• eye swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage (may be signs of infection);

• red, swollen, or itchy eyelids;

• increased sensitivity to light;

• vision changes; or

• severe burning, stinging, or irritation after using this medicine.

Common Xalatan side effects may include:

• puffy eyelids;

• stinging, burning, or redness of the eyes;

• blurred vision;

• feeling like something is in your eye;

• dry or watery eyes; or

• cold or flu symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Xalatan if you are allergic to latanoprost.

To make sure Xalatan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• swelling or an infection in your eye;

• herpes infection of the eyes;

• retinal detachment; or

• eye surgery or injury affecting the lens of your eye.

Xalatan may cause a gradual change in the color of your eyes or eyelids and lashes, usually an increase in brown pigment. You may also notice increased growth or thickness of your eyelashes. These changes 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.

It is not known whether Xalatan eye drops will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Xalatan is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I use Xalatan?

The usual dose of Xalatan is 1 drop into the affected eye every evening. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use Xalatan in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not use Xalatan while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in this medicine could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the Xalatan eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.

• Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.

• Wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Tell your doctor right away if you have an eye injury or eye infection, or if you plan to have eye surgery.

Store an unopened bottle of Xalatan eye drops in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.

After your first use, store the eye drops at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Throw away the medicine after 6 weeks have passed since you first opened the bottle.

Xalatan dosing information

Usual Adult Dose of Xalatan for Intraocular Hypertension:

One eye drop in the affected eye(s) once a day in the evening

Comments:
-If one dose is missed, treatment should continue with the next dose as normal.
-The dose should not exceed one drop in the affected eye(s) daily as more frequent administration may lessen the intraocular pressure lowering effect.
-Reduction of the intraocular pressure starts approximately 2 to 4 hours after the first administration with the maximum effect reached after 12 hours.
-This drug may be used concomitantly with other topical ophthalmic drugs to lower intraocular pressure.
-If more than one topical ophthalmic drug is being used, each one should be administered at least 5 minutes apart.

Use:
-Reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

Usual Adult Dose of Xalatan for Glaucoma (Open Angle):

One eye drop in the affected eye(s) once a day in the evening

Comments:
-If one dose is missed, treatment should continue with the next dose as normal.
-The dose should not exceed one drop in the affected eye(s) daily as more frequent administration may lessen the intraocular pressure lowering effect.
-Reduction of the intraocular pressure starts approximately 2 to 4 hours after the first administration with the maximum effect reached after 12 hours.
-This drug may be used concomitantly with other topical ophthalmic drugs to lower intraocular pressure.
-If more than one topical ophthalmic drug is being used, each one should be administered at least 5 minutes apart.

Use:
-Reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

What happens if I miss a dose?

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?

An overdose of Xalatan is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using Xalatan?

Avoid using too much of this medicine, which can actually make it less effective in lowering the pressure inside the eye.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

What other drugs will affect Xalatan?

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Xalatan only for the indication prescribed.

Related questions

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