Xalatan is a topical eye medication used to reduce pressure inside
the eye. It is used to treat eye conditions, including glaucoma and
ocular hypertension, in which increased pressure can lead to a gradual
loss of vision.
Latanoprost is sometimes prescribed for other uses;
ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should Xalatan be used?
Xalatan comes as eyedrops. Usually, one drop is applied
to the affected eye(s) once a day in the evening. If Latanoprost is
used with other topical eye medications, allow at least 5 minutes
between each medication. Follow the directions on your prescription
label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any
part you do not understand. Use Latanoprost exactly as directed. Do
not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by
your doctor. Latonoprost controls glaucoma but does not cure it. Continue
to use Latanoprost even if you feel well. Do not stop using Latanoprost
without talking to your doctor.
To
apply the eyedrops, follow these steps:
Wash
your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Use a mirror or have someone else put the drops in your eye.
Make sure the end of the dropper is not chipped or cracked.
Avoid touching the dropper against your eye or anything else.
Hold the dropper tip down at all times to prevent drops from flowing
back into the bottle and contaminating the remaining contents.
Lie down or tilt your head back.
Holding the bottle between your thumb and index finger, place the
dropper as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of
the eye down to form a pocket.
Drop the prescribed number of drops into the pocket made by the
lower lid and the eye. Placing the drops on the surface of the eyeball
can cause stinging.
Close your eye and press lightly against the lower lid with your
finger for 2-3 minutes to keep Latanoprost in the eye. Do not blink.
Replace and tighten the cap right away. Do not wipe or rinse it
off.
Wipe off any excess liquid from your cheek with a clean tissue.
Wash your hands again.
If you still have symptoms of glaucoma (eye pain or blurred vision)
after using Latanoprost for a couple of days, call your doctor.
Before
using Xalatan, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic
to Latanoprost or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, including vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have inflammation of the eye, and if you have
or have ever had liver or kidney disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or
are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using Latanoprost,
call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor
or dentist that you are using Xalatan.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is
almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your
regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for
a missed one.
What
side effects can Xalatan cause?
Although side effects from Latanoprost are not common, they can occur.
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go
away: stinging, burning, itching, watering, or swelling of the eye
redness of the eyelids
irritation
dry eyes
Xalatan may increase the brown pigmentation in your iris, changing
your eye color to brown. The pigmentation changes may be more noticeable
in patients who already have some brown eye coloring. Xalatan may
also cause your eyelashes to grow longer and thicker and darken in
color. These changes usually occurs slowly, but they may be permanent.
If you use Latanoprost in only one eye, you should know that there
may be a difference between your eyes after taking Latanoprost. Call
your doctor if you notice these changes.
What storage conditions are needed for Xalatan?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed,
and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away
from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any
medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist
about the proper disposal of your medication.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor will order certain
eye tests to check your response to Xalatan.Remove contact lenses
before using Latanoprost. You may replace the lenses 15 minutes after
applying Xalatan.
Do
not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any
questions you have about refilling your prescription.