Xalatan

Generic name: Latanoprost Ophthalmic
Drug class: Ophthalmic glaucoma agents

Usage of Xalatan

Xalatan 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.

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;

your eyes may be more sensitive to light;

vision changes; or

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

Common Xalatan side effects may include:

watery eyes;

itchy eyes;

puffy eyelids;

stinging, burning, or redness of the eyes;

blurred vision;

feeling like something is in your eye;

your eyes may be more sensitive to light;

darkened eye color; or

eyelash thickening.

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 Xalatan

You should not use Xalatan if you are allergic to Latanoprost or benzalkonium chloride.

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 breastfeeding.

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

Relate drugs

How to use Xalatan

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):

Warnings

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.

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.

Disclaimer

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