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Table of Contents
What is Xalatan?
Xalatan falls under the category of ophthalmic glaucoma agents and functions by reducing the pressure inside the eye through an increase in fluid drainage.
Xalatan eye drops are prescribed to address specific types of glaucoma and other conditions leading to elevated pressure within the eye.
It’s worth noting that Xalatan may also have applications beyond those outlined in this medication guide.
Warnings
- Contact Lenses: Avoid using Xalatan while wearing contact lenses, as the medication may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait for at least 15 minutes after using Xalatan before inserting contact lenses.
- Eye Color Changes: Xalatan may bring about a gradual alteration in the color of the eyes, eyelids, and lashes, often an increase in brown pigment. These changes occur slowly, potentially taking months or years to become noticeable. The color changes might be permanent, persisting even after treatment cessation, and may occur exclusively in the treated eye, resulting in a cosmetic difference in eye or eyelash color between eyes.
- Dropper Hygiene: Avoid contact between the dropper’s tip and any surface, including the eyes or hands, to prevent contamination. A contaminated dropper could lead to eye infection, potentially causing vision loss or significant eye damage.
- Subsequent Eye Drops: Wait for at least 5 minutes after using Xalatan before applying any other prescribed eye drops.
Xalatan side effects
Seek emergency medical assistance if signs of an allergic reaction to Xalatan occur, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Discontinue Xalatan and contact your doctor promptly if you experience:
- Eye swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting, or drainage (which may indicate an infection).
- Red, swollen, or itchy eyelids.
- Increased sensitivity to light.
- Vision changes.
- Severe burning, stinging, or irritation after use.
Common side effects of Xalatan may include:
- Watery eyes.
- Itchy eyes.
- Puffy eyelids.
- Stinging, burning, or redness of the eyes.
- Blurred vision.
- Sensation of a foreign object in the eye.
- Increased sensitivity to light.
- Darkening of eye color.
- Eyelash thickening.
This is not an exhaustive list of side effects, and there may be others. Seek medical advice for any unexpected reactions.
Before taking this medicine
- Allergic Reactions: Do not use Xalatan if you are allergic to latanoprost or benzalkonium chloride.
- Medical History: Inform your doctor if you have a history of swelling or infection in the eye, herpes infection of the eyes, retinal detachment, or prior eye surgery or injury affecting the lens.
- Eye Color Changes: Be aware that Xalatan may induce gradual changes in eye, eyelid, and eyelash color, often manifesting as increased brown pigment. These changes may be permanent, with potential cosmetic differences between eyes.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The impact of Xalatan eye drops on pregnancy is not fully understood; thus, pregnant individuals or those planning pregnancy should inform their doctor. Additionally, breastfeeding while using Xalatan is not recommended.
- Age Restrictions: Xalatan is not approved for use in individuals under 18 years old.
How should I use Xalatan?
- Dosage: Adhere to the prescribed dose of 1 drop into the affected eye every evening. Follow your doctor’s instructions meticulously.
- Contact Lenses: Refrain from using Xalatan while wearing soft contact lenses, as the preservative in the medication can permanently stain the lenses. Wait for at least 15 minutes before inserting contact lenses.
- Administration Technique: Wash your hands before using the eye drops. Tilt your head back slightly, pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket, and administer the drop. Close your eyes for 2 to 3 minutes without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute to prevent liquid drainage into the tear duct.
- Hygiene and Contamination: Avoid touching the dropper’s tip directly to your eye, and ensure it doesn’t contact any surface to prevent contamination.
- Storage: An unopened bottle of Xalatan eye drops should be stored in a refrigerator, but not frozen. After the first use, store the eye drops at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed, and discard the medicine after 6 weeks from the first opening.
Dosing information
The usual adult dose of Xalatan for intraocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma involves applying one eye drop to the affected eye(s) once a day in the evening. If a dose is missed, continue with the next dose as usual. The dosage should not exceed one drop daily, as more frequent administration may diminish the intraocular pressure-lowering effect. Reduction of intraocular pressure typically begins approximately 2 to 4 hours after the first administration, with maximum effect reached after 12 hours. Xalatan may be used in conjunction with other topical ophthalmic drugs to lower intraocular pressure, with each drug administered at least 5 minutes apart if multiple ophthalmic drugs are used concurrently.
