Xalatan

The active ingredient in Xalatan is Latanoprost which is a prostaglandin eye drop that promotes fluid drainage from the eye. When there is less fluid inside the eye, the ocular pressure decreases.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Xalatan. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Xalatan:

• Do not use Xalatan if you are using soft contact lenses. A preservative in this medication may permanently discolor the lenses. Allow at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.
• Before applying the eye drops, wash your hands well.

To use Xalatan eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to form a little pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye, tip down. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop.
• Close your eyes for 2-3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger against the inside corner of your eye for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from leaking into your tear duct.
• Wait at least 5 minutes before applying any additional eye drops.
• Avoid touching the tip of the eye dropper or placing it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, resulting in serious visual issues.
• Do not use eye drops if the liquid has changed color or contains particles. Contact your chemist for new medication.
• Inform your doctor right away if you have an eye injury or infection, or if you intend to have eye surgery.

The most common side effects of Xalatan seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Red eyes or red eyelid skin.
• Feeling like there is something in your eyes.
• Temporary stinging right after using the eye drops.
• Eye discharge or crusting.
• Blurred vision or vision loss.
• Itchy eyes.
• Increased eyelash growth.
• Eye pain.
• The darkening of the eye color is called iris pigmentation.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Xalatan. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Allergic reactions to Xalatan such as eye pain, eye infection, dry eyes, or chest pain.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Xalatan. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Xalatan, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• You should not take Xalatan if you are allergic to latanoprost or benzalkonium chloride.

To ensure that Xalatan is safe for you, inform your doctor if you have ever encountered:

• Swelling or inflammation in your eye.
• Herpes infection of the eyes.
• Retinal detachment.
• Eye surgery or injury to the lens of the eye.
• Xalatan may produce a progressive change in eye color, eyelids, and lashes, with an increase in brown pigmentation. You may also notice more growth or thickness in your eyelashes. These changes happen slowly, and you might not notice them for months or years. Color changes may be permanent even after your therapy is completed, and they may only affect the eye being treated. This may result in a cosmetic change in eye or eyelash color from one eye to the other.
• Eyelash and vellus hair modifications of the eyelid (increased length, thickness, color, and number of eyelashes); keratitis, cornea edema and erosions, intraocular inflammation (iritis/uveitis), macular edema.
• Xalatan should not be used when wearing contact lenses. This drug may contain a preservative that discolors soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using Xalatan before inserting your contact lenses.
• Do not let the dropper's tip come into contact with anything, particularly your eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated, it may induce an infection in your eye, perhaps resulting in vision loss or serious eye damage.
• After using Xalatan, wait at least 5 minutes before applying any other eye drops advised by your doctor.

Xalatan should be used with caution in patients with a history of intraocular inflammation (iritis/uveitis), and it should not be used in patients with active intraocular inflammation since it may worsen the disease.

Xalatan starts working about 3 to 4 hours after each dose. The drug takes full effect about 8 to 12 hours after your intake. This medication is most effective at controlling your eye pressure if used once a day in the evening. After many weeks of using Xalatan, your healthcare professional will re-check your eye pressure to ensure it is still working effectively for you.

When Xalatan is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Bimatoprost ophthalmic
• Bimatoprost Topical
• Latanoprostene bunod ophthalmic
• Omidenepag isopropyl ophthalmic
• Tafluprost ophthalmic
• Travoprost Ophthalmic

-Unoprostone Ophthalmic

The typical dosage form of Xalatan is one drop into the afflicted eye every evening. Follow your doctor's dosing recommendations carefully.

Xalatan is not FDA-approved for the use of children.

If you miss your dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medication to make up for the missed dosage.

Store an unopened bottle of Xalatan eye drops in the refrigerator. Don't freeze.

After the initial usage, keep the eye drops at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. When not in use, store the bottle tightly closed. After 6 weeks from when you initially opened the bottle, throw away the medicine.

Pfizer is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Xalatan.

There are several different generic versions of Xalatan available, with the active ingredient of Latanoprost.

There is no specific way to stop taking your Xalatan. However, be sure to discuss this with your healthcare provider before doing so.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It is unclear whether Xalatan eye drops will harm an unborn infant. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to get pregnant. However, it is not FDA authorized for children.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

You can use Xalatan while nursing. Treating excessive blood pressure in the eyes is critical, thus medication should continue while nursing.