Xalatan General Information
Xalatan is used to treat high pressure inside the eye due to glaucoma (open angle type) or other eye diseases (e.g., ocular hypertension). It is similar to a natural chemical in the body (prostaglandin) and works by regulating the flow of fluid within the eye which results in lower pressure. Lowering high pressure inside the eye helps to prevent blindness.
How to Use Xalatan
Apply Xalatan in the affected eye(s) usually once daily in the evening, or as directed by your doctor. Do not use Xalatan more frequently than prescribed; using more can decrease effectiveness.
To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.
The preservative in Xalatan may be absorbed by contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Xalatan and keep them out of your eyes for at least 15 minutes after applying Xalatan.
Tilt your head back, look upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and apply the prescribed number of drops. Look downward and gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the inside corner of your eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye.
Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.
Use Xalatan regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. It is important to continue using Xalatan even if you feel well. Most people with glaucoma or high pressure in the eye do not feel sick.
If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other products. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.
Xalatan Possible Side Effects
Blurred vision, burning/stinging/itching/redness of the eye, feeling as if something is in the eye, changes in eyelash number/color/length/thickness, eyelid changes/skin darkening, dry eye, lid crusting/discomfort, increased sensitivity to light, flu-like symptoms, or muscle/joint pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Xalatan may slowly (over months to years) cause brown discoloration of the colored portion of the eye (iris). If you are using Xalatan in only one eye, only that iris may change color. This color change may be permanent but the long-term effects are uncertain. Notify your doctor if this occurs and schedule regular eye exams to monitor it.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Xalatan because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Xalatan do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: eye pain, suspected eye infection (unusual redness or swelling of eyes), chest pain.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: rapid vision changes (e.g., loss of vision).
A serious allergic reaction to Xalatan is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, severe itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing.
Xalatan Precautions
Before using Xalatan, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Xalatan may contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Xalatan should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using Xalatan, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: an active swelling process within the eye (e.g., iritis, uveitis).
Before using Xalatan, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other eye problems (e.g., macular edema, history of iritis/uveitis, lens extraction/aphakia), contact lens use.
If you develop an eye infection or injury, or have eye surgery, check with your doctor about the continued use of your current bottle of Xalatan. You may be advised to start using a new bottle.
Your vision may be temporarily blurred or unstable after applying Xalatan. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.
Xalatan should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether Xalatan passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Xalatan Possible Intercations
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Before using Xalatan, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: eyelash treatment (such as topically applied bimatoprost).
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Xalatan, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.