Latanoprost



Xalatan®







Latanoprost

(la TAN oh prost)

U.S. Brand Names
Xalatan®
Canadian Brand Names
Xalatan®
Mexican Brand Names
Xalatan®
Pharmacologic Category
Ophthalmic Agent, Antiglaucoma; Prostaglandin, Ophthalmic
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to latanoprost or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat glaucoma.
How does it work?
  • Latanoprost lowers pressure in the eye.
How is it best taken?
  • For the eye only.
  • Wash hands before and after use.
  • Take out contact lenses before using medicine. Lenses can be replaced 15 minutes after medicine is given. Do not put contacts back in if eyes are irritated or infected.
  • Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.
  • Tilt head back and drop medicine into eye.
  • After using medicine, keep your eyes closed. Apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 3-5 minutes. This keeps the medicine in your eye.
  • Separate each eye medicine by 5 minutes.
  • A delivery aid (Xal-Ease™) is available to help.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Instill a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not instill a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Short-term discomfort after use.
  • Bright lights may be irritating. Use sunglasses.
  • Blurred vision. Use caution when driving or doing other tasks that require you to have clear vision.
  • Eye color may change with use. This medicine may increase the brown pigment. Darkening of eyelashes and skin around the eye may also occur. These changes may be permanent.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Sudden change in vision, eye pain or irritation.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature. Throw away any unused portion after 6 weeks.
  • Store in a refrigerator if not using right away.
  • Protect from light.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: