Xalatan
Generic name: latanoprost ophthalmic
Drug class: Ophthalmic glaucoma agents
Medically reviewed by A Ras MD.
What is Xalatan used for?
Xalatan is a prescription medicine that is used to treat glaucoma. It is used to lower high eye pressure.
Description
Latanoprost is a prostaglandin F2α analogue. Its chemical name is isopropyl-(Z)-7[(1R,2R,3R,5S)3,5-dihydroxy-2-[(3R)-3-hydroxy-5-phenylpentyl]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate. Its molecular formula is C26H40O5 and its chemical structure is:
| M.W. 432.58 |  |
Latanoprost is a colorless to slightly yellow oil that is very soluble in acetonitrile and freely soluble in acetone, ethanol, ethyl acetate, isopropanol, methanol, and octanol. It is practically insoluble in water.
XALATAN (latanoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.005% is supplied as a sterile, isotonic, buffered aqueous solution of latanoprost with a pH of approximately 6.7 and an osmolality of approximately 267 mOsmol/kg. Each mL of XALATAN contains 50 mcg of latanoprost. Benzalkonium chloride, 0.02% is added as a preservative. The inactive ingredients are: sodium chloride, sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate, disodium hydrogen phosphate anhydrous, and water for injection. One drop contains approximately 1.5 mcg of latanoprost.
Mechanism of Action
Latanoprost is a prostaglandin F2α analogue that is believed to reduce the IOP by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor. Studies in animals and man suggest that the main mechanism of action is increased uveoscleral outflow. Elevated IOP represents a major risk factor for glaucomatous field loss. The higher the level of IOP, the greater the likelihood of optic nerve damage and visual field loss.
Before taking Xalatan, tell your doctor:
- If you are allergic to Xalatan; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have swelling in the eye.
- If you have a herpes infection of the eye.
- If you are using another drug like this one. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Xalatan with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Xalatan?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take Xalatan. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Use care when driving or doing other tasks that call for clear eyesight.
- Have your eye pressure and eyesight checked as you have been told by the doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you have an eye infection, eye injury, or will be having eye surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Xalatan while you are pregnant.
- Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
How is Xalatan best taken?
Use Xalatan as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- For the eye only.
- Use in the evening.
- Wash your hands before and after use.
- Take out contact lenses before using Xalatan. Lenses may be put back in 15 minutes after Xalatan is given. Do not put contacts back in if your eyes are irritated or infected.
- Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.
- Tilt your head back and drop drug into the eye.
- After use, keep your eyes closed. Put pressure on the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 1 to 2 minutes. This keeps the drug in your eye.
- Blot extra solution from the eyelid.
- If more than 1 drug is being used in the same eye, use each drug at least 5 minutes apart.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
What are the side effects of Xalatan that I need to call my doctor about immediately?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Change in eyesight, eye pain, or very bad eye irritation.
- Eye discharge.
- Eye color may change to a brown color. This change may be long-lasting. Eye color changes may happen a few months to years after starting Xalatan. If eye color changes, call the doctor.
What are some other side effects of Xalatan?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Eye irritation.
- Blurred eyesight.
- Burning.
- Stinging.
- Eyelash growth.
- Feeling that something is in the eye.
- This medicine may cause eyelash changes like dark eyelashes, thickness, or more eyelashes. Most of the time, these changes go back to normal after Xalatan is stopped.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If overdose is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Xalatan?
- Store unopened bottles in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
- Store opened bottles at room temperature. Throw away any part not used after 6 weeks.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Protect from light.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Label
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL – 2.5 ML BOTTLE LABEL
