An Introduction to Xalatan Side Effects
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with
Xalatan® (
latanoprost ophthalmic solution). However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Xalatan. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Xalatan side effects with you.)
Common Side Effects of Xalatan
Xalatan has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials in which the side effects of a group of people taking the drug are documented. As a result, it was possible to see what side effects occurred and how often they appeared.
In these studies, the most common side effects of Xalatan (occurring in 5 to 15 percent of people) included:
- Blurred vision
- Burning
- Stinging
- Red eyes
- Feeling like something is stuck in the eye
- Itching
- Change in eye color (especially a darkening of the eyes)
- Punctuate epithelial keratopathy (an eye condition involving damage or irritation to the cornea of the eye).
The change in eye color caused by Xalatan is permanent. People may also experience darkening of the eyelids, although this problem usually gets better once Xalatan is stopped. Eyelash changes (including darkening and increased thickness of the lashes) may also occur.
Other common Xalatan side effects (occurring in 1 to 4 percent of people) included:
- Dry eyes
- Tearing of the eye
- Eye pain
- Eyelid crusting
- Eyelid pain, swelling, or redness
- Sensitivity to light.
