Xalatan

Xalatan is an eye drop used for lowering eye pressure in people with high eye pressure or open angle glaucoma. It belongs to a class of medications called prostaglandins and works by opening the channels that drain fluid from the eye. Xalatan, which is available by prescription, is generally used once daily in the evening. Potential side effects include blurry vision, burning, and stinging.

 

What Is Xalatan?

Xalatan® (latanoprost ophthalmic solution) is a prescription eye drop approved to lower eye pressure in people with open angle glaucoma or high eye pressure (ocular hypertension).
 
(Click Xalatan Uses for more information on what Xalatan is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Xalatan?

Xalatan is made by Pfizer, Inc.
 

How Does Xalatan Work?

Xalatan belongs to a group of medications known as prostaglandins. Medications to lower eye pressure usually work by either decreasing the amount of fluid produced in the eye or by increasing the fluid drainage out of the eye. Either way, the result is the same -- lower eye pressure. Xalatan works by opening the channels that drain fluid from the eye. By reducing eye pressure, Xalatan can help prevent damage to the optic nerve (and the vision loss that accompanies such damage) caused by high eye pressure.
 

When and How to Take Xalatan

Some general considerations for when and how to take Xalatan include the following:
 
  • Xalatan comes as a solution, which means that it does not need to be shaken before use. It is usually taken once a day in the evening.
     
  • Always wash your hands thoroughly before using Xalatan.
     
  • Gently pull your lower eyelid down with a finger (most people find that their middle fingers work best) to create a small pocket. Without actually touching the dropper to the eye, squeeze the bottle to place one drop into the lower eyelid.
     
  • Alternatively, you can contact the manufacturer for Xal-Ease™, a free eye drop applicator device that can help you administer the drops more easily (ask your healthcare provider how to get Xal-Ease or visit the Web site for Xalatan for more information).
     
  • If you use other eye drops, make sure to separate Xalatan and your other eye drops by at least five minutes.
     
  • Keep the bottle free of contamination by avoiding touching the tip to anything, including your eye, hands, or any surfaces.
     
  • If you wear contacts, remove them before using Xalatan and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back in.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Xalatan will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Xalatan Dosing Information

There is only one standard recommended Xalatan dose, regardless of your age or weight. As is always the case, do not adjust your Xalatan dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Xalatan Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Xalatan

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Xalatan. However, not everyone who takes the drug 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. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of Xalatan include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Blurred vision
  • Burning and stinging
  • Eyelash and eyelid changes
  • Changes in eye color.
     
(Click Xalatan Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Xalatan

Xalatan can potentially interact with a few other medications (see Xalatan Drug Interactions).
 

Xalatan: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Xalatan if you:
 
  • Have iritis or uveitis (inflammatory eye conditions)
  • Have any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives
  • Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Are breastfeeding.
     
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Xalatan Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Xalatan?

People who take too much Xalatan may experience the following overdose symptoms:
 
(Click Xalatan Overdose for more information.)
 

Xalatan Storage

Your pharmacist will store Xalatan drops in the refrigerator. You can keep them at room temperature, but you must discard the bottle within six weeks after opening it if you choose to keep it at room temperature. You may find it helpful to keep Xalatan refrigerated, as this can help you "feel" whether or not the drops actually reach your eye. Keep Xalatan and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Xalatan?

If you forget to take your Xalatan dose, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Xalatan.
 

Xalatan Strengths

Xalatan comes in one strength -- Xalatan eye drops, containing 2.5 mL in each bottle, with 1.5 mcg of latanoprost in each drop.
 

Is There a Generic Version of Xalatan?

Currently, there are no generic versions of Xalatan licensed for sale.
 
(Click Generic Xalatan for more information.)
 
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;