Latanoprost

Brand Name: Xalatan

Prescription Needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Latanoprost comes as eye drops. It is used to reduce pressure within the eye. It is used alone or in combination with other drugs to treat glaucoma or a condition called ocular hypertension (increased eye pressure leading to a gradual loss of vision).

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to latanoprost or benzalkonium chloride a preservative for the eye drops. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

  • asthma
  • problems with your eyes kidneys or liver
  • if you wear contact lenses

What about possible side effects?

Although side effects are not common they may occur. The most common side effects are:

  • itchy watery stinging eyes

If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away contact your doctor.

Other side effects:

  • darkening color or increase brown pigment of the iris
  • darker or thicker eye lashes
  • darker color eyelids

Pigment or colour changes may be more noticeable in patients who already have some brown eye coloring. These changes usually occur slowly but they may be permanent. If you use latanoprost in only one eye you should know that your eyes may be different colours after taking latanoprost. Call your doctor if you notice these changes.

Other less common and potentially severe side effects include:

Contact your doctor right away if you have:

  • difficulty breathing
  • chest pain (rare)
  • rash (rare)
  • muscle pain (rare)
  • swelling of the eye or face
  • eyelid crusting pain

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:

  • pilocarpine - may decrease the effect of latanoprost; should be given at least 10 minutes or longer after latanoprost is given
  • eye drops that contain thiomersal (e.g. Ocufen Viroptic) - a precipitate (solid settling out of solution) occurs if you apply the eye drops at the same time as latanoprost; wait at least 5 minutes before using latanoprost and the other eye drops

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information

Managing side effects: Your eyes may become more sensitive to light. Your doctor may suggest using sunglasses.

The preservative in Xalatan eye drops may be absorbed by contact lenses and stain them a brown color. Remove contact lenses before applying the eye drops. Replace contact lenses at least 15 minutes after application.

Children: Not prescribed.

Seniors: No known problems.

Pregnant women: Safety not established in unborn babies (fetus). Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: Should not do so until they know how this drug affects them personally; may affect your vision.

Alcohol: No known problems. If you drink always drink in moderation.

Overdose: A large overdose of this medicine could irritate the eye and cause other side effects. If you experience any unusual reactions or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug: Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this drug as the original symptoms may return.

If you miss a dose: Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However if it is almost time for the next dose skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Storage conditions: To help protect latanoprost from light keep it in its original packaging and put it in the refrigerator out of the reach of children. Do not freeze. Once the bottle has been opened latanoprost should be kept in a cool place (refrigerate if possible but can be stored in room temperature up to 25 degree Celsius). It should be used within 6 weeks of opening.

Dietary precautions: None unless prescribed by your doctor.