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What is Xalatan
 Xalatan
reduces pressure in the eye by increasing the amount of fluid
that drains from the eye.
Xalatan
is used to treat glaucoma and high pressure in the eye(s).
Xalatan
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Xalatan
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including
your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes
contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye possibly
resulting in a loss of vision.
Xalatan may cause
the iris (the colored part of the eye) to change. The amount
of brown pigment in the eyes may increase during treatment
with Xalatan. This effect occurs primarily in people with
blue or green eyes. It is not known if color changes are
reversible after therapy is stopped. Color changes may occur
only in the eye being treated.
Xalatan contains a
preservative (benzalkonium chloride), so do not wear soft
contact lenses when applying this medication. Contact lenses
can be inserted 15 minutes after application of the drops.
Who should not use Xalatan
Before using this medication, tell your doctor about
your medical history. If you have any other medical conditions,
you may require special monitoring during treatment with
Xalatan.
Xalatan is in the FDA pregnancy category
C. This means that it is not known whether Xalatan will
harm an unborn baby. Do not use Xalatan without first talking
to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known
whether latanoprost passes into breast milk. Do not use
Xalatan without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
How should you use Xalatan Use Xalatan eyedrops exactly as directed by your
doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask
your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse to explain them to you.
Xalatan is usually used once a day, one drop in the
affected eye or eyes, in the evening. Since Xalatan is used
regularly, try to make applying them a part of your nightly
routine. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Wash
your hands before and after using the eyedrops.
Xalatan
contains a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), so do not
wear soft contact lenses when applying this medication.
Contact lenses can be inserted 15 minutes after application
of the drops.
To apply the eyedrops:
- Tilt
your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid.
Position the dropper above your eye. Steady the hand holding
the bottle by placing your thumb against your brow or the
bridge of your nose. Look up and away from the dropper.
Gently press or lightly tap the side of the bottle to allow
only a single drop of medicine to fall into the pocket formed
by your lower eyelid. Do not allow the dropper to touch
your eye. Instill the number of drops prescribed by your
doctor. Close your eye for approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
If you are using drops in both eyes, repeat this procedure
in the other eye.
Do not touch the dropper to any
surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile.
If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection
in your eye possibly resulting in a loss of vision.
Contact your doctor if you if you experience any type of
eye condition or if you need to have eye surgery.
Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles
in it.
If you are also using another type of eye
medication, apply it at least 5 minutes before or after
a dose of Xalatan, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Store Xalatan in the refrigerator before the bottle
is opened.
Once the bottle is opened, Xalatan can
be stored at room temperature up to 77 degrees Fahrenheit
for 6 weeks. Keep the bottle properly capped.
If you miss a dose: Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose,
skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed.
Do not use a double dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Flush the eye with water and seek emergency medical
attention.
Symptoms of a Xalatan overdose include
burning, irritation, and redness of the eyes.
What should you avoid while using Xalatan Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including
your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes
contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
Xalatan contains a preservative (benzalkonium chloride),
so do not wear soft contact lenses when applying this medication.
Contact lenses can be inserted 15 minutes after application
of the drops.
If you are also using another type
of eye medication, apply it at least 5 minutes before or
after a dose of Xalatan, unless otherwise directed by your
doctor.
Possible side effects of Xalatan Call your doctor immediately if you notice signs
of infection such as itching, redness, or discharge from
your eyes.
More commonly, burning, stinging, itching,
redness, blurred vision, dry eye, tearing, eyelid irritation,
or a feeling of something in your eye may occur. Continue
to use Xalatan and talk to your doctor about these side
effects.
Xalatan may cause the iris (the colored
part of the eye) to change. The amount of brown pigment
in the eyes may increase during treatment with Xalatan.
This effect occurs primarily in people with blue or green
eyes. It is not known if color changes are reversible after
therapy is stopped. Color changes may occur only in the
eye being treated.
Side effects other than those
listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any
side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Xalatan Before using this medication, tell your doctor if
you are using another eye medication. Apply other eyedrops
at least 5 minutes before or after a dose of Xalatan to
prevent an interactions.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Xalatan.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines. |
