Brand Name(s): Xalatan
Generic Name Latanoprost
What is latanoprost eye solution?
LATANOPROST (Xalatan®) helps to reduce pressure in the eye for patients with increased pressure or open-angle glaucoma. Generic latanoprost eye solution is not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have, or have had any of these conditions:
•eye abrasion, infection, or inflammation
•wear contact lenses
•closed-angle glaucoma
•kidney disease
•liver disease
•an unusual or allergic reaction to latanoprost or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Contact lenses should be removed prior to using latanoprost eye solution. Contact lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes following application of latanoprost to the eye.
Latanoprost eye solution is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt the head back slightly and pull down the lower lid with the index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye gently; do not blink. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with latanoprost?
•bromfenac
•eye drops containing thimerosal (a preservative) can interact if given at the same time as latanoprost
If you are using another eye preparation for your eye condition, ask your health care professional regarding how long to wait before applying each product to the eyes after using the latanoprost eye drops; the usual waiting time is 5 minutes. Do not use any other eye products with latanoprost without asking your prescriber or health care professional.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from using latanoprost?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•blurred vision
•inflamed or infected eyes or eyelids
•skin rash, peeling, blistering or loosening of skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•burning, stinging, or discomfort immediately after using the solution
•changes in eye, eyelash, or eyelid color
•dry eyes
•increased flow of tears
•sensitivity of the eyes to light
What should I watch for while taking latanoprost?
This medicine may cause your eye, eyelashes, and eyelids to change color. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if this occurs. These changes may be permanent.
If you wear contact lenses, be sure to remove them before placing drops in the eye. Certain chemicals in the solution can be absorbed by contact lenses.
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Report any serious side effects promptly. Stop using latanoprost if your eyes get inflamed, painful, or have a discharge, and see your prescriber or health care professional immediately.
Be careful not to touch the tip of the dispensing container onto the eye, or any other surface. Serious eye infections can result from contamination of eye solutions.
If you are using another eye preparation, there should be an interval of at least 5 minutes between use of latanoprost and the other eye preparation.
Wear dark glasses if latanoprost makes your eyes more sensitive to light.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store unopened bottle under refrigeration at 2—8 degrees C (36—46 degrees F). Once opened the container may be stored at room temperature up to 25 degrees C (77 degrees F) for up to 6 weeks. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
| Available at: www.DrugDigest.org | Last Updated:05/05/2005 |
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