Xalatan Drug Information
Generic Name:Latanoprost
Xalatan eye drops, which contain the active ingredient, latanoprost, are used for the treatment of increased intraocular pressure and glaucoma. Latanoprost is a prostaglandin F2? analogue which works by increasing the outflow of ocular aqueous fluid via uvealsclearal route. Only available by prescription.
Indication/Usage: Xalatan eye drops are a sterile solution primarily indicated for the treatment of intraocular hypertension typically found in patients with open angle glaucoma and has been proven effective in those patients who are intolerant or unresponsive to other medications of this class. Xalatan eye drops are also indicated for certain types of glaucoma and other basic causes and symptoms of intraocular hypertension and may also be used for controlling the progression of glaucoma and intraocular hypertension.
Dose, Administration and Dosage forms: Xalatan eye drops are available in 2.5 ml volume of 0.005% (50?g/ml) strength. The dosage regimen is determined based upon the severity level of interocular hypertension in the individual patient. The typical recommended dosage is one drop (1.5) in the affected eye(s) once per day in the evening or at bedtime. The dosage should not exceed once per day and must not be used with other prostaglandin analogs, as they may decrease the potency of this drug or cause contradictory elevations in intraocular pressure. Xalatan normally takes effect 3 to 4 hours after administration and peaks after 8 to 12 hours.
Xalatan can be prescribed concomitantly with non-prostaglandin analog intraocular pressure-lowering drugs.
Xalatan eye drops may be stored for up to six weeks at room temperature (25 C or 77 F) and away from direct sunlight.
Mechanism of action: Latanoprost, the active ingredient of Xalatan, is a prostaglandin F2? analogue which is a prostanoid selective FP receptor agonist. By acting on these receptors, it reduces the intraocular hypertension/pressure by enhancing the outflow of aqueous humor from the intraocular space via uveoscleral route. Reducing the intraocular pressure diminishes the risk of optic nerve damage and visual-field loss in glaucoma patients.
Side-effects and safety profile: There are numerous ocular side-effects reported with the use of Xalatan eye drops which include: ocular redness (hyperemia), ocular irritation, ocular burning sensation, feeling of having something in eyes, blurry vision, double vision or other visual issues, eyelid redness, ocular discomfort and pain, watering eyes, permanent browning of iris (heterochromia), herpes simplex keratitis, rare chances of progression of keratoconus, hypersensitivity to light, etc.
One side-effect of Xalatan, thickening, darkening, lengthening or an increase in the number of eyelashes, is considered a beneficial effect with respect to the cosmetic industry.
The other general body side-effects caused by Xalatan include skin rashes; swelling in face, lips, tongue, mouth and throat; headache; muscle pain; joint pain; painful urgency of urination or frequent urination; shortness of breath; chest pain; wheezing; asthma; dizziness, etc.
Patients experiencing any of the above moderately-severe side-effects should seek immediate medical care.
Warnings/Contraindications:
- Xalatan is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to latanoprost.
- Xalatan is contraindicated in patients with active intraocular inflammation.
- Xalatan eye drops can cause pigmentation of the iris tissue, periorbital tissue and eyelashes and these changes may remain unchanged even after several months or years.
- Clinical trials have shown that browning of the iris may be permanent.
- Xalatan should be prescribed with caution in patients with a history of iritis or uveitis.
- Xalatan may cause harm to a fetus. Therefore, it should only be prescribed to pregnant women if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
- Since Xalatan has not yet been studied in women who are breastfeeding, and to avoid potential risk to nursing babies, Xalatan should not be taken by nursing women.
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Xalatan Eye Drops (Latanoprost)
