LATANOPROST OPHTHALMIC

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Xalatan

GENERIC NAME(S): LATANOPROST

 

Description: Latanoprost, a synthetic analogue of prostaglandin F2a, reduces the IntraOcular Pressure by increasing the outflow of aqueous humour.

Pharmacokinetics:

Absorption: Absorbed through the cornea; peak concentration in the aqueous humour is reached around 2 hr after administration.

Metabolism: Rapidly hydrolised to biologically active latanoprost acid by esterases in the cornea.

Excretion:  Via urine.

Latanoprost is used to treat high pressure inside the eye due to glaucoma (open angle type) or other eye diseases (e.g., ocular hypertension) by regulating the flow of fluid within the eye. Lowering high pressure inside the eye helps to prevent blindness.

How to use latanoprost ophthalmic

Apply this medication in the affected eye(s) usually once daily in the evening, or as directed by your doctor. Do not use this medication more frequently than prescribed; using more can decrease effectiveness.

To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.

The preservative in this product may be absorbed by contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using this medication and keep them out of your eyes for at least 15 minutes after applying latanoprost.

Tilt your head back, look upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and apply the prescribed number of drops. Look downward and gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the inside corner of your eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye.

Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. It is important to continue using latanoprost even if you feel well. Most people with glaucoma or high pressure in the eye do not feel sick.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other products. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.

Notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly if any of these effects persist or worsen:

  • Blurred vision
  • burning/stinging/itching/redness of the eye
  • feeling as if something is in the eye
  • changes in eyelash number/color/length/thickness
  • eyelid changes/skin darkening
  • dry eye
  • lid crusting/discomfort
  • increased sensitivity to light
  • flu-like symptoms
  • muscle/joint

This medication may slowly (over months to years) cause brown discoloration of the colored portion of the medicated eye (iris). Notify your doctor if this occurs and schedule regular eye exams to monitor it.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

  • eye pain
  • unusual redness or swelling of eyes
  • chest pain

Tell your doctor immediately if rapid vision changes (e.g., loss of vision) occur.

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include:

  • rash
  • severe itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
  • dizziness
  • trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Allergic reaction to this medication
  • Patients with an active swelling process within the eye (e.g., iritis, uveitis), history of eye problems, or contact lens use
  • Developed an eye infection or injury, or had eye surgery
  • Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision
  • Used only when clearly needed during pregnancy
  • It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk

Consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the precautions mentioned above.

 

Interactions:

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, such as eyelash treatment (such as topically applied bimatoprost).

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., eye exams) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember if it is on the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store the unopened bottles in the refrigerator. Once a bottle is opened for use, it may be stored at room temperature (up to 77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) for 6 weeks, unless otherwise instructed by your pharmacist. Discard any opened, unused bottles after this time period.

Store away from light and moisture. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

 

Brands

Available Brands

Xalatan [ Pfizer ]

Xalavist [ Sandoz ]

Also marketed as

Latipress [ Kalbe ]

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