Xalatan

Several eye diseases, including glaucoma (open-angle) and ocular hypertension, have something to do with high intraocular pressure (IOP). Xalatan, also called latanoprost, helps to treat these conditions by reducing (IOP). It is similar to prostaglandin, a natural chemical that regulates fluid flow within the eye resulting in reduced eye pressure. 

About Xalatan

As part of the prostaglandin analogs family, latanoprost is an effective medication for high IOP-related eye problems. It allows fluid in the eye to drain more efficiently and thus reduces pressure in the eye.

Patients with open-angle glaucoma and chronic intraocular hypertension (enlarged pupil) can benefit from this medication. People with dry, itchy, and red eyes can benefit more from allergy eye drops.

Dosage Forms

Xalatan comes as an isotonic, sterile, aqueous ophthalmic solution. The active ingredient is latanoprost—an isopropyl ester.

Its non-medical ingredients include sodium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, sodium dihydrogen sodium chloride, phosphate monohydrate, and water.

Dosage

1-2 drops in the affected eye(s) every evening is the recommended dosage. It is okay to miss one dose as long as the next dose is taken as usual.

There has been an observation that if administered more than once daily, this prostaglandin drug may reduce the lowering effect of intraocular pressure (IOP) or may cause paradoxical increases.

In most cases, the reduction in IOP occurs between three and four hours after the drug is administered and reaches its maximum effect between eight and twelve hours after that.

Like other products that reduce IOP, Xalatan is a topical ophthalmic medication. If combining another topical ophthalmic drug with this one, the dosages should be given at least five (5) minutes apart.

Administration

Once-daily, at bedtime, or directed by the doctor, patients should apply a small amount of this medication to the affected eye(s). The effectiveness of this medication can be affected if patients use it more frequently than prescribed.

Patients must wash their hands before applying eye drops. They should avoid touching their eyes or any other surface with the dropper tip.

Before using this medication, patients who use contact lenses must remove them first.  After applying Xalatan, patients can reinsert them within 15 minutes.

The procedure of use is simple. Patients should pull the lower eyelid of their eye to form a pouch by tilting their head back and looking upward. They should then put one drop into the lower eyelid pouch by holding the dropper directly over the eye.

Following that, the patient must try looking downward and closing their eyes gently. Before opening the eyes, they should gently press the treated eye for a minute or two. By doing so, the medications will not drain out.

Patients should be cautious to avoid blinking or rubbing their eyes. In case they need more than one dose, they should repeat these steps. They are to follow this procedure if the medication is to be used in both eyes. The dropper should not be rinsed. Each time patients use the dropper, they should replace the cap.

To get the most out of this medication, patients should take it regularly. Patients should use it on the same day each day. Even if they are feeling well, they should continue to take latanoprost as directed by the doctor.

Side effects

• Pigmentation changes in the iris
• Darkening of eyelids
• Changes in the eyelash structure
• Itching (iritis/uveitis) in the eye
• Edema of the macular region

Drug Interactions

It is unwise to combine other prostaglandins or prostaglandin analogs with Xalatan. This is especially true if patients take more than one prostaglandin each day.

If Xalatan and thimerosal are mixed in one eye drop, precipitation occurs. It is recommended that such medications be given five (5) minutes apart.

Precautions

Pigmentation: Xalatan may affect pigmented tissues. In terms of pigmentation changes, the iris, eyelid, and eyelash are the most affected.

Eyelash changes: If patients apply Xalatan to the eyelashes, the changes may include color changes, lengthening, thickening, or misdirected growth.

Intraocular inflammation: There should be caution in using Xalatan in patients who have had a history of intraocular inflammation (iritis/uveitis) or in patients with active intraocular inflammation since inflammation may be aggravated by the drug.

Macular Edema: It has been reported that Xalatan can cause macular edema.

Herpetic Keratitis: In some cases, Xalatan has been associated with the reactivation of Herpes Simplex keratitis.

Contraindications            

Patients who are allergic to latanoprost and its ingredients are advised not to use this medication. If blurred vision, double vision, or crusted eyelids occur due to using Xalatan, patients should call their doctors immediately.

Storage

Keep away from light. Keep unopened bottles cooled between 2°C - 8 °C (36°F - 46°F). A doctor may recommend that the bottle be transported to the patient at temperatures no higher than 40°C (104°F). Upon opening a bottle, patients can store it at 25°C (77°F) for six weeks.

Customers can get affordable Xalatan medications online at Kiwi Drug. If a patient does not have a prescription, Kiwi medical professionals can provide selected prescriptions. Orders can be shipped anywhere in the world.