Xalatan Helps to Treat the Following Conditions:

Open-Angle Glaucoma

Glaucoma leads to gradual loss of vision. The disease does not have painful symptoms and can go unnoticed for many years.

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of the disease. It is caused by clogging of the eye’s drainage canals. This raises internal eye pressure and damages the optic nerve. The disease develops with no early warning signs and people do not notice changes in vision as this condition first affects peripheral vision only. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness.

Ocular Hypertension

Ocular hypertension occurs when the front of the eye does not drain properly, causing internal pressure to rise higher than normal. People with this condition do not initially experience vision loss and there is no damage to their optic nerve. If left untreated, this condition can cause glaucoma.

Xalatan Active Ingredient

Generic Xalatan  Alternative: latanoprost

The active ingredient in Xalatan is called latanoprost. It increases fluid drainage from the eye, reducing internal eye pressure.

Patients can get safe, affordable generic alternatives to Xalatan through our international online pharmacy.

General Drug Information

What is Xalatan and What Is It Used For?

Xalatan eye drops are prescribed to patients with open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The active ingredient in this drug is similar to prostaglandin, a natural body chemical which regulates the flow of fluid within the eyes, which results in lower pressure. Administering Xalatan reduces high pressure in the eye and helps to protect against blindness.

Usage and Application

Patients are usually prescribed Xalatan eye drops once daily, most often at night. It is important to follow the doctor’s prescription and not use this medication more often than prescribed. Doing so may reduce Xalatan’s effectiveness.

Patients should wash hands before applying the eye drops. Do not touch the tip of the container to the eye or any other surface in order to avoid contamination.

To apply, patients should tilt their head back and look upward, pulling down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. The dropper should be held directly over the eye.

It is important to apply the exact number of prescribed drops. Afterward, patients should look downward and keep the eye closed for a minute or two. Do not blink or rub the eye. To prevent the medication from leaking out, patients can place a finger at the inside corner of the eye and apply gentle pressure.

Users who wear contact lenses should remove them before using Xalatan, as the preservative in the medication may be absorbed by the lenses. Patients should wait for at least 15 minutes before putting contact lenses back in.

Xalatan should be used regularly for patients to get the most benefit from it. Using the medication at the same time each day will help patients develop a routine. Patients should continue using the eye drops even if they feel well.

Patients using additional eye medications should wait at least five minutes before applying Xalatan. As a general rule, eye drops should be used before ointments in order to allow them to enter the eye effectively.

Considerations Before Taking Xalatan

Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the possibility of allergic reactions to the active ingredient in Xalatan or to preservatives like benzalkonium chloride.

Patients should also discuss their medical history, especially any history of other eye problems like macular edema, keratitis, iritis, uveitis, lens extraction or aphakia.

Vision may be temporarily blurred or unstable as people begin treatment with Xalatan. It is important to refrain from driving, using machinery or performing any other activities which require clear vision.

In the event of an eye infection, injury or surgery patients may need to use a new bottle of Xalatan eye drops.

Women who are planning to become pregnant should discuss the risks and benefits of using this medication with their doctor.

It is not known whether Xalatan passes into breast milk.

Delayed and Omitted Doses

Patients who miss a dose of this medicine should administer it as soon as they remember within the same day. In the event patients remember on the following day, they should skip the missed dose and resume the medication as usual. Patients should not double up the dose in order to catch up.

Other Medications and Xalatan

Drug interactions may change the way Xalatan works and can increase the risk of side effects. Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the full list of medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor. Patients should not change their dose or stop taking this medication unless their physician advises them to do so.

Some products – such as topically applied bimatoprost (Lumiga) – may interact with Xalatan.

Adverse Reactions

Side effects include blurred vision, burning, itching or redness of the eye and feeling as if something is in the eye. It is possible to experience increased light sensitivity. Eyelid changes and darkening of the skin on the eyelid may also occur. Eyelashes may change in number, color, length or thickness. Patients should inform their doctor if these symptoms continue or worsen.

Using Xalatan over a long period of time can cause brown discoloration of the iris. Long-term effects are uncertain, but color change may be permanent. People should alert their doctor in the event this happens. It is important to perform regular eye exams to monitor any eye changes.

Most people using Xalatan do so safely without any negative side effects. Still, it is possible to experience serious side effects such as eye pain, infections or loss of vision. Patients should seek medical help in the event this happens.

Serious allergic reactions to Xalatan are rare, yet patients should be aware of allergy symptoms such as rash, itching and swelling, severe dizziness and trouble breathing.

How to Store Xalatan

Unopened eye drop bottles should be refrigerated. Once opened, bottles may be stored at room temperature of up to 77F (25C) for no longer than six weeks. Store away from light and moisture and keep away from children and pets.

Unwanted medication should be disposed of properly and should not be poured into drains or flushed down the toilet. Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to find out more about safe disposal methods.