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Xalatan

In this factsheet:
• How does Xalatan work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Xalatan?
• What form(s) does Xalatan come in?
• Who should NOT take Xalatan?
• What side effects are possible with Xalatan?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Xalatan?
• What other drugs could interact with Xalatan?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Xalatan work? What will it do for me?

Latanoprost belongs to a class of medications called prostaglandin analogs. It works to reduce the pressure in the eye by allowing fluid in the eye to flow better. It is used to treat people with open-angle glaucoma and intraocular hypertension (increased pressure in the eye).

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Xalatan?

The recommended dose of latanoprost is 1 drop to the affected eye(s) once daily, preferably in the evening. This medication should not be used more than once a day.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you the correct way to instill the eye drops. This medication is for external use only. Do not allow the dropper tip of the bottle to touch your eye or other surrounding structures, because this could contaminate the tip with common bacteria known to cause eye infections. Serious damage to the eye may result if you use eye drop solutions that have become contaminated.

Before opening, keep the container of eye drops in the fridge, out of direct light. Once the bottle has been opened, keep the eye drops at room temperature. Latanoprost eye drops must be used within 6 weeks after opening the container.

Latanoprost eye drops may be used with other eye medications intended to reduce pressure inside the eye. If more than one type of eye drop is being applied, use the medications at least 5 minutes apart.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, instill it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not instill a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Xalatan come in?

Each mL of a sterile, isotonic, buffered aqueous solution, for topical ophthalmic administration, contains latanoprost 50 µg. One drop contains approximately 1.5 µg of latanoprost. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzalkonium chloride as a preservative, disodium phosphate anhydrous, sodium chloride, sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate, and water for injection. Buffered to a pH of approximately 6.7 and is isotonic with lacrimal fluid.

Who should NOT take Xalatan?

Latanoprost should not be used by anyone who is allergic to latanoprost or to any of the ingredients of the medication.

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