Brand Names: Xalatan, Xalatan Multi-Pack

Generic Name: latanoprost ophthalmic (Pronunciation: la TAN oh prost)

• What is latanoprost ophthalmic (Xalatan)?
• What are the possible side effects of latanoprost ophthalmic (Xalatan)?
• What is the most important information I should know about latanoprost ophthalmic (Xalatan)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before using latanoprost ophthalmic (Xalatan)?
• How should I use latanoprost ophthalmic (Xalatan)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Xalatan)?
• What happens if I overdose (Xalatan)?
• What should I avoid while using latanoprost ophthalmic (Xalatan)?
• What other drugs will affect latanoprost ophthalmic (Xalatan)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is latanoprost ophthalmic (Xalatan)?

Latanoprost reduces pressure in the eye by increasing the amount of fluid that drains from the eye.

Latanoprost ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat certain types of glaucoma and other causes of high pressure inside the eye.

Latanoprost ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of latanoprost ophthalmic (Xalatan)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using latanoprost ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• redness, swelling, itching, or pain in or around your eye;
• oozing or discharge from your eye;
• increased sensitivity to light;
• vision changes; or
• chest pain.

Less serious side effects may include:

• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat;
• headache, dizziness;
• mild eye discomfort;
• blurred vision;
• feeling like something is in your eye;
• dry or watery eyes; or
• stinging or burning of the eyes after using the drops.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Xalatan (latanoprost ophthalmic) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about latanoprost ophthalmic (Xalatan)?

Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Latanoprost ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using latanoprost ophthalmic before putting your contact lenses in.

Latanoprost ophthalmic may cause a gradual change in the color of your eyes or eyelids and lashes, as well as increased growth or thickness of your eyelashes. These color changes, usually an increase in brown pigment, occur slowly and you may not notice them for months or years. Color changes may be permanent even after your treatment ends, and may occur only in the eye being treated. This could result in a cosmetic difference in eye or eyelash color from one eye to the other.

Do not allow the tip of the dropper to touch any surface, including your eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

After using this medication, wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops that your doctor has prescribed.