Xalatan (Latanoprost Ophthalmic) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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February 10, 2012

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Glaucoma »

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease of the major nerve of vision, called the optic nerve. The optic nerve receives light-generated nerve impulses from the retina and transmits these to the brain, where we recognize those electrical signals as vision. Glaucoma is characterized by a particular pattern of progressive damage to the optic nerve that generally begins with a subtle loss of side vision (peripheral vision). If glaucoma is not diagnosed and treated, it can progress to loss of central vision and blindness.

Glaucoma is usually, but not always, associated with elevated pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure). Generally, it is this elevated eye pressure that leads to damage of the eye (optic) nerve. In some cases, glaucoma may occur in the presence of normal eye pressure. This form of glaucoma is believed to be caused by poor regulation of blood flow to the optic nerve.

How common is glaucoma?

Worldwide, glaucoma...

Read the Glaucoma article »

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Xalatan Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Xalatan

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

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 other 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. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using latanoprost 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 dropper to touch any surface, including the 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.

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