XALATAN

Eye Drops / Xalatan / 2 units of 2 ml. (drops) of Generic Xalatan (Latanoprost) * 50 mcg. Laboratory: Cipla Limited 69.69$ Buy Now

GENERIC NAME: latanoprost

BRAND NAME: Xalatan

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Latanoprost, a derivative of the chemical, prostaglandin F2-alpha, is used for the treatment of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure exerted by the liquid within the eyeball (the aqueous humor) is too great. The high pressure damages the optic nerve at the back of the eye. The damage interferes with the ability of the nerve to transmit visual images from the eye to the brain and thus can lead to blindness. Latanoprost, by binding to a specific receptor for prostaglandin, increases the flow of aqueous humor out of the eye, thereby reducing the pressure within the eye and reducing the risk of nerve damage and blindness. When latanoprost and timolol (Timoptic) (a different drug that also is used to treat glaucoma) are used in combination, there is a greater reduction in pressure than when either drug is used alone. Latanoprost was approved by the FDA in 1996.

PREPARATIONS: Ophthalmic solution 0.005%: 2.5ml.

STORAGE: Latanoprost should be kept at room temperature, 15-30°C (59-86°F) and protected for direct light.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Latanoprost is used for the treatment of glaucoma.

DOSING: The hands should be washed before each use of latanoprost or any eye medication. The head is tilted back and the lower eyelid is pulled down with the index finger to form a pouch. (It is important not to touch the tip of the dropper to the eye or the eyelid so that bacteria are not introduced into the bottle.) The bottle is squeezed slightly to allow the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. The eye then is closed gently for 2 to 3 minutes without blinking. The usual dose is one drop into the affected eye once daily.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: No drug interactions have been described with latanoprost eye drops.

PREGNANCY: Although no human studies have assessed the effects of latanoprost on the fetus, animal studies have shown damage to the fetus. Physicians should use latanoprost during pregnancy only if its benefits are deemed to outweigh the potential risks to the fetus.

NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if latanoprost is secreted into breast milk.

SIDE EFFECTS: Between 5% and 15% (between 1 in 20 and 1 in 6) of persons receiving latanoprost for 6 months report at least one side effect localized to the eyes. These side effects included blurred vision, redness, a sensation of a foreign body, discoloration of the iris, itching, burning, and stinging. Discoloration of the iris begins happens slowly. It is caused by an increase in the amount of brown pigment in the iris and may be permanent. Other side effects which have been reported less frequently include dryness of the eyes, increased tearing, eye pain and other eye-related discomfort.