Drug Name

Xalatan 0.005%

Drug Uses

Xatalan is an extremely powerful anti-glaucoma drug (agent) a latanoprost. Being considered a true wonder-medication for patients suffering from glaucoma, this medicine has been prescribed for the treating of ophtalmic disorders ever since he has appeared in pharmacies around the globe. Xalatan has a very strong influence regarding the amount of fluid that the glaucomic eye would usually discharge (by increasing this amount of fluid, this drugs helps control the pressure of the patient's eyes).

How to use

Follow the instructions that you doctor has given you regarding your treatment. You should not wear contact lenses while applying the drug (put back your lenses 15-20 minutes afterwards). Make sure that your hands are clean while dealing with the drug. Stop using Xalatan if it has changed color. Store the drug in the refrigerator in order to get the best results.

Drug Class and Mechanism

The medicine's action has proved to be extremely helpful in the treatment of several types of glaucoma. Xalatan has also proven to be very useful in the treatment of another disorder, named "hypertension of the human eye". But there are physicians who prescribe Xatalan (among other drugs) as a complementary medicine in the treatment of other disorders.

Missed Dose

You should avoid missing a dose of this drug. If you do miss one, you should take it as soon as you remember. Most doctors prescribe Xalatan for daily use (once a day).

Storage

Store at room temperature away from sunlight. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.

Warnings/Precautions

Xalatan's effects vary from one person to another, as they depend on the patient's unique medical condition. You physician should be told everything about any disorders that you are suffering from in order for you to achieve the best results from your treatment with Xalatan. You should inform your physician if you have suffered or are suffering of any of the following medical conditions:

• Iritis;
• Loss of the eye's lens;
• Uveitis;
• Kidney disease;
• Intraocular lens replacement;
• Liver disease.

Being a category C FDA pregnancy drug, it has not been clearly established whether following a treatment with Xalatan could harm a pregnant mother or her unborn child. This drug has not been tested on pregnant woman but it has been tested on rabbits. If you are pregnant or are planning to be so soon, it is best that you do not start a treatment with Xalatan without asking a doctor first. Researchers do not know if Xalatan can pass into breast milk, therefore it is highly recommended that you should consult a doctor before starting a treatment with Xalatan if you are nursing an infant. Xalatan's effects on children or older people are not known, as the drug has not been tested on them.

Possible Side Effects

A treatment with Xalatan has lead to the appearance of various side effects (in varied degrees of severity). The most serious side effects of the drug are: Eye redness, crusting of the patient's eyelids, eye pain, eye swelling, uneasiness of the eye, etc. If you are experiencing any of these side effects you should stop your treatment with Xalatan and ask your doctor for advice. Other side effects such as cough, breathing problems, palpitations, uneasiness in the chest are very rare, but are known to be deadly.

A treatment with Xalatan has lead to other side effects (more common and less serious) such as: itching of the eyes, indistinct vision, changes in the eyelid's skin's color, appearance of longer, darker, thicker eyelashes (these are reported quite often). Other side effects like flu-like symptoms, angina pain, skin rashes and muscle pain have also been reported on several occasions. Other rare side effects (that may, however, happen) are: eye discharge, double vision, light sensitivity, fever and sore throat.

More Information

Xalatan can react with other drugs available in pharmacies (especially other types of eye-drops). Inform your doctor if you are planning to take any other drugs during your treatment with Xalatan.