Latanoprost (Into the eye)
Latanoprost (la-TAN-oh-prost)
Treats glaucoma.
Brand Name(s):
Xalatan
There may be other brand names for this medicine.When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to latanoprost or to benzalkonium chloride.How to Use This Medicine:
Drop
- Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This medicine is not for long-term use.
- Wash your hands before and after using the medicine. If you wear contact lenses, take them out before putting the drops in your eyes. Wait 15 minutes after you use the eye drops before putting your contacts back in.
- Shake the eye drops well just before each use.
- Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
- To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away.
- Never share your medicine with anyone.
If a dose is missed:
- Use the drops as soon as possible, unless you don't remember until the next day.
- If it is the next day when you remember, use the drops only once that day (or as your doctor ordered).
- Do not put in two doses at the same time.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
- Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
- Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
- Throw away any unused eye drops after 6 weeks.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- If your doctor has ordered other eye drops for you to use, do not put the other drops in at the same time as this medicine. Wait at least 5 minutes between using this medicine and any other eye drop.
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
- This medicine may change the color of your eyes to brown. The color change is very slow and you may not notice it for months or years.
- If you use the drops in just one eye, only the treated eye may change color. The color change may be permanent.
- Tell your doctor if your eye color begins to change while using this medicine.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver or kidney disease before using this medicine.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before using this medicine.
- Tell your doctor if you get an eye infection, have an eye injury, or have eye surgery while being treated with this medicine. You may need to get a new bottle of the eye drops to help prevent an eye infection or to keep an eye infection from getting worse.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Red irritated eyes
- Red, painful, or swollen eyelids
- Rash or hives
- Seeing sparks or flashes of light
- Chest pain
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Stinging or burning eyes
- Dry or watery eyes
- Blurred vision
- Eye sensitivity to light
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
Last Updated: 1/27/2017