Treating Glaucoma: Xalatan (Latanoprost)

If you have been diagnosed with an eye condition called glaucoma, your doctor may prescribe a medication called latanoprost (Xalatan), an ophthalmic solution (eye drop). Xalatan and Xelpros are other brand names of this ophthalmic solution. Please continue reading to learn more about this medication.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease in which the optic nerve (the nerve that carries visual messages from the eye to the brain) is damaged. There are many types of glaucoma.

High pressure in the eye is a common risk factor for glaucoma. The change in eye pressure is usually caused by a problem with the eye’s drainage system leading to a fluid buildup in the front part of the eye. This complication is referred to as “increased intraocular pressure (IOP).

Below are the two types of glaucoma.

Open-angle glaucoma

With this type of glaucoma, the fluid does not drain properly, leading to increased pressure in the eye, and symptoms develop slowly. Initially, there is no pain or change in vision with this type of glaucoma. However, if left untreated, open-angle glaucoma can cause serious damage and gradual but permanent vision loss.

Closed-angle glaucoma

This type of glaucoma is also referred to as “narrow-angle glaucoma” or “acute-closure glaucoma.” When a person’s iris is very close to the drainage angle, thus, the iris can block the drainage angle leading to acute symptoms. If the drainage angle is completely blocked, eye pressure rises quickly.

This is an emergency that can cause serious damage or even blindness. You should immediately let your doctor know if you experience unusual eye pain, headache, or change in vision.

While there is no cure for glaucoma and the damage that has already occurred cannot be reversed, medications and/or surgery can help in successfully lowering high pressure inside the eye to stop further damage. The sooner you catch this eye disease, the better the chance to avoid further damage and avoid vision loss.

Glaucoma is typically treated with eye drops first. Oral medication is the next step if eye drops alone are not enough to lower the eye pressure. Laser therapy and surgery are also effective in lowering eye pressure in glaucoma patients.

What is ocular hypertension?

Ocular hypertension refers to elevated intraocular pressure. The normal pressure inside the eye is 11-21 mmHg. If it is higher than this value, it is called ocular hypertension. Therefore, ocular hypertension can lead to glaucoma. Glaucoma is diagnosed when there is evidence of damage to the optic nerve in the affected eye due to high intraocular pressure.

Are latanoprost and Xalatan the same?

Yes, latanoprost and Xalatan are the same. Latanoprost is a generic medication that is available at significantly lower prices than the brand name Xalatan. Brand name and generic medications contain the same medicine and are equally effective and safe. Like with most medications, generic latanoprost offers better value than brand name Xalatan. A BuzzRx coupon can result in big savings on the brand name and generic forms of this eye medication.

How does latanoprost (Xalatan) treat glaucoma?

As mentioned above, glaucoma occurs because of a buildup of fluid in the front part of the eye. Latanoprost (Xalatan) is a prostaglandin analog that mimics the action of a natural chemical in the body. Latanoprost is used to treat high pressure inside the eye by increasing the flow of fluid out of the eye.

How to use latanoprost eye drops?

Latanoprost is a topical ophthalmic drug, meaning it’s an eye drop solution. With any eye drop product, It’s important to handle eye drop bottles with clean hands to avoid contamination leading to eye infection. Make sure you wash your hands with soap and water every time before using the eye drops. Remove contact lenses before you apply the eye drops, and wait 15 minutes after you use the eye drops before wearing contact lenses again.

If you have difficulty administering the eye drops, you should ask someone for help. Many people find it easier to instill an eye drop if they use a chair or a couch where they can rest their head back comfortably.

Make sure the dropper tip is not damaged. Do not touch the dropper tip to anything, including your eye. Ensure that the tip points down so that fluid does not flow back and contaminate the contents of the entire bottle.

Tilt your head back or lie down. Hold the dropper bulb between your index finger and thumb. Take the dropper tip as close to your eye surface as possible without touching your eye. Place your other fingers against your cheek for support. Pull your lower lid down to create a small pocket. Squeeze the prescribed amount of medicine into this pocket.

Latanoprost can cause slight stinging, and your vision may be temporarily blurred. This should subside in a few minutes. Gently close the treated eye and apply gentle pressure on the pocket in your lower eyelid. Avoid blinking.

Repeat the process in the other eye. If you have been prescribed multiple eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between each medication.

Replace the cap on the eye drop bottle right away. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper. Wipe your cheek with a tissue to catch any excess liquid. Wash your hands to wash off any residual medication.

What is the usual latanoprost (Xalatan) dose?

The usual dose of latanoprost is one drop in each eye once a day in the evening. Use the medication exactly as prescribed by your health care professional. Do not change the dose or dosage frequency or stop using the eye drops without your doctor’s approval. This medication only works to lower intraocular pressure as long as you use it.

How long do I need to use latanoprost?

You will need to use latanoprost and/or other glaucoma medications lifelong. Glaucoma medications will continue to prevent further eye damage as long as you use them. Use the medication regularly as directed, and do not stop any glaucoma medicines unless your doctor tells you to.

If you miss a dose of latanoprost, use the eye drops as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use more than one drop to make up for a forgotten or missed dose.

What are the side effects of latanoprost?

Serious adverse events from latanoprost use are rare. Common side effects of latanoprost include temporary irritation with stinging, burning, watering, itching, redness, swelling, and dry eye.

Additionally, patients treated with latanoprost can develop noticeably increased iris pigmentation and eyelid skin darkening. This effect develops gradually and can be more noticeable in people with brown eyes because latanoprost may increase the brown pigmentation in the iris. As a result, it can change your eye color to brown. If you are using latanoprost in one eye only, this can result in a difference in eye color between your two eyes. Additionally, latanoprost can make your eyelashes thicker (it is sold under the brand name Latisse for eyelash treatment).

What precautions should I take while using Xalatan?

Before starting latanoprost (Xalatan), tell your healthcare professional if you have ever had allergic reactions to any eye medication or other medications. Give your doctor a complete list of all your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, and herbal products. This will help avoid possible drug interactions with other drugs. Tell your doctor if you have a medical history of other eye conditions, kidney disease, or liver disease.

Keep all your medical and lab appointments during latanoprost (Xalatan) treatment. Your doctor may want to adjust your dose, monitor you for side effects, or change you to other medications based on your response.

In case of an overdose, call your local poison control center, provincial poison control center, or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 and seek emergency medical care if someone has collapsed, has trouble breathing, is unconscious, or has had a seizure.

Store unopened bottles of latanoprost eye drops in the refrigerator. Once you open a bottle, you can store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Discard unused medication 6 weeks after opening a bottle. Do not dispose of unused or expired latanoprost in the trash. Contact your local waste disposal company or ask your pharmacist about a drug take-back program.

What are the risks of using latanoprost?

EYE INFLAMMATION

Latanoprost should be used with caution in people who have previously had intraocular inflammation (uveitis or iritis). Your doctor will likely avoid prescribing this medication if you have active intraocular inflammation. Tell your eye doctor without delay if you develop any discomfort, changes in vision, or other serious symptoms while using latanoprost.

MACULAR EDEMA

Patients treated with latanoprost can develop edema (swelling) of the macula, the central part of the eye that is needed for sharp vision. The risk is greater in people with a missing or damaged intraocular lens and in those with known risk factors for macular edema.

HERPES INFECTIONS

Latanoprost can reactivate herpetic keratitis (herpes infection in the eye). Tell your doctor if you have a history of herpes infections, especially in the eye. Your doctor will avoid prescribing latanoprost if you have active herpes simplex keratitis since latanoprost can make it worse.

BACTERIAL KERATITIS

Using latanoprost can lead to a bacterial infection of the cornea (bacterial keratitis) due to contamination of multiple-dose containers. The risk of bacterial keratitis is higher in people with pre-existing corneal damage or disease. Wash your hands thoroughly before applying the eye drops. Do not touch the dropper tip to anything, including your eye surface. Call your doctor if you develop signs and symptoms of a suspected eye infection, such as eye swelling, unusual redness, pain, watering, or blurred vision.

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