General Information

Xalatan (latanoprost ophthalmic solution) is a prescription medication primarily used to manage glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It is an analogue of prostaglandin F2-alpha and works to lower intraocular pressure by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor from the eyes.

Indications

Xalatan is indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It can be used as an adjunctive therapy for patients not responding to other intraocular pressure-lowering medications.

Glaucoma Management

Xalatan is effective in managing open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of glaucoma, characterized by slowly increasing intraocular pressure causing optic nerve damage. Its effectiveness helps in delaying or preventing further vision loss.

Ocular Hypertension Treatment

Patients with ocular hypertension experience higher than normal eye pressure without detectable optic nerve damage. Xalatan helps in reducing pressure and preventing progression to glaucoma or other vision-compromising conditions.

Dosage

The recommended dosage of Xalatan for adults and children older than 2 years is one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening. Administering Xalatan more frequently than once daily may decrease its intraocular pressure-lowering effect.

Administration Instructions

Ensure hands are clean before administration. Tilt the head back, pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket, and squeeze one drop from the dropper into the pocket without touching the bottle tip to the eye or surrounding areas. Close the eye for about two minutes to promote absorption. Avoid blink excessively.

Missed Dose

If a dose is missed, administer it as soon as remembered unless it is near the time for the next dose. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not administer two doses at once.

Storage

Store Xalatan in its original container in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C before opening. After the first opening, it can be stored at room temperature up to 25°C but must be used within six weeks. Keep the bottle tightly closed to avoid contamination.

Active Ingredients

Each milliliter of Xalatan contains 50 micrograms of latanoprost. The solution is clear and colorless or slightly yellow.

Mechanism of Action

Latanoprost works by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor, the fluid in the eye, thus reducing intraocular pressure. It specifically acts on the uveoscleral pathway, an important alternative outflow pathway for aqueous humor.

Inactive Ingredients

Xalatan also contains the following inactive ingredients: benzalkonium chloride (preservative), sodium chloride, sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate, disodium phosphate anhydrous, and water for injection. These components play roles in stabilizing the formulation and ensuring its proper functioning.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

Common side effects of Xalatan include eye discomfort, stinging, burning, or itching after administration, which typically subside quickly. Changes in eye color, increasing pigmentation in the iris, may occur gradually over months to years.

Less Common Side Effects

Less frequent side effects include blurred vision, eye pain, eyelid crusting, or discharge. Some patients may experience dry eyes, tearing, or the sensation of a foreign body in the eye.

Contraindications

Xalatan is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to latanoprost or any of its inactive ingredients. It should not be used in patients with herpes simplex keratitis, a viral eye infection, due to potential exacerbation of the condition.

Drug Interactions

Xalatan may interact with other ophthalmic medications. Use caution when co-administering with other prostaglandins or similar drugs. Space out administration times if using multiple eye drops to avoid dilution and reduced efficacy.

Precautions

Patients using contact lenses should remove them before administering Xalatan and wait at least 15 minutes before reinsertion. The benzalkonium chloride preservative can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and may cause discoloration.

Special Populations

Pregnancy

Xalatan should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Animal studies have shown adverse effects on embryo-fetal development. Consult healthcare providers for personalized advice.

Nursing Mothers

The excretion of latanoprost in human milk is unknown. Exercise caution when administering to nursing mothers. Weigh the importance of the medication against potential risks to the infant.

Geriatric Use

No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between older and younger adult patients. Dose selection should be made with caution, considering potential existing health conditions and concurrent medications.

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of Xalatan in pediatric patients under 2 years old have not been established. For children aged 2 years and older, the dosage remains similar to that of adults.

Monitoring

Regular monitoring of intraocular pressure is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of Xalatan in managing ocular conditions. Follow-up visits should also assess for potential side effects and complications.

Product Availability

Xalatan is available as a sterile ophthalmic solution in a 2.5 mL bottle. Each milliliter contains 50 micrograms of latanoprost. Due to the preservative, single-use containers are available for patients with sensitivities.

Overdose

In case of overdose, symptoms may include eye irritation and conjunctival hyperemia. If accidentally ingested, consult medical professionals immediately. Symptomatic treatment and supportive care are recommended.