Latanoprost (Xalatan) Drug for Glaucoma: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

Latanoprost
(Xalatan, United States and Canada)

Use:

Latanoprost or Xalatan is a prostaglandin eye drop used in glaucoma therapy.

How It Works:

Latanoprost or Xalatan reduces intraocular pressure, that is the pressure inside the eye ball. It increases fluid drainage from the eye ball, and works as well as timolol does.

Side Effects:

Latanoprost or Xalatan turns light coloured eyes brown by increasing the pigment in the iris. This change seems to be permanent.
It is generally well tolerated, however burning, stinging, a foreign body sensation, and blurred vision have been reported.

Cautions for People:

Latanoprost or Xalatan is an "add on" therapy, and people who use it may not be able to tolerate other eye drops. It is expensive.
If two or more eye drops are being used at one time, about a 5 minute wait between drops should be used to avoid washing the first drop out with the second drop.

Drug Interactions:

Further Reading:

Ophthalmology 1996;103:126,138
Ophthalmology 1995;102:1743
Arch Ophthalmology 1996;114:268
Med Letter 1996;38(987):100

Added to Virtual Drugstore November 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.