Xalatan (Latanoprost)

Description

Xalatan is a medication used to treat high pressure in the eye. This condition is often caused as a result of glaucoma. This medication is also useful in treating a number of other eye illnesses. Using this medication can prevent severe eye conditions that can lead to blindness.

 

 

 

How it works

 

This medication works by lowering the pressure in the eye. It is quite similar to prostaglandin, which is a natural chemical that controls the fluid within the eye. This control enables the medication to prevent this fluid from drying away and thereby helps to keep the eye pressure at a normal rate.

 

Its uses

 

The drug is mainly used to treat eye conditions that increase eye pressure.  It is highly useful in treating various types of glaucoma and a number of other eye illnesses such as ocular hypertension. This medication can reduce the risk of developing serious consequences such as blindness.

 

Application

 

This medication is only dropped in the affected eye once a day, usually in the evening. Your physician might give you a different prescription depending on your personal condition. Do not use more drops than the prescribed amount since it can decrease the effectiveness of the medication. Before putting the drops, make sure to wash your hands well. If you use lenses, you will have to take them out and wait for at least 15 minutes after application.

 

Hold the dropper directly above your eye and only drop the prescribed number of drops. Do not scratch or rub your eye since it can affect the effectiveness of the medication.

 

Side effects

 

The following are some side effects that you are likely to experience when using Xalatan.

 

 Redness and swelling around the eye
 Discharge from the eye
 Increased sensitivity to light
 Vision changes
 Blurred vision
 Dizziness
 Headache

 

If you experience any of the symptoms after applying the medication, make sure to contact your physician immediately.

 

Precautions

 

Following the precautionary methods given below will enable you to reduce the risk of side effects to a great extent.

 

 If you are using any other eye medications, wait for 5 minutes before the application

 

 Continue to use the medication even if you feel normal and no longer experience any symptoms

 

 Do not change the number of drops applied before consulting your physician first

 

 Apply the drops at the same time every day

 

 Do not let the dropper to touch any surface since it can lead to contamination

 

 Store the dropper in a safe place to avoid possible contamination

 

 Using this medication can lead to cosmetic changes in your eye. So, keep a track of its appearance during the treatment period.

 

Self-care

 

If you use contact lenses, remove them before applying the medication. The preservatives used in this medication can lead to discoloration of the lenses and thereby affect your vision.

 

This medication must be used frequently in order to experience its full benefits. So, do not skip or miss your dose since it can reduce the effectiveness of the medication. Applying the drops at the same time every day will prevent you from forgetting your dose.