Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: latanoprost
BRAND NAME: Xalatan
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Latanoprost, a derivative of
the
chemical, prostaglandin F2-alpha, is used for the treatment of
glaucoma.
Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure exerted by the
liquid within
the eyeball (the aqueous humor) is too great. The high
pressure damages
the optic nerve at the back of the eye. The damage interferes
with the
ability of the nerve to transmit visual images from the eye to
the brain
and thus can lead to blindness. Latanoprost, by binding to a
specific
receptor for prostaglandin, increases the flow of aqueous humor
out of the
eye, thereby reducing the pressure within the eye and reducing
the risk of
nerve damage and blindness. When latanoprost and timolol (Timoptic) (a
different drug that also is used to treat glaucoma) are used in
combination, there is a greater reduction in pressure than when
either
drug is used alone. Latanoprost was approved by the FDA in
1996.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PREPARATIONS: Ophthalmic solution 0.005%: 2.5ml.
STORAGE: Latanoprost should be kept at room
temperature, 15-30°C
(59-86°F) and protected for direct light.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Latanoprost is used for the treatment
of
glaucoma.
DOSING: The hands should be washed before each use of
latanoprost or any eye medication. The head is tilted back and
the lower
eyelid is pulled down with the index finger to form a pouch.
(It is
important not to touch the tip of the dropper to the eye or the
eyelid so
that bacteria are not introduced into the bottle.) The bottle
is squeezed
slightly to allow the prescribed number of drops into the
pouch. The eye
then is closed gently for 2 to 3 minutes without blinking. The
usual dose
is one drop into the affected eye once daily.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: No drug interactions have been
described
with latanoprost eye drops.
PREGNANCY: Although no human studies have assessed the
effects
of latanoprost on the fetus, animal studies have shown damage
to the
fetus. Physicians should use latanoprost during pregnancy only
if its
benefits are deemed to outweigh the potential risks to the
fetus.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not
known if latanoprost is secreted into breast milk.
SIDE EFFECTS: Between 5% and 15% (between 1 in 20 and
1 in 6)
of persons receiving latanoprost for 6 months report at least
one side
effect localized to the eyes. These side effects included
blurred vision,
redness, a sensation of a foreign body, discoloration of the
iris,
itching, burning, and stinging. Discoloration of the iris
begins happens
slowly. It is caused by an increase in the amount of brown
pigment in the
iris and may be permanent. Other side effects which have been
reported
less frequently include dryness of the eyes, increased tearing,
eye pain
and other eye-related discomfort.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 7/23/1998
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Glaucoma - Get information about glaucoma and its symptoms, signs, and causes. Learn about treatment, prevention, and research on the leading cause of blindness.
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
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