Description
Xalatan Eye Drop
Xalatan Eye Drop 0.005% 2.5ML is a prescription medication primarily used to treat elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It contains latanoprost, a prostaglandin analogue that helps increase the outflow of aqueous humor from the eyes, thereby reducing pressure.
Used once daily in the evening, Xalatan helps prevent optic nerve damage and vision loss caused by high eye pressure. It is easy to apply, fast-acting, and generally well-tolerated. However, proper hygiene must be followed to avoid contamination.
Uses
Xalatan Eye Drop is used to reduce high intraocular pressure in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
How to uses Xalatan Eye Drop?
To use Xalatan Eye Drop, wash your hands thoroughly before application. Tilt your head back, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket, and instill one drop into the affected eye once daily, preferably in the evening.
Avoid touching the dropper tip to prevent contamination. Close your eyes gently for a minute and press the inner corner of your eye to reduce drainage. Do not rinse the dropper. Follow your doctor’s dosage instructions strictly for best results.
How does it work?
Xalatan Eye Drop contains latanoprost, a prostaglandin F2-alpha analogue that works by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor—the fluid inside the eye. By enhancing this natural drainage through the uveoscleral pathway, Xalatan effectively lowers intraocular pressure.
This pressure reduction helps to prevent optic nerve damage, which can lead to vision loss in conditions like open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The medication begins to work within hours and reaches its peak effect in about 8 to 12 hours after application.
Benefits
- Effectively lowers high eye pressure
- Helps prevent optic nerve damage
- Reduces risk of vision loss in glaucoma
- Convenient once-daily dosing
- Long-lasting pressure control
- Suitable for long-term use
- Generally well-tolerated
- Improves overall eye health in patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma
Side Effects
- Eye redness or irritation
- Blurred vision
- Increased brown pigmentation of the iris
- Eyelash changes (length, thickness, color)
- Dry eyes or watery eyes
- Eye discomfort or itching
- Sensation of a foreign body in the eye
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Eyelid darkening
- Rarely, eye infection or inflammation (uveitis)
Precautions
- Use only as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not use if you are allergic to latanoprost.
- Avoid contact of dropper tip with any surface to prevent contamination.
- Remove contact lenses before use; wait 15 minutes before reinserting.
- Inform your doctor if you have eye infections, inflammation, or history of eye surgery.
- Use caution in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Store in a cool place, away from light.
- Keep out of reach of children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Xalatan Eye Drop in both eyes?
Only use Xalatan in both eyes if prescribed by your doctor. It’s often prescribed for one eye depending on the condition.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Can Xalatan change eye color permanently?
Yes, it may gradually darken the iris, especially in brown-mixed eyes, and the change is usually permanent.
How long does a 2.5ml bottle last?
When used once daily in one eye, a 2.5ml bottle typically lasts about one month.
Can children use Xalatan Eye Drops?
It’s generally not recommended for children unless specifically advised by a specialist.
Conclusion
Xalatan Eye Drop 0.005% is an effective treatment for reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma and ocular hypertension. With once-daily use, it helps prevent optic nerve damage and vision loss. Though generally safe, proper use and medical supervision are essential. Always follow your doctor’s instructions to ensure maximum benefits and maintain long-term eye health.