Xalatan, also called Latanoprost, is used to treat certain kinds of glaucoma. It is also used to treat a condition called hypertension of the eye. Xalatan most likely works by increasing the movement of fluid from the eye, and that lowers the pressure in the eye.
Be sure to tell your doctor of any allergies you have whether it is to medication or food, preservatives, or dyes. Tell your doctor immediately if you are, or become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, as it is unknown how Xalatan may affect your baby. Also, tell your doctor of any other medications you are taking, including vitamins and supplements, and any medical conditions you may have.
It is very important that you take this medicine exactly as your doctor tells you to. Do not take more or less medicine than directed. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do NOT double doses.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: eyelid crusting, redness, swelling, discomfort, or pain; cough; difficulty breathing; noisy breathing; redness of eye or inside of eyelid; shortness of breath; swelling of the eye; tightness in chest; or wheezing.
Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you develop any of the following: blurred vision, eye irritation, or tearing; darkening of eyelid; increase in brown color in colored part of eye; longer, thicker, and darker eyelashes; chest pain; cold or flu symptoms; eye pain; pain in muscles, joints, or back; skin rash; discharge from the eye; double vision; fever; sensitivity to light; or sore throat.
Latanoprost is a prostaglandin F2a analogue. Its chemical name is isopropyl-(Z)-7[(1R, 2R, 3R, 5S)3, 5-dihydroxy-2-[(3R)-3-hydroxy-5-phenylpentyl]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate. Its molecular formula is C26H40O5. Xalatan sterile ophthalmic solution is supplied as sterile, isotonic, buffered aqueous solution of latanoprost with a pH of approximately 6.7 and an osmolality of approximately 267 mOsmol/kg. Each ml of Xalatan contains 50 mcg of latanoprost. Benzalkonium chloride, 0.02% is added as a preservative. Inactive Ingredients: Sodium chloride, sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate, disodium hydrogen phosphate anhydrous, and water for injection. One drop contains approximately 1.5 mcg of latanoprost.
Xalatan has the following structural formula: