Side Effects of Xalatan (latanoprost)

Xalatan (latanoprost), a derivative of prostaglandin F2-alpha, treats glaucoma.

Glaucoma occurs when there is excessive pressure from the aqueous humor within the eyeball, damaging the optic nerve and leading to blindness.

By binding to a specific prostaglandin receptor, Xalatan increases the flow of aqueous humor out of the eye, reducing pressure and the risk of nerve damage.

When used in combination with timolol, there is a greater reduction in pressure compared to using either drug alone.

Common side effects of Xalatan include blurred vision, redness, foreign body sensation, iris discoloration, itching, burning, stinging, eye dryness, increased tearing, eye pain, other eye-related discomforts, and eyelash changes.

Serious side effects are rare and may include iris discoloration and intraocular inflammation.

Xalatan may interact with thimerosal eye drops, so they should be administered at least 5 minutes apart.

There are no adequate studies on Xalatan in pregnant women, and its presence in breast milk is unknown.

Important side effects of Xalatan (latanoprost)

Between 5% and 15% of patients experienced side effects such as blurred vision, redness, foreign body sensation, iris discoloration, itching, burning, and stinging.

Less common side effects include dryness of the eyes, increased tearing, eye pain, and other eye-related discomforts.

Eyelash changes, conjunctivitis, double vision, and eye discharge are rare side effects.

Xalatan (latanoprost) side effect list for healthcare professionals

Postmarking experience has shown adverse reactions such as iris pigmentation changes, eyelid skin darkening, eyelash changes, intraocular inflammation, and macular edema.

Clinical Trials Experience

Clinical trials found that Xalatan effectively reduced eye pressure with common side effects being foreign body sensation, punctate keratitis, stinging, conjunctival hyperemia, blurred vision, itching, and burning.

Less common side effects included excessive tearing, eyelid discomfort, dry eye, eye pain, and eyelid margin crusting.

Systemic events such as upper respiratory tract infections and muscle/joint/back pain were reported in a small percentage of patients.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing use of Xalatan has reported various reactions including eyelash and vellus hair changes, keratitis, corneal edema, iris cysts, eyelid skin darkening, and conjunctivitis.

Other reported reactions include dizziness, headache, toxic epidermal necrolysis, asthma, dyspnea, pruritus, herpes keratitis, and cardiac events.

Drug interactions with Xalatan (latanoprost)

Thimerosal eye drops should not be mixed with Xalatan as it may cause precipitation. Using multiple prostaglandin drugs can decrease effectiveness or increase intraocular pressure.

Summary

Xalatan (latanoprost) is an effective treatment for glaucoma. Common side effects include blurred vision, redness, foreign body sensation, iris discoloration, itching, burning, stinging, eye dryness, increased tearing, eye pain, other eye-related discomforts, and eyelash changes. Use in pregnant women and breastfeeding is not well-studied.