Xalatan, or the generic product latanoprost, is a prescription medication available as an eye drop. It is classified as a prostaglandin analog and used for reducing elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma, or high blood pressure in the eyes. The medication works by allowing the channels which carry fluid to the eye to relax and open up. Patients who are on Xalatan may experience many side effects.
Blurred Vision
Blurred vision may occur in patients using Xalatan ophthalmic solution. According to the "Drug Information Handbook," more than 10 percent of patients experience this side effect. The patient should report this side effect to a physician right away. The patient should be instructed to avoid touching the eye with the tip of the applicator. This may cause contamination, which may lead to infection, eye damage and vision loss. Blurred vision may impair activities, such as driving, and should be checked out by a physician.
Burning and Stinging
Burning and stinging of the eyes may occur right after inserting Xalatan drops, reports RxList.com. The person may also experience itching and a feeling that there is something in her eye. These side effects occur in over 10 percent of individuals. Dry eyes or excessive tearing occur in up to 10 percent of patients. If any of these side effects occur, the patient should contact a physician. A condition called punctate epithelial keratopathy, which is damage to the cornea of the eye, may present as burning, redness, tearing and sensitivity to light, and may occur in more than 10 percent of individuals. If the patient's symptoms worsen, she should seek medical attention immediately.
Eyelash Changes
Patients who use Xalatan drops may develop changes in their eyelashes. Drugs.com states that eyelash changes include increased length, thickness, pigmentation and number of lashes. These side effects do not have any negative effects on the health.
Altered Iris Pigmentation
Xalatan may cause altered iris pigmentation in 15 to 30 percent of patients, according to the 2008 text of "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach." This is most likely to occur in patients with mixed-color irises, such as blue-brown, green-brown, blue-gray or yellow-brown eyes. The irises may become browner in color over 3 to 12 months. There are no long-term consequences of the change in pigment.
Conjunctival Hyperemia
Conjunctival hyperemia is blood that rushes to the eyes causing redness and enlarged blood vessels in that area. Xalatan may produce this side effect in over 10 percent of patients, states the "Drug Information Handbook." The patient should inform a physician of this side effect to ensure that it is not a sign of something serious, such as an infection.
References
- "Drug Information Handbook"; Charles F. Lacy, Lora L. Armstrong, et al.; 2009
- RxList.com: Xalatan
- Drug.com: Xalatan Side Effects
- "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach"; Joseph T. Dipiro, Robert L. Talbert, et al.; 2008
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