Xalacom is a brand name in the United Kingdom, Canada and other countries for the generically named drugs latanoprost and timolol maleate in a combination medicine. Physicians may prescribe Xalacom to help people who suffer from the disease of the eyes called glaucoma. Netdoctor classifies timolol as a beta-blocker drug that helps prevent too much fluid from being produced in the eyes. Latanoprost, a prostaglandin analog, helps the eyes to expel more fluid to reduce pressure. Like most medications, Xalacom can produce some side effects.
Dryness
The person using Xalacom may discover he has some dryness in his body as a side effect of the medication. For example, his eyes may feel dry when he first begins using the eye drops. As the medicine enters his body system, he may get a condition called dry mouth in which he produces too little saliva. This can make swallowing difficult. MedBroadcast indicates these types of side effects most often stop without medical help.
Irritation
Xalacom may produce a sensation that feels similar to having a foreign body in the eye, Netdoctor states. The medicine also may irritate the eyes in other ways such as producing itching, burning or stinging. MedBroadcast states these types of side effects may occur most often as the medicine is dropped into the eyes. Eye irritation is not likely to be severe, nor should it last beyond the initial treatment with the drug.
Diplopia
Netdoctor states that the use of Xalacom may cause the person to experience double vision, or diplopia. This means the person may see two overlapping images of nearby or far away objects. If it continues or appears severe, a doctor should be alerted. Typically, however, this side effect subsides without medical intervention.
Arrhythmia
The use of Xalacom may cause pain in the chest and a change of heart rhythm, Netdoctor reports. In most cases, the medication will cause the heart to beat more slowly than normal, a condition termed as bradycardia. This can cause low blood pressure to occur. The person may not get enough oxygen to all parts of the body with a slowed heart rate and may feel tired and weak. Any change of heartbeat needs medical intervention.
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