Xalatan is the brand name of the generic drug latanoprost. It may be prescribed in the treatment of hypertension of the eye or glaucoma. Glaucoma is the term given to several conditions that may cause damage to the optic nerve and result in blindness. Xalatan, according to the Mayo Clinic, reduces the pressure in the eyes by helping fluid to flow more readily out of the eye. Latanoprost is administered as drops in the eyes.
Rare Serious Side Effects
Applying the drops of Xalatan to your eyes to treat medical conditions may cause some rare serious side effects. Most people will not experience any of these while taking the drug, but if you do, consult your doctor immediately. These include wheezing while breathing, a cough, chest tightness, breathing difficulties, swelling in the area of the eyes, breathing that is loud, shortness of breath and eye redness or eyelid redness. Other rare side effects are not quite as serious, but you still should check with a doctor as soon as you can if you get them. These, according to the Mayo Clinic, may include throat soreness, eye discharges, visual sensitivity to light, diplopia or, medically, double vision, a fever or other visual changes.
Other Serious Side Effects
Consult your physician immediately if you experience any side effects reported as "less common" by the Mayo Clinic. These may include pain in the eyes, crusting on the eyelid, swelling, redness or discomfort of the eyes. You also should consult a doctor as soon as possible if you experience other less common side effects from Xalatan usage such as a rash on the skin or pain in the chest; symptoms you normally would associate with the flu such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, nausea or a fever; and pain in the back, joints or muscles. More common serious side effects may include eyelashes that become darker, thicker or longer; vision blurring; irritation or tearing of the eye; brown color increases in the eyes; and discoloration of the eyelid, usually dark.
Non-Serious Side Effects
Xalatan may induce some non-serious side effects that will be temporary in most people. The more common of these include a sensation of burning in the eyes, a disturbance in the eyes such as feeling there is debris in your eyes, eye stinging and itching. Less commonly, some people experience eye dryness when they first start taking Xalatan. If any of these side effects occur but do not fade, tell your doctor.
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