Xalatan (latanoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.005% is a prostaglandin analog ophthalmic solution indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. As a first-line therapeutic agent, it offers a well-tolerated mechanism of action that enhances uveoscleral outflow, providing consistent 24-hour IOP control with once-daily dosing. Its efficacy, safety profile, and convenient administration have established it as a cornerstone in glaucoma management protocols worldwide. This product card provides a comprehensive overview for eye care professionals considering Xalatan for their patients requiring IOP reduction.

Features

• Contains latanoprost 50 mcg/mL (0.005%) as the active pharmaceutical ingredient
• Preservative-free formulation available in addition to standard benzalkonium chloride-preserved solution
• Clear, isotonic ophthalmic solution with pH approximately 6.7
• Supplied in 2.5 mL translucent low-density polyethylene bottle with controlled drop tip
• Once-daily dosing regimen for consistent 24-hour IOP control
• Storage requirement: refrigerate at 2-8°C before opening; may be stored at room temperature (up to 25°C) for 6 weeks after opening

Benefits

• Provides significant IOP reduction ranging from 25-35% from baseline measurements
• Maintains consistent 24-hour pressure control with single daily administration
• Demonstrates excellent ocular tolerability with minimal systemic side effects
• Offers convenient dosing schedule that enhances patient compliance
• Shows additive effect when used concomitantly with other IOP-lowering medications
• Preserves visual field and optic nerve structure through effective pressure management

Common use

Xalatan is primarily prescribed for the management of open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension in adult patients. It is frequently initiated as first-line monotherapy due to its efficacy and favorable side effect profile. Ophthalmologists may also prescribe it as adjunctive therapy when additional IOP reduction is required beyond what beta-blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, or alpha-agonists provide alone. The medication is suitable for long-term management of chronic conditions requiring sustained IOP control.

Dosage and direction

The recommended dosage is one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening. Administration frequency exceeding once daily may decrease the IOP-lowering effect. Patients should be instructed to remove contact lenses prior to administration and wait at least 15 minutes before reinsertion. Proper administration technique includes gentle pressure applied to the lacrimal sac for one minute following instillation to minimize systemic absorption. The solution should not be allowed to contact any surfaces to prevent contamination.

Precautions

Patients should be monitored for changes to iris pigmentation, particularly those with mixed-color irides (green-brown, yellow-brown, or blue/gray-brown), as increased brown pigmentation may occur gradually and persist after discontinuation. Eyelid skin darkening may also develop and be permanent. Patients should be advised about potential gradual lightening of periocular skin. Caution is recommended in patients with intraocular inflammation, aphakic patients, pseudophakic patients with torn posterior lens capsule, or patients with known risk factors for macular edema. The preservative benzalkonium chloride may be absorbed by soft contact lenses.

Contraindications

Xalatan is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to latanoprost, benzalkonium chloride, or any other component of the formulation. It should not be used in cases of active intraocular inflammation such as iritis or uveitis. The medication is not recommended for use in pediatric patients as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Patients with a history of herpetic keratitis should use with extreme caution due to potential reactivation of the virus.

Possible side effect

Common ocular adverse reactions (5-15% of patients) include conjunctival hyperemia, growth of eyelashes, ocular pruritus, and foreign body sensation. Less frequently reported effects (1-4%) include iris color changes, eyelid erythema, ocular pain, and punctate epithelial keratopathy. Rare side effects (<1%) include iritis, macular edema, eyelid edema, and superficial punctate keratitis. Systemic effects are uncommon but may include headache, dizziness, and muscle/joint pain. Patients should report any ocular symptoms that persist or worsen.

Drug interaction

Formal drug interaction studies have shown no clinically significant interactions with systemic medications. However, concomitant therapy with other prostaglandin analogs may decrease the IOP-lowering effect and is not recommended. The combination with pilocarpine may reduce the efficacy of both medications. When using multiple topical ophthalmic medications, patients should administer them at least 5 minutes apart to prevent washout and ensure proper absorption. The solution containing benzalkonium chloride may be incompatible with some other ophthalmed preparations.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, patients should administer it as soon as possible on the same day. If remembered at the time of the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Patients should not instill two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose. Consistent evening administration is recommended to maintain therapeutic levels, though the exact timing is less critical than maintaining the 24-hour interval between doses.

Overdose

No cases of overdose have been reported. Based on the pharmacological properties, overdosage would likely result in conjunctival hyperemia, ocular irritation, or headache. Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. The eyes may be rinsed with warm water to remove excess solution. Medical attention should be sought if symptoms persist or if accidental ingestion occurs, though systemic effects are unlikely due to low bioavailability.

Storage

Unopened bottles should be stored refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F). Once opened, the bottle may be stored at room temperature up to 25°C (77°F) for 6 weeks. Protect from light and excessive heat. The solution should be discarded 6 weeks after opening, even if medication remains. Do not freeze. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use. Store out of reach of children and pets.

Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your ophthalmologist or qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. The prescribing information contained herein may not include all possible uses, directions, precautions, or interactions. Actual patient experiences may vary.

Reviews

Clinical studies demonstrate that approximately 70% of patients achieve target IOP reduction with Xalatan monotherapy. In comparative trials, it has shown superior efficacy to timolol in some patient populations with mean IOP reduction of 31% versus 26% respectively. Long-term extension studies indicate maintained efficacy for up to 5 years with consistent dosing. Patient satisfaction surveys report high compliance rates due to once-daily dosing and generally good tolerability. Ophthalmologists frequently note its reliability as a first-line agent and value in combination therapy regimens.