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What is the most important information I should know about Xalatan?
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Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes
or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could
cause an infection in the eye possibly resulting in a loss of vision. |
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Xalatan may cause the iris (the colored part of the eye) to
change. The amount of brown pigment in the eyes may increase during
treatment with Xalatan. This effect occurs primarily in people with blue
or green eyes. It is not known if color changes are reversible after
therapy is stopped. Color changes may occur only in the eye being
treated. |
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Xalatan contains a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), so
do not wear soft contact lenses when applying this medication. Contact
lenses can be inserted 15 minutes after application of the drops. |
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Xalatan reduces pressure in the eye by increasing the amount
of fluid that drains from the eye. |
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Xalatan is used to treat glaucoma and high pressure in the
eye(s). |
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Xalatan may also be used for purposes other than those listed
in this medication guide. |
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using
Xalatan?
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Before using this medication, tell your doctor about your
medical history. If you have any other medical conditions, you may
require special monitoring during treatment with Xalatan. |
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Xalatan is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that
it is not known whether Xalatan will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do
not use Xalatan without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant
or could become pregnant during treatment. |
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It is not known whether Xalatan passes into breast milk. Do
not use Xalatan without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. |
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How should I use Xalatan?
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Use Xalatan eyedrops exactly as directed by your doctor. If
you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, pharmacist,
or nurse to explain them to you. |
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Xalatan is usually used once a day, one drop in the affected
eye or eyes, in the evening. Since Xalatan is used regularly, try to
make applying them a part of your nightly routine. Follow your doctor's
instructions. |
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Wash your hands before and after using the eyedrops. |
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• |
Xalatan contains a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), so
do not wear soft contact lenses when applying this medication. Contact
lenses can be inserted 15 minutes after application of the drops. |
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Tilt the head back slightly and pull down on your lower
eyelid. Position the dropper above the eye. Steady the hand holding the
bottle by placing your thumb against your brow or the bridge of your
nose. Look up and away from the dropper. Gently press or lightly tap the
side of the bottle to allow only a single drop of medicine to fall into
the pocket formed by the lower eyelid. Do not allow the dropper to touch
the eye, eyelid, or hands. Instill the number of drops prescribed by
your doctor. Close your eye for approximately 2 to 3 minutes. If you are
using drops in both eyes, repeat this procedure in the other eye. |
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Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes
or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could
cause an infection in the eye possibly resulting in a loss of vision.
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Contact your doctor if you if you experience any type of eye
condition or if you need to have eye surgery. |
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Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles
in it. |
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If you are also using another type of eye medication, apply
it at least 5 minutes before or after a dose of Xalatan, unless
otherwise directed by your doctor. |
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Store Xalatan in the refrigerator before the bottle is
opened. |
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Once the bottle is opened, Xalatan can be stored at room
temperature up to 77 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 weeks. Keep the bottle
properly capped. |
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What happens if I miss a dose?
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Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if
it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed
dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose
of this medication. |
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What happens if I overdose?
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If an overdose is suspected, flush the eye with water and
seek emergency medical attention. |
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Symptoms of a Xalatan overdose may include burning,
irritation, and redness of the eyes. |
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What should I avoid while using Xalatan?
|
|
• |
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes
or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could
cause an infection in the eye. |
|
• |
Xalatan contains a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), so
do not wear soft contact lenses when applying this medication. Contact
lenses can be inserted 15 minutes after application of the drops. |
|
• |
If you are also using another type of eye medication, apply
it at least 5 minutes before or after a dose of Xalatan, unless
otherwise directed by your doctor. |
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What are the possible side effects of Xalatan?
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Call your doctor immediately if you notice signs of
infection such as itching, redness, or discharge from the eyes. |
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More commonly, burning, stinging, itching, redness, blurred
vision, dry eye, tearing, eyelid irritation, or a feeling of something
in your eye may occur. Continue to use Xalatan and talk to your doctor
about these side effects. |
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• |
Xalatan may cause the iris (the colored part of the eye) to
change. The amount of brown pigment in the eyes may increase during
treatment with Xalatan. This effect occurs primarily in people with blue
or green eyes. It is not known if color changes are reversible after
therapy is stopped. Color changes may occur only in the eye being
treated. |
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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur.
Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is
especially bothersome. |
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What other drugs will affect Xalatan?
|
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Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are
using another eye medication. Apply other eyedrops at least 5 minutes
before or after a dose of Xalatan to prevent an interactions. |
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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with
Xalatan. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any
prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals,
and herbal products. |
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Where can I get more information?
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Your pharmacist has additional information about Xalatan
written for health professionals that you may read. |
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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach
of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this
medication only for the indication prescribed. |
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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information
provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and
complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information
contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been
compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United
States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the
United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise.
Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or
recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational
resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring
for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a
supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge
and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a
given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate
that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for
any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any
aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum
provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all
possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions,
allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the
drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Click here for more information on Xalatan from the manufacturer.
|
Copyright 1996-2004 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 5.02. Revision
date: 12/2/04. |
