Latanoprost Ophthalmic

Latanoprost ophthalmic is used to treat glaucoma (a condition in which increased pressure in the eye can lead to gradual loss of vision) and ocular hypertension (a condition which causes increased pressure in the eye). Latanoprost is in a class of medications called prostaglandin analogs. It lowers pressure in the eye by increasing the flow of natural eye fluids out of the eye.

Latanoprost ophthalmic comes as a solution (liquid) to instill in the eye. Instill one drop to the affected eye(s) once a day in the evening.

Use latanoprost eye drops exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Latanoprost eye drops should be given at least 5 minutes before or after any other eye drops.

Latanoprost eye drops come in single-use containers (small bottles to be used for one dose) and in a multi-dose bottle (a bottle that can be used more than once). If you are using the single-use container, use the liquid from the container immediately after opening, and throw away the container with any remaining liquid when you are finished. Do not save the liquid left in the container for your next dose.

Latanoprost controls glaucoma but does not cure it. Continue to use latanoprost eye drops even if you feel well. Do not stop using latanoprost eye drops without talking to your doctor.

To instill the eye drops, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. When using the multi-dose bottle, remove the cap from the bottle..
3. When using the single-use container, pull off one container of medication from the strip of containers. Put the rest of the containers back into the foil pouch. Hold the container upright. Be sure that twist off tab is at the top of the container. Open the container by twisting off the tab at the top of the container.
4. Avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye or anything else; eye drops and droppers must be kept clean.
5. While tilting your head back, pull down the lower lid of your eye with your index finger to form a pocket.
6. Hold the dropper (tip down) with the other hand, as close to the eye as possible without touching it.
7. Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your face.
8. While looking up, gently squeeze the dropper so that a single drop falls into the pocket made by the lower eyelid. Remove your index finger from the lower eyelid.
9. Close your eye for 2 to 3 minutes and tip your head down as though looking at the floor. Try not to blink or squeeze your eyelids.
10. Replace the cap on the multi-use bottle. Discard the single-use container even if it is not empty.
11. Wipe off any excess liquid from your cheek with a clean tissue.
12. Wash your hands to remove any medication.

If you still have symptoms of glaucoma (eye pain or blurred vision) after using this medication for a couple of days, call your doctor.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before using latanoprost eye drops,

• tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this drug, any part of this drug, or any other drugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
• tell your doctor if you have inflammation (swelling) of the eye or a torn or missing lens or if you have or have ever had an infection in or around your eyes.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using latanoprost eye drops, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including eye or dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using latanoprost eye drops.
• If you wear contact lenses, remove them before instilling latanoprost eye drops. You may put them back in 15 minutes after you instill the drops.

If you forget a dose, continue with the next dose as normal. Do not double up on a dose.

Latanoprost may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• stinging, burning, irritated, or itchy, eyes
• dry eyes
• feeling like something is in the eye
• headache
• dizziness

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• eye sensitivity to light
• changes in vision
• eye or eyelid redness
• swelling of the eyelid

Latanoprost eye drops may change the color of your eye (to brown). If may also cause your eyelashes to grow longer and thicker and darken in color. These changes usually occur slowly, but they may be permanent. If you use latanoprost eye drops in only one eye, you should know that there may be a difference between your eyes after using latanoprost eye drops. Call your doctor if you notice these changes.

Latanoprost eye drops may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store unopened multi-dose bottles in the refrigerator. Once opened, multi-dose bottles can be stored at room temperature for up to 6 weeks. Store single-use containers in the foil pouch at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Once opened, the foil pouches can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days. Discard each single-use container after one use in a place that is out of reach of children and pets.

Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org

Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor will order certain eye tests to check your response to latanoprost eye drops.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.

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• Iyuzeh^®
• Xelpros^®¶
• Rocklatan^® (as a combination product containing Latanoprost, Netarsudil)