Latanoprost

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Jul 15, 2022

Warnings

What are the risks of using latanoprost (Xalatan)?

Do not take lisinopril or any ACE inhibitor if you are pregnant or actively trying to conceive.

Latanoprost ophthalmic can cause serious side effects and health complications in some people. Talk to your healthcare professional or pharmacist if these risks concern you.

DARKENING OF THE EYES: Latanoprost (Xalatan) is a prostaglandin eye drop that can lead to increased brown coloring in your irises, eyelids, and eyelashes, especially with long-term use. This effect usually develops slowly over a period of several months to years, but the color change can be permanent. While not harmful, you should tell your doctor if these eye color changes occur so that they can make sure your eyes are healthy.
THICKER, LONGER, DARKER EYELASHES: Latanoprost ophthalmic can increase the growth of your eyelashes and make them longer, thicker, and darker in color. This effect usually goes away after you stop using the medicine.
HERPES INFECTIONS: Latanoprost can trigger herpetic keratitis (herpes infection of the eye) in people who have had this infection before. Tell your health care professional if you have a history of herpes eye infection or any herpes infection.
BACTERIAL INFECTIONS: Latanoprost can cause bacterial keratitis, a bacterial infection of the cornea (the front covering of the eye). Such an infection can occur if your eye drop bottle gets contaminated with bacteria. Always wash your hands before using latanoprost ophthalmic eye drops, and do not touch the dropper tip with your hands, eyes, or anything else. Keep the tip of the dropper pointing down at all times to prevent the eye drops from flowing back into the bottle and contaminating the rest of the contents.
CONTACT LENSES: Latanoprost contains a preservative that can damage soft contact lenses. If you wear soft contacts, remove them before using latanoprost and wait at least 15 minutes after using the eye drops before you put your contacts back in.

What should I tell my doctor before using latanoprost (Xalatan)?

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to latanoprost, any of the active or inactive ingredients in latanoprost ophthalmic, or any other drugs. Your pharmacy can provide you with a list of ingredients.

Give your health care provider and pharmacist a complete list of all your medicines, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs (over-the-counter medicines), vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid serious drug interactions.

Give your doctor a complete medical history, particularly any history of eye inflammation, retinal detachment, eye surgery, liver disease, or kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What precautions should I take while using latanoprost (Xalatan)?

Keep all your appointments with your healthcare provider. Your doctor may order certain eye tests during treatment to check your response to the medication.

Remove your contact lenses before applying latanoprost and wait 15 minutes before putting them back in. Wait 5 minutes between latanoprost and other eye drops.

Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while using latanoprost. Before undergoing any surgery, including dental surgery, tell your dentist or surgeon you are on latanoprost

What are latanoprost (Xalatan) drug interactions?

Taking certain other medicines along with latanoprost may affect how the medicine works and/or increase the risk of side effects. Your physician may choose a different drug combination, change the dose or frequency of your medicines, and/or monitor you carefully for side effects if there are possible drug interactions between latanoprost and your other medicines.

Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, vitamins, and herbal products. Also, tell your healthcare providers if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription drugs.

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