What is latanoprost ophthalmic?
Latanoprost reduces pressure in the eye by increasing the amount of fluid that drains from
the eye.
Latanoprost ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat certain types of glaucoma and
other causes of high pressure inside the eye.
Latanoprost ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking latanoprost ophthalmic?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to latanoprost.
Before using latanoprost, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have
swelling or infection of your eye.
Latanoprost ophthalmic may cause a gradual change in the color of your eyes or eyelids
and lashes, as well as increased growth or thickness of your eyelashes. These color changes,
usually an increase in brown pigment, occur slowly and you may not notice them for months or
years. Color changes may be permanent even after your treatment ends, and may occur only in
the eye being treated. This could result in a cosmetic difference in eye or eyelash color from one
eye to the other.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether latanoprost passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
How should I take latanoprost ophthalmic?
Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication
may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes
after using latanoprost before putting your contact lenses in.
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in
larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions
on your prescription label.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
To apply the eye drops:
-
Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid to
create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and
away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Gently press your finger to the
inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into
your tear duct.
-
If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5
minutes before putting in the next drop. Also wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye
drops that your doctor has prescribed.
Do not allow the dropper to touch any surface, including the eyes
or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can
lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
At any time during your use of latanoprost ophthalmic, tell your doctor at once if you
have an eye injury, if you develop an eye infection, or if you plan to have eye surgery.
Do not use the eye drops if the liquid changes colors or has particles in it.
Store an unopened bottle of latanoprost eye drops in a refrigerator.
Once you have opened and begun using the drops, you may store them at room
temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Do not use the eye drops if it has been longer than 6 weeks since you first opened the
bottle. If you still need to use the medication, call your doctor for a new prescription.
What happens if I miss a dose of latanoprost ophthalmic?
If you forget to use the eye drops, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next
regularly scheduled time.
Do not
use extra medicine to make up the missed
dose.
Where can I get more information about latanoprost ophthalmic?
Your pharmacist has information about latanoprost ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of latanoprost ophthalmic?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using latanoprost ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have any of
these serious side effects:
-
redness, swelling, itching, or pain in or around your eye;
-
oozing or discharge from your eye;
-
increased sensitivity to light;
-
vision changes; or
-
chest pain.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat;
-
headache, dizziness;
-
mild eye discomfort;
-
blurred vision;
-
feeling like something is in your eye;
-
dry or watery eyes; or
-
stinging or burning of the eyes after using the drops.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about latanoprost ophthalmic?
Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication
may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes
after using latanoprost before putting your contact lenses in.
Latanoprost ophthalmic may cause a gradual change in the color of your eyes or eyelids
and lashes, as well as increased growth or thickness of your eyelashes. These color changes,
usually an increase in brown pigment, occur slowly and you may not notice them for months or
years. Color changes may be permanent even after your treatment ends, and may occur only in
the eye being treated. This could result in a cosmetic difference in eye or eyelash color from one
eye to the other.
Do not allow the dropper to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the
dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision
loss or serious damage to the eye.
After using this medication, wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops that
your doctor has prescribed.
What should I avoid while taking latanoprost ophthalmic?
Avoid using too much of this medication, which can actually make it less effective in
lowering the pressure inside the eye.
Avoid using any eye drop medicine that has not been prescribed by your doctor.
What other drugs will affect latanoprost ophthalmic?
There may be other drugs that can affect latanoprost ophthalmic. Tell your doctor about
all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals,
herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication
without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of latanoprost ophthalmic?
