Latanoprost - generic Xalatan
- is used for the
treatment of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure
exerted by the liquid within the eyeball (the aqueous humor) is too
great. The high pressure damages the optic nerve at the back of the eye.
The damage interferes with the ability of the nerve to transmit visual
images from the eye to the brain and thus can lead to blindness. Xalatan,
by binding to a specific receptor for prostaglandin, increases the flow
of aqueous humor out of the eye, thereby reducing the pressure within
the eye and reducing the risk of nerve damage and blindness. When
latanoprost and timolol (Timoptic) (a different drug that also is used to
treat glaucoma) are used in combination, there is a greater reduction in
pressure than when either drug is used alone. Xalatan was approved by
the FDA in 1996.
SIDE EFFECTS: Between 5% and 15% (between 1 in 20 and 1 in 6) of
persons receiving Xalatan for 6 months report at least one side
effect localized to the eyes. These side effects included blurred
vision, redness, a sensation of a foreign body, discoloration of the
iris, itching, burning, and stinging. Discoloration of the iris begins
happens slowly. It is caused by an increase in the amount of brown
pigment in the iris and may be permanent. Other side effects which have
been reported less frequently include dryness of the eyes, increased
tearing, eye pain and other eye-related discomfort. |
