Xalatan user manual
To buy Xalatan just add it to your shopping cart
Composition and form of release
Xalatan is a synthetic agent based on latanoprost, an analogue of the hormone prostaglandin that affects nerve receptors. 1 ml of drops contains 50 μg of active substance, the effect of which is enhanced by the following components:
sodium chloride;
sodium dihydrogen phosphate;
benzalkonium chloride;
sodium hydrogen phosphate.
The basis of the composition is purified water for injection, which does not contain alcohol, dyes and fragrances. The medicine is a clear, colorless and odorless sterile solution. It is packaged in 2.5 ml each in a transparent soft polyethylene bottle, equipped with a dispenser for easy eye dropping.
Pharmachologic effect
The substance latanoprost is a synthetic hormone derived from active prostaglandin. When it gets on the mucous membrane and tissues of the eye, it is quickly absorbed into the deep layers and penetrates to the bottom. After exposure to FP receptors, excess fluid begins to outflow, small capillaries expand. Intraocular pressure normalizes, visual acuity improves, painful symptoms and a feeling of overexertion disappear.
The substance begins to act in 2.5-4 hours after instillation, so drops must be applied at regular intervals. The maximum concentration is observed after 8-9 hours, and the stabilizing properties are retained during the day.
Pharmacokinetics
The active ingredients easily penetrate the cornea, where they gradually break down into organic acids. They are easily neutralized by liver enzymes and excreted in the urine within 1–2 days. At the correct dosage, there is no negative effect on the functioning of the blood vessels or respiratory organs.
Indications for use
Xalatan drops are recommended as the main drug in the complex treatment of glaucoma. They are used at any stage of the disease, help slow down its development, and avoid surgery. The medicine relieves stress and swelling, which worsens the condition of the lens and cornea.
An ophthalmic agent is recommended for increased ophthalmotonus in children and adults. In some diseases of the brain, nervous system or diabetes mellitus, high pressure in the fundus becomes the cause of severe complications, complete or partial loss of vision due to circulatory disorders.
Instructions for use: method and dosage
The drug has a dispensing pipette, so it is easy to use without assistance at home. The instructions for use warn that before the procedure, it is necessary to thoroughly wash your hands, to exclude accidental contact of pathogenic microorganisms on the mucous membranes of the eye. Before the introduction of the drop, it is necessary to warm to room temperature.
According to patients' reviews, Xalatan is effective drops that require strict adherence to instructions:
The patient needs to lie on his back or sit comfortably in a chair, lean on the back.
Open the bottle cap with clean hands.
Instill Xalatan ophthalmic solution into each eye at the rate of 1 drop into the conjunctival sac.
It is necessary to close and close the eyelids tightly so that the medicine is distributed over all layers of the eyeball within 5-10 seconds.
Doctors recommend a light massage of the lower lacrimal opening with fingertips for 30–45 seconds. This reduces the risk of systemic complications and speeds up the distribution process. The best time to apply is the evening before bed.
Contraindications
Medicinal drops contain a hormonal component, therefore, contraindications to treatment are:
children's age up to 1 year;
allergy to active ingredients in the composition.
There are a number of diseases in which Xalatan drops can be used strictly in consultation with the attending physician. With great care, they are allowed for the following pathologies:
rupture of the posterior capsule of the lens;
inflammatory glaucoma;
herpetic keratitis.
In this category of patients, Xalatan treatment is carried out in a hospital under the constant supervision of an ophthalmologist. No less dangerous is the use of drops for bronchial asthma: the hormonal substance in the composition can affect the state of the vessels supplying the respiratory organs, provoke spasms and a suffocating attack.
The medicine is not recommended for eye injuries. A decrease in pressure and blood circulation can lead to malnutrition, worsen the condition of blood vessels and damaged tissues, and lead to their death against the background of a lack of oxygen.
A controversial issue is the use of Xalatan drops in patients with cataracts. Before eye surgery, the use of drops can lead to poor circulation. During the work of the surgeon, this threatens with dangerous complications and consequences.
Side effects
Xalatan eye drops can cause local reactions even when used correctly and the dosage is observed:
corneal edema;
painful conjunctivitis;
change in eyelash growth;
irritation;
increased dryness;
reaction to bright light.
When using, there may be a change in the pigment of the iris, its darkening. Many problems disappear quickly and do not require treatment or medical supervision. Often in the first minutes after instillation there is a burning sensation, a feeling of sand and other signs of irritation.
The content of the hormone can provoke dangerous side effects for humans associated with disruption of the body's systems:
bronchospasm and severe shortness of breath;
dizziness;
muscle pain;
rashes on the skin;
nonspecific pain in the chest area.
In rare cases, an exacerbation of herpes infection occurs, which provokes the development of herpetic keratitis. In children, side effects can manifest themselves in the form of fever, chills and swelling of the nasopharynx.
Overdose
The main symptom of an overdose with Xalatan drops is redness of the whites of the eyes and mucous membranes, increased burning and itching. The active substance enters the liver with the bloodstream, so a person may experience pain and discomfort in the abdomen and pancreas. Often, with uncontrolled use of the drug, hot flashes with increased sweating, headaches occur.
Additional Information
The drug has not been tested for safety for pregnant women and the embryo. Therefore, the manufacturer does not recommend its use during the period of bearing a child. The penetration of the hormone into breast milk during lactation has been scientifically confirmed.
Recent observations have shown that a long course of treatment with Xalatan provokes the appearance of a brown pigment in the iris. This requires additional examination, exclusion of the formation of a nevus or lentigo, but the situation does not affect visual acuity.
Benzalkonium chloride can be absorbed into the lens material and disrupt their structure. Therefore, before using the product, it is necessary to remove it, put it on 15–20 minutes after the medication is absorbed.
Interaction with other drugs
The drug requires careful combination with other drugs used in ophthalmology. It is strictly forbidden to use it with thiomersal-based drops. Simultaneous instillation with a similar hormonal agent provokes the effect of an overdose, sharp jumps in intraocular pressure.
Storage conditions
The drug based on the hormone latanoprost must be stored in a cool place. The optimum temperature, according to the manufacturer's recommendation, is from 2 to 8 ° C. It is important to protect the bottle from direct sunlight, which destroys the active substances.
In a sealed form, Xalatan drops can be stored for up to 3 years from the date of release by the manufacturer. After opening the bottle, the shelf life is reduced to 1 month.
Reviews
Elena, 24 years old
I had to wear glasses since early childhood. With constant work at the monitor and papers, my vision deteriorated, my eyes began to hurt a lot during the day. After the diagnosis, the ophthalmologist discovered an increase in intraocular pressure and prescribed a course of Xalatan drops. After instillation, the medicine bakes, itches, it hurts to open the eyelids for a few seconds. But the treatment gave results, the discomfort and headaches from overvoltage were gone.
Victor, 51 years old
After the last visit to the ophthalmologist, an increased pressure in the eye at the level of 17-18 was revealed, and his vision slightly deteriorated. To stop the development of complications, the doctor suggested treating the eyes with Xalatan drops - 2 weeks, 2 times a day. Despite the unpleasant itching during instillation, I feel relief, the "picture" has become clearer, there is no pain or tension, so I recommend the medicine.
Terms of sell
You don't need a prescription to buy Xalatan.