Generic drug: latanoprost
Brand name: Xelpros
What is Xelpros (latanoprost) ophthalmic emulsion, and how does it work?
Xelpros (latanoprost) ophthalmic emulsion is a prostaglandin F2a analog indicated for reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma, or ocular hypertension.
What are the side effects of Xelpros?
Common side effects of Xelpros include:
- eye pain/stinging,
- ocular hyperemia,
- eye redness,
- eye discharge,
- growth of eyelashes,
- eyelash thickening,
- itchy eyes,
- dry eye,
- vision problems,
- eyelid redness or swelling, or
- feeling as if something is in the eye
What is the dosage for Xelpros?
- The recommended dosage is one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening. If one dose is missed, treatment should continue with the next dose as normal.
- The dosage of Xelpros should not exceed once daily; the combined use of two or more prostaglandins, or prostaglandin analogs including
Xelpros is not recommended. - It has been shown that administration of these prostaglandin drug products more than once daily may decrease the intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effect or cause paradoxical elevations in IOP.
- Reduction of the intraocular pressure starts approximately 3 to 4 hours after administration and the maximum effect is reached after 8 to 12 hours.
- Xelpros may be used concomitantly with other topical ophthalmic drug products to lower intraocular pressure.
- If more than one topical ophthalmic drug is being used, the drugs should be administered at least five (5) minutes apart.
- Contact lenses should be removed prior to the administration of Xelpros, and may be reinserted 15 minutes after administration.
What drugs interact with Xelpros?
- In vitro studies have shown that precipitation occurs when eye drops containing thimerosal are mixed with
Xelpros. If such drugs are used, they should be administered at least five (5) minutes apart. - The combined use of two or more prostaglandins, or prostaglandin analogs including
Xelpros is not recommended. It has been shown that administration of these prostaglandin drug products more than once daily may decrease the IOP lowering effect or cause paradoxical elevations in IOP.
Is Xelpros safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?
- There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
- Xelpros should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
- It is not known whether latanoprost or its metabolites are excreted in human milk.
- Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when
Xelpros is administered to a nursing woman.