Locations:

Latanoprost Eye Emulsion

What is this medication?

LATANOPROST (la TA noe prost) treats conditions with increased pressure of the eye, such as glaucoma. It works by decreasing the amount of fluid in the eye, which helps lower eye pressure.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Xelpros

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Closed angle glaucoma
  • Eye injury, infection, or swelling
  • Wear contact lenses
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to latanoprost or other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is only for use in the eye. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt the head back slightly and pull down the lower lid with the index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or into the pouch. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Gently close the eyes to spread the drops. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed by your care team even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using except on the advice of your doctor.

If you are using another eye product, wait at least 5 minutes between use of this medication and the other eye product.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Advertisement

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

  • Medication used in the eye to treat glaucoma or high eye pressure, such as bimatoprost, tafluprost, travoprost, or unoprostone
  • Eye drops that contain thimerosal (a preservative)

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better of if they get worse. Report any serious side effects right away. Stop using this medication if your eyes get swollen, painful, or have a discharge, and see your care team as soon as you can.

This medication may cause your eye, eyelashes, and eyelids to change color. Tell your care team if this happens. If only one eye is being treated with this medication, a difference may develop between the treated and untreated eye in eyelash length, darkness or thickness, and color changes of the eyelid skin or iris. These changes may be permanent.

If you wear contact lenses, take them out before placing drops in the eye. Contact lenses may be put back in 15 minutes after putting the drops in your eyes.

Wear dark glasses if this medication makes your eyes more sensitive to light.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Change in vision
  • New or worsening eye pain, redness, irritation, or discharge

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Blurry vision
  • Change in eye, eyelash, or eyelid color
  • Dry eyes
  • Eye irritation or itching
  • Increase in length, thickness, or number of eyelashes
  • Increased tears after use

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at 2 to 25 degrees C (36 to 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

Advertisement

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Advertisement

Copyright ©2024 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Terms of use.

Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

Ad
Call Appointment Center 866.320.4573
Questions 216.444.2200