Xalatan Eye Drops for Treatment of Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy is a disorder in which the optic nerve becomes damaged due to insufficient blood supply, resulting in vision loss. Xalatan eye drops for treatment of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy may be considered. This eye drop has latanoprost as the active ingredient. The active ingredient is classified as a prostaglandin analogue. It is prescribed in the treatment of increased pressure in the eyeball, by increasing how much fluid is drained from the eye.
Administration
Xalatan only has one standard dose. While health care providers may stray from the standard dose, patients should never do so without their health care provider’s express permission. The recommended dose is a single drop into one or both eyes, depending on which eye or if both eyes are affected, once a day in the evening. This medication becomes less effective if it is used more often. Patients must thoroughly wash their hands prior to administering this medication.
Side Effects
When using Xalatan eye drops for treatment of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, side effects are possible. Most patients do tolerate this medication well, and most who do experience side effects report that they are minor. Five to 15 percent of patients experience the most common side effects, which are blurred vision, stinging, sensation of something being stuck in the eye, eye color change, burning, red eyes, itching, and punctuate epithelial keratopathy.
The eye color change is permanent. The eyelids may also darken, but this typically goes away once the patient stops using this medication. Eyelash changes are also possible.
Other common side effects are experienced by about one to four percent of patients. These include dry eyes, eye pain, sensitivity to light, eyelid crusting, tearing of the eye, and eyelid swelling, redness, and pain.
Other possible side effects include rash, inflammation of the iris, eyelid swelling, uveitis, dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, headache, worsening of asthma, macular edema, eyelid inflammation, and erosions or swelling of the cornea.
Contraindications
There is a chance that an unborn baby may be harmed by this medication. Breastfeeding should also be avoided for those using this medication. Patients should also tell their doctor if they have uveitis or iritis, allergies, angle closure glaucoma, neovascular glaucoma, or inflammatory glaucoma.
Other contraindications include pigmentary glaucoma, congenital glaucoma, conjunctivitis and other inflammatory eye conditions, aphakia, pseudophakia, asthma, diabetic retinopathy, and a blocked or closed retinal vein.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions are possible for those using Xalatan. Drugs that may react include bimotoprost, other eye drops, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug eye drops, such as diclofenac eye drops, ketorolac eye drops, bromfenac eye drops, flurbiprofen eye drops, and nepafenac.
Resources
Drugs.com. (2011). Xalatan. Retrieved on January 22, 2011 from Drugs.com: https://www.drugs.com/xalatan.html
eMedTV. (2011). Xalatan Eye Drops. Retrieved on January 22, 2011 from eMedTV: https://glaucoma.emedtv.com/glaucoma/xalatan-eye-drops.html
