Xelpros

Generic name: latanoprost ophthalmic
Brand names: Xalatan, Xelpros
Drug class: Ophthalmic glaucoma agents

Medically reviewed by  A Ras MD.

What is Xelpros used for?

Xelpros is a prescription medicine that is used to treat glaucoma. It is used to lower high eye pressure.

Description

Latanoprost is a prostaglandin F2α analogue. Its chemical name is isopropyl-(Z)-7[(1R,2R,3R,5S)3,5-dihydroxy-2-[(3R)-3-hydroxy-5-phenylpentyl]cyclopentyl]-5- heptenoate. Its molecular formula is C26H40O5 and its chemical structure is:

Latanoprost is a pale yellow to yellow viscous oil that is very soluble in acetonitrile and freely soluble in acetone, ethanol, ethyl acetate, isopropanol, methanol, and octanol. It is practically insoluble in water.

XELPROS (latanoprost ophthalmic emulsion) 0.005% is a sterile, isotonic, buffered aqueous emulsion of latanoprost with a pH approximately 7.0 and an osmolality of approximately 375mOsmol/kg. Each mL of XELPROS contains 50 micrograms of latanoprost. Potassium sorbate 0.47% is added as a preservative. The inactive ingredients are: castor oil, sodium borate, boric acid, propylene glycol, edetate disodium, polyoxyl 15 hydroxystearate, sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, and water for injection. One drop contains approximately 1.5 mcg of latanoprost.

Mechanism of Action

Latanoprost is a prostaglandin F2α analogue that is believed to reduce the intraocular pressure (IOP) by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor. Studies in animals and man suggest that the main mechanism of action is increased uveoscleral outflow. Elevated IOP represents a major risk factor for glaucomatous field loss. The higher the level of IOP, the greater the likelihood of optic nerve damage and visual field loss.

Before taking Xelpros, tell your doctor:

• If you are allergic to this medicine (Xelpros); any part of this medicine (Xelpros); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have swelling in the eye.
• If you have a herpes infection of the eye.
• If you are using another drug like this one. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (Xelpros).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (Xelpros) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Xelpros?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (Xelpros). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Use care when driving or doing other tasks that call for clear eyesight.
• Have your eye pressure and eyesight checked as you have been told by the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you have an eye infection, eye injury, or will be having eye surgery.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine (Xelpros) while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is Xelpros best taken?

Use this medicine (Xelpros) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• For the eye only.
• Use in the evening.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Take out contact lenses before using this medicine (Xelpros). Lenses may be put back in 15 minutes after this medicine (Xelpros) is given. Do not put contacts back in if your eyes are irritated or infected.
• Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.
• Tilt your head back and drop drug into the eye.
• After use, keep your eyes closed. Put pressure on the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 1 to 2 minutes. This keeps the drug in your eye.
• Blot extra solution from the eyelid.
• If more than 1 drug is being used in the same eye, use each drug at least 5 minutes apart.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are the side effects of Xelpros that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Change in eyesight, eye pain, or very bad eye irritation.
• Eye discharge.
• Eye color may change to a brown color. This change may be long-lasting. Eye color changes may happen a few months to years after starting this medicine (Xelpros). If eye color changes, call the doctor.

What are some other side effects of Xelpros?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Eye irritation.
• Blurred eyesight.
• Burning.
• Stinging.
• Eyelash growth.
• Feeling that something is in the eye.
• This medicine may cause eyelash changes like dark eyelashes, thickness, or more eyelashes. Most of the time, these changes go back to normal after this medicine (Xelpros) is stopped.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Xelpros?

• Store in a refrigerator or at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Protect from light.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Label

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