Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Xalatan: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using Xalatan and call your doctor at once if you have:
eye swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage (may be signs of infection);
red, swollen, or itchy eyelids;
increased sensitivity to light;
vision changes; or
severe burning, stinging, or irritation after using this medicine.
Common Xalatan side effects may include:
watery eyes;
itchy eyes;
puffy eyelids;
stinging, burning, or redness of the eyes;
blurred vision;
feeling like something is in your eye;
your eyes may be more sensitive to light;
darkened eye color; or
eyelash thickening.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
 Xalatan side effects (more detail)
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Xalatan if you are allergic to latanoprost or benzalkonium chloride.
To make sure Xalatan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
swelling or an infection in your eye;
herpes infection of the eyes;
retinal detachment; or
eye surgery or injury affecting the lens of your eye.
Xalatan may cause a gradual change in the color of your eyes or eyelids and lashes, usually an increase in brown pigment. You may also notice increased growth or thickness of your eyelashes. These changes occur slowly and you may not notice them for months or years. Color changes may be permanent even after your treatment ends, and may occur only in the eye being treated. This could result in a cosmetic difference in eye or eyelash color from one eye to the other.
It is not known whether Xalatan eye drops will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Xalatan is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I use Xalatan?
The usual dose of Xalatan is 1 drop into the affected eye every evening. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use Xalatan in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Do not use Xalatan while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in this medicine could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
To apply the Xalatan eye drops:
Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
Wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.
Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.
Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Tell your doctor right away if you have an eye injury or eye infection, or if you plan to have eye surgery.
Store an unopened bottle of Xalatan eye drops in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
After your first use, store the eye drops at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Throw away the medicine after 6 weeks have passed since you first opened the bottle.
