Latanoprost; Timolol eye solution

What is latanoprost; timolol eye solution?

LATANOPROST; TIMOLOL (Xalcom™) helps to reduce pressure inside the eye when it is elevated (ocular hypertension) or for patients with a certain type of glaucoma (open-angle glaucoma). Timolol belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers, while latanoprost is a prostaglandin. Generic latanoprost; timolol eye solution is not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I use latanoprost; timolol?

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

• angina (chest pain)

• asthma, bronchitis or bronchospasm, emphysema, COPD, or other lung disease

• closed-angle glaucoma

• contact lenses

• depression

• diabetes

• eye infection, irritation, or damage (such as corneal abrasion, iritis, keratitis)

• heart disease including heart failure, heart rhythm problems, or blood vessel disease (Raynaud's disease)

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• low blood pressure

• muscle weakness or disease (such as myasthenia gravis)

• pheochromocytoma

• stroke, cerebrovascular disease, or history of TIA (transient ischemic attack)

• thyroid disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to latanoprost, timolol, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Contact lenses should be removed prior to using latanoprost; timolol eye solution. Ask your health care professional regarding when you can reinsert your contact lenses after applying latanoprost; timolol eye drops.

Latanoprost; timolol eye solution is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. 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 your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingertips, or any other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye for a few moments to spread the drops and apply gentle finger pressure to the inner corner of the eye (tear duct) for 1—2 minutes. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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 drug(s) may interact with latanoprost; timolol?

• atropine

• beta-blockers or calcium-channel blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems

• bromfenac

• cimetidine

• cevimeline

• clonidine

• diet drugs or stimulant drugs (such as ephedrine or amphetamine)

• medicines for high blood pressure

• medicines for colds, sinus problems, or breathing difficulties

• medicines for diabetes

• medicines for mental depression

• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances

• medicines to control heart rhythm (such as amiodarone, digoxin, quinidine, and others)

• mefloquine

• eye drops containing thimerosal (a preservative) can interact if given at the same time as latanoprost; timolol

If you are using another eye preparation for your eye condition, ask your health care professional regarding how long to wait before applying each product to the eyes after using the latanoprost; timolol eye drops; the usual waiting time is 5 minutes. Do not use any other eye products with latanoprost; timolol without asking your prescriber or health care professional.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking latanoprost; timolol?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular eye pressure exams. Report any serious side effects promptly. Ask your prescriber or health care professional if you should continue to use latanoprost; timolol if you injure your eyes, get an eye infection, or need eye surgery.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how latanoprost; timolol affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly.

This medicine may cause your eye, eyelashes, and eyelids to change color (darkening or brown coloring). Tell your prescriber or health care professional if this occurs. These changes may be permanent.

If you wear soft contact lenses, you should not put latanoprost; timolol eye drops in your eyes while wearing the lenses. Ask your prescriber or health care professional about how long you should wait before inserting your contact lenses after placing the latanoprost; timolol eye drops into the eye. Certain chemicals in the solution can be absorbed by contact lenses.

Be careful not to touch the tip of the dispensing container onto the eye, or any other surface. Serious eye infections can result from contamination of eye solutions.

If your eyes are more sensitive to light, stay out of bright light and wear dark sunglasses.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking latanoprost; timolol.

What side effects may I notice from using latanoprost; timolol?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• blurred vision or other changes in vision

• changes in the color of the eye (increase in brown color), or darkening of the eyelashes or eyelid

• confusion, hallucinations (seeing and hearing things that are not really there)

• difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing

• difficulty sleeping, nightmares

• dizziness or fainting spells

• hives

• inflamed or infected eyes or eyelids

• irregular or slow heartbeat, fast heartbeat or palpitations, chest pain

• skin rash, peeling, blistering or loosening of skin

• swelling of the legs or ankles

• unusual weakness or tiredness

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

• burning, stinging, itching or discomfort of the eyes or eyelids

• dry eyes, or the feeling of something in the eye

• headache

• increased flow of tears

• increased sensitivity of the eyes to light

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Ask your pharmacist regarding proper storage information of latanoprost; timolol.