How and when to use latanoprost - Brand names: Xalatan, Monopost

Always use latanoprost eye drops exactly as your doctor tells you.

Dosage

There are 50 micrograms of latanoprost in 1ml.

The usual dose for adults and children is 1 drop into the affected eye or eyes, once a day.

It comes as a multiple dose eye-drop bottle or a single-dose dropper. Always read the instructions that come with your medicine.

It's important to use latanoprost every day for it to work properly.

How to use eye drops

It's best to use your eye drops in the evening as latanoprost works better then.

If you wear contact lenses, make sure you remove them before using your eye drops. Wait 15 minutes before putting your lenses back in.

1. Wash your hands.
2. If you're using a bottle, remove the lid. If you're using the single-use dropper, twist off the tip.
3. Use your finger to gently pull down your lower eyelid and tilt your head back.
4. Make sure the tip of the dropper does not touch your eye, eyelashes, eyelid.
5. Hold the dropper over your eye, and squeeze the bottle or single dose dropper gently so one drop goes into your eye.
6. Release your lower eyelid and close your eye. Gently press your finger over the inside corner of your eye (over the eyelid) for about a minute. This helps keep the drops in your eye.
7. Wipe away any extra liquid with a clean tissue.
8. Repeat in your other eye if the doctor has told you to do this. There is enough liquid in 1 single-dose dropper to put a drop in both eyes if needed.
9. Put the cap back on the bottle or if you're using the single-dose dropper, throw it away.

If you use latanoprost with other eye drops wait at least 5 minutes before using the other eye drops. The second eye drops can wash the latanoprost out and it may not work as well.

Expiry dates

Use the latanoprost eye drops within the expiry date on the bottle and within 4 weeks of opening. This will help to prevent the risk of eye infections and the eye drops not working as they should.

Using your eye drops within their expiry dates is important to help reduce the risk of eye infections and the eye drops not working as well as they should.

The single-dose droppers come in sachets. Once you open the packet, use the droppers within 10 days. Do not use the droppers after the expiry date.

You could write the date you opened the bottle or packet on the label or the box. This will help you know when you need to start using a new one.

How long to use it for

You'll usually use latanoprost for the rest of your life. However, if it does not work well enough, your doctor may recommend a different or additional treatment.

It's important to use your eye drops regularly and go for check-ups, to stop your eyesight getting worse.

If you stop using latanoprost, the pressure inside your eye may go up. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before stopping latanoprost.

If you forget to use it

If you forget to use your drops at the usual time, skip the missed dose and use your eyedrops as usual the next day.

Never use 2 doses at the same time. Never use an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember your medicines.

If you use too much

Using too many drops can irritate your eye and make it water and turn red. If you get too much latanoprost in your eye, rinse it all out with water. Do not put any more drops in until it’s time for your next dose.

Any irritation, watering or redness should get better, but if you're worried about it ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.