Xalacom Eye Drop

XALACOM EYE DROP

XALACOM EYE DROP is an ophthalmic solution prescribed to reduce elevated intraocular pressure. It is produced by MYLAN PHARMACEUTICALS PVT.LTD. (also marketed by Pfizer and Upjohn UK Limited).

• Name:

  • Common Name: Latanoprost and Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution
  • Brand Name: XALACOM EYE DROP

• Composition: XALACOM EYE DROP contains two active ingredients:

  • Latanoprost: 50 micrograms/mL (a prostaglandin analogue)
  • Timolol Maleate: 5 mg/mL (a beta-blocker)

• Uses: XALACOM EYE DROP is primarily used to lower raised pressure within the eye in adults, including the elderly. It is prescribed for:

  • Open-angle glaucoma: An eye condition characterized by increased pressure that can damage the optic nerve.
  • Ocular hypertension: A condition where the pressure inside the eye is higher than normal. It is typically used when other medications, such as beta-blockers or prostaglandin analogues alone, have not been sufficiently effective.

• Dosage and Administration: The recommended dosage for adults is one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily. It is important not to exceed one drop per day, as more frequent administration can decrease its effectiveness. If using other eye drops, administer them at least 5 minutes apart. Contact lenses should be removed before application and can be reinserted 15 minutes after using the drops.

• Side Effects: Common side effects include:

  • Eye irritation (burning, stinging, grittiness, itching, foreign body sensation) and eye pain.
  • Temporary blurred vision.
  • Gradual change in eye color (increased brown pigment in the iris), which can be permanent.
  • Darkening, thickening, and lengthening of eyelashes. Serious side effects, though less common, can include changes in heart rate or function (e.g., slow or irregular heartbeat), shortness of breath, wheezing, or allergic reactions.

• Precautions:

  • Do not use if allergic to latanoprost, timolol, beta-blockers, or any other ingredients.
  • Inform your doctor if you have a history of respiratory problems (like asthma, COPD), heart conditions (heart failure, very slow heart rate), or circulation problems.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor, as XALACOM is generally not recommended during pregnancy and one active ingredient can pass into breast milk.
  • Remove soft contact lenses before use due to the preservative benzalkonium chloride, which can be absorbed by and discolor the lenses.
  • Avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface to prevent contamination.
  • Not recommended for use in children under 18 years of age.

• Storage:

  • Unopened bottles should be stored in a refrigerator (between 2°C to 8°C) and protected from light.
  • After opening, the bottle can be stored at room temperature (below 25°C) and must be discarded after 4 weeks.
  • Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Xalacom Eye Drops:

What is Xalacom Eye Drop used for?

Xalacom Eye Drop is prescribed for adults, including the elderly, to reduce elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. These conditions are characterized by increased pressure within the eye, which can eventually affect eyesight.

How does Xalacom Eye Drop work?

Xalacom Eye Drop contains two active ingredients: latanoprost and timolol. Latanoprost, a prostaglandin F analogue, works by increasing the natural outflow of fluid (aqueous humor) from the eye into the bloodstream, primarily through the uveoscleral route. Timolol, a beta-blocker, lowers eye pressure by decreasing the formation of this fluid within the eye. The combined action of these two components results in a greater reduction in IOP than either ingredient used alone.

What is the usual dosage for Xalacom Eye Drop?

The recommended dosage for adults (including the elderly) is one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily. It is important not to exceed one drop per day, as more frequent administration can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

What are the possible side effects of Xalacom Eye Drop?

Common side effects include eye irritation, burning, stinging, itching, eye pain, and temporary blurred vision after instillation. A significant side effect is the possibility of a gradual, and potentially permanent, change in eye color, particularly in patients with mixed-colored irises (e.g., green-brown, yellow-brown, or blue/grey-brown), due to increased brown pigment. Other ocular effects can include darkening, thickening, and lengthening of eyelashes. Due to the timolol component, systemic effects similar to those seen with oral beta-blockers can occur, such as changes in heart rate, low blood pressure, and respiratory problems.

Is Xalacom Eye Drop safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Xalacom is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy as there are no adequate data from the use of latanoprost in pregnant women, and timolol should not be used unless clearly necessary. Both latanoprost and timolol can be excreted in breast milk, so Xalacom should not be used by women who are breastfeeding.

Can Xalacom Eye Drop be taken with other medications?

If you are using other topical ophthalmic medications, they should be administered at least five minutes apart from Xalacom Eye Drop. Concomitant use of two or more local beta-blockers or two or more prostaglandin analogues is not recommended. Caution is advised with oral beta-blocking agents, calcium channel blockers, antiarrhythmics, digitalis glycosides, parasympathomimetics, and certain antidepressants (e.g., quinidine, fluoxetine, paroxetine) due to potential additive systemic effects.

What precautions should be taken when using Xalacom Eye Drop?

Remove contact lenses before instilling the eye drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them, as the preservative (benzalkonium chloride) can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and may cause discoloration or irritation. Inform your doctor if you have a history of respiratory problems (like asthma), heart conditions (e.g., slow heart rate, heart failure), diabetes, or severe allergies. Also, advise your doctor if you have had eye surgery, other eye conditions like dry eyes or corneal disorders, or a history of herpetic keratitis. Avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination.

What happens if a dose of Xalacom Eye Drop is missed?

If you miss a dose, you should skip the missed dose and continue with your next scheduled dose as planned. Do not use a double dose to make up for the forgotten dose.

How should Xalacom Eye Drop be stored?

Unopened bottles of Xalacom Eye Drop should be stored in a refrigerator, typically between 2°C to 8°C, protected from light. After opening, the bottle can be kept at room temperature (below 25°C) and should be used within 4 weeks. Always keep the bottle in its outer carton to protect it from light.