Latanoprost, more commonly known by the brand name drug called Xalatan, is a common medicine that is used to treat many of the symptoms of glaucoma in dogs. This medicine is a topical ointment that is applied to your pet's eye and which helps to relieve the pressure caused by glaucoma. Because glaucoma is caused by and exacerbated by buildup of pressure within the eye when certain eye fluids are not allowed to permeate the eye as they are normally allowed, Xalatan is a good way to help lower that pressure and reduce the likelihood of eye damage.
Xalatan Overview
Xalatan is classified as a prostaglandin agonist, meaning that it works to reduce pressure in the eye by allowing fluid to pass through it. Specifically, this medicine helps to encourage fluid to flow out of the uveoscleral pathway. The medicine is approved for use in humans only, and although the FDA has not approved it for pet use and veterinary medicine, vets can nonetheless still prescribe it in some special cases. If your dog suffers from glaucoma, speak with your vet about the possibility of using Xalatan to help treat his condition.
Using Xalatan for Your Dog
Xalatan is available as a liquid solution that is intended to be provided via eye dropper. This medicine is used to treat primary glaucoma and is oftentimes not the first method used to address the issue. There are other ways of reducing the effects of glaucoma in your pet's eyes, many of which veterinarians like to try first before resorting to using Xalatan.
Xalatan is available as a liquid solution and is designed to be applied directly to the eye via dropper once per day. In rare cases, your vet may recommend applying the medicine twice per day, but this is typically reserved for severe cases of glaucoma. It's usually recommended that you provide the eye dropper of Xalatan in the evening, as this helps your pet's eyes to maintain a more consistent pressure level throughout the day.
Risks and Side Effects of Using Xalatan
Xalatan has the potential to react negatively with other eye medicines in your pet's system, although it typically can be used alongside other medicines without incident. Ask your vet if any of the other medicines that your pet is taking, and in particular any of the eye medications, may preclude him from using Xalatan.
Xalatan has few side effects. However, it's important to watch your pet for these, as they may be signs of a more serious allergic reaction to the drug. If your pet does have an allergic reaction, you'll need to address that as quickly as possible by taking him to a veterinarian for immediate treatment.
The most common side effects of Xalatan include:
- Inflammation of the eye
- Stinging sensation
- Tearing
- Closing or constricting of the pupil
Most dogs experience no side effects when using this medicine. Ask your vet for additional information about Xalatan.