Latanoprost+timolol
About
Latanoprost+timolol is a combination drug containing 'ophthalmic medication' used to treat raised pressure in the eye in conditions such as ocular hypertension and glaucoma. Ocular hypertension is a condition in which the eye's pressure is higher than normal due to poor drainage of the aqueous humor (fluid inside the eye). Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the optic nerve is damaged due to abnormally high pressure inside the eye. If this condition is left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
Latanoprost+timolol contains Latanoprost and Timolol. Latanoprost is a prostaglandin analogue and works by increasing the natural flow of fluid from inside the eye into the bloodstream. As a result, the pressure of the eye is decreased. Timolol is a beta-blocker and works by decreasing the fluid production in the eye, thereby lowering the pressure in the eye. Latanoprost+timolol should be used only in the infected eye, and contact with the normal eye should be avoided.
Use Latanoprost+timolol exactly as prescribed by the doctor. The common side-effects of Latanoprost+timolol are burning or stinging sensation, itching, irritation, and pain at the application site. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if any of these side effects persist or get worse, inform your doctor immediately.
It is not recommended to take Latanoprost+timolol if you are allergic to any contents of it. A Latanoprost+timolol should not be used in patients with a medical history of respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchi), severe heart problems, or heart rhythm problems. It is also not recommended for children or adolescents under 18 years, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. Latanoprost+timolol is probably safe when used in elderly patients. Latanoprost+timolol may not interact with alcohol. Latanoprost+timolol may temporarily cause vision loss, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you experience blurred vision.
Uses of Latanoprost+timolol
Medicinal Benefits
Latanoprost+timolol is used to reduce pressure inside the eye. It works by decreasing the production of fluid in the eye and increasing the natural flow of fluid from inside the eye into the bloodstream. These effects help to decrease the pressure and swelling inside the eye. It helps to improve vision and prevent the complications of ocular hypertension and glaucoma.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Latanoprost+timolol
- Burning or stinging sensation in the eye
- Itching at the application site
- Eye irritation
- Eye pain
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before taking Latanoprost+timolol, inform your doctor if you have coronary heart disease (characterized by chest pain, breathlessness, and choking), heart failure, low blood pressure, slow heartbeat, respiratory problems, poor blood circulation, undergone cataract surgery (to treat clouding of the eye), eye problems such as irritation, pain, inflammation, dry eyes, or blurred vision, angina (chest pain), and viral infection of the eye caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). Inform your doctor if you have diabetes. Overactive thyroid as timolol present in Latanoprost+timolol may mask the symptoms of these conditions. A Latanoprost+timolol contains a preservative called benzalkonium chloride which may cause eye irritation. So, it is advised to remove your lenses before using Latanoprost+timolol and wear them back after 15 minutes of using Latanoprost+timolol.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Latanoprost+timolol may interact with medicines used to treat high blood pressure (amlodipine, verapamil, diltiazem, atenolol, propranolol, guanethidine, clonidine, and nifedipine, etc.), medicines used to treat irregular heartbeats (amiodarone, lidocaine, and quinidine, etc.), medicines used to treat heart disease (digoxin and digitoxin), a medicine used to treat glaucoma (pilocarpine), and antidepressants (fluoxetine and paroxetine).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Latanoprost+timolol should not be used in patients with respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchi), and severe heart problems or heart rhythm problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
safe if prescribedLatanoprost+timolol may not interact with alcohol.
Pregnancy
unsafeLatanoprost+timolol is not recommended for use in pregnant women as it may cause harmful effects to the unborn baby or fetus.
Breast Feeding
unsafeLatanoprost+timolol is not recommended for use in breastfeeding mothers as it may cause harmful effects to the nursing baby.
Driving
cautionLatanoprost+timolol may cause blurred vision, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery until your vision is clear.
Liver
safe if prescribedLatanoprost+timolol is probably safe when used in patients with liver diseases.
Kidney
safe if prescribedLatanoprost+timolol is probably safe when used in patients with kidney diseases.
Children
unsafeLatanoprost+timolol is not recommended for children and adolescents below the age of 18 years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid alcoholic beverages with Latanoprost+timolol as they can make you dehydrated and affect eye pressure.
- Visit an optician regularly to monitor your eye pressure.
- Try to include heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid-containing food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil.
- A diet including green and leafy vegetables, and fruits, helps to lower eye pressure.
- Do regular moderate exercise and appropriate rest are important for illness.
- Fruits and vegetables which contain Vitamin A and C help to improve vision and recover from the disease.
Special Advise
- Do not wear contact lenses before using Latanoprost+timolol and for at least 15 min after using Latanoprost+timolol.
- Use Latanoprost+timolol regularly as prescribed by the doctor without missing any doses for the best results or success of the treatment.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Ocular hypertension: It is a condition in which the pressure of the eye is higher than normal as a result of poor drainage of the aqueous humor (fluid inside the eye). Essentially, this means that too much fluid enters the eye without being drained, causing high amounts of pressure to build up. The increased pressure can be due to certain other diseases, an injury, or an adverse effect of certain medications. If left untreated, it can lead to optic nerve damage and permanent vision loss.
Glaucoma: It is an eye condition that causes damage to the optic nerve (essential for good vision) due to abnormally increased pressure in the eye. If it is not treated in time, it may cause blindness. Usually, there are no symptoms of glaucoma initially except the slow loss of vision gradually. However, some symptoms include visible rainbow-colored circles around bright lights or blurred vision. Rarely, glaucoma can develop suddenly with intense pain in the eye, visual disturbance, or nausea.
FAQs
Latanoprost+timolol is used to decrease pressure inside the eye. It contains Latanoprost and Timolol. Latanoprost works by increasing the natural flow of fluid from inside the eye into the bloodstream, thereby decreasing the pressure inside the eye. Timolol works by decreasing the production of fluid in the eye, thereby lowering the pressure in the eye.
The common side-effects of Latanoprost+timolol are burning or stinging sensation, itching, irritation, and pain at the application site. These side-effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if any of these side-effects persist or get worse, inform your doctor immediately.
Latanoprost+timolol may cause temporary blurred vision or vision impairment. Therefore, you are recommended to wait until your vision is clear before driving or operating machinery.
Latanoprost+timolol contains benzalkonium chloride (a preservative) which may cause eye irritation. It is absorbed by the contact lenses and changes the color of the contact lenses. So, it is advised to remove your lenses before using Latanoprost+timolol and wear them back 15 minutes after using Latanoprost+timolol.
Latanoprost+timolol should not be used simultaneously with other eye medications. However, if prescribed, you should at least maintain an interval of 10-15 minutes between the two eye medications.
