Introduction About LATONOX T EYE DROPS

LATONOX T EYE DROPS is a combination of Timolol and Latanoprost which belongs to the group of medicines called Beta-blockers and Prostaglandin analogs respectively. It is used to decrease the elevated pressure in the eye among adult patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It is typically used only when other medicines have not worked appropriately.

Ocular hypertension is an eye condition in which the pressure within the eye exceeds the normal range (above 16mmHg). Open-angle glaucoma is a chronic, progressive eye condition primarily caused due to elevated intraocular pressure (pressure in the eyes). It can lead to permanent loss of vision if not managed properly. Symptoms include intense eye pain or tenderness, blurred vision, eye redness or itching and headache.

LATONOX T EYE DROPS is for ophthalmic use only. Instill few drops of the medicine into the affected eye(s). Do not touch the tip of the dropper with your eye or other body surface to avoid contamination. If you wear soft contact lenses, remove the lens before applying LATONOX T EYE DROPS and wait for at least 15 minutes before reinsertion.

Before using LATONOX T EYE DROPS, inform your doctor if you have asthma, COPD or any respiratory problems. You must also inform your doctor if you have any heart problems, diabetes, thyroid problems, low blood pressure, dry eyes or any other eye problems apart from glaucoma (such as eye infections or inflammations) or if you are scheduled for any upcoming surgery as a precaution.

Do not use LATONOX T EYE DROPS without consulting your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The most common side effects of using LATONOX T EYE DROPS are change in lens color, eye pain, redness or irritation, eye discomfort and mild burning sensation following application. Consult your doctor if any of these side effect bothers you.

Uses Of LATONOX T EYE DROPS

It is used in adults with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension:

• To reduce intraocular pressure

How LATONOX T EYE DROPS Works

LATONOX T EYE DROPS reduces intraocular pressure by decreasing the production of aqueous humour (a type of lubricating eye fluid) in the eye while simultaneously improving its drainage. As a result, it reduces strain on the eyes which therefore reduces elevated intraocular pressure.

How to use LATONOX T EYE DROPS

Use LATONOX T EYE DROPS as advised by your physician. It is for ophthalmic use only. Wash your hands before and after application. Tilt your head slightly and gently pull the lower eyelid downwards.

Instill few drops of the medicine into the affected eye(s). Close your eyes and press the corner of your eye with your finger for a minute. Do not touch the tip of the dropper with your eye or other body surface to avoid contamination.

Apply applying LATONOX T EYE DROPS, leave a time gap of at least 5 minutes before applying other eye drops or ointment. If you wear soft contact lenses, remove the lens before applying LATONOX T EYE DROPS and wait for at least 15 minutes before reinsertion.

Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon the severity of the disease condition. Do not stop using LATONOX T EYE DROPS without consulting your doctor, as the pressure within the eye may raise once again.

Side Effects Of LATONOX T EYE DROPS

How To Manage Side Effects

Eye irritation:

Close your eyes and relax. Place an ice pack on your eyes to relieve your irritation. Avoid straining your eyes by looking at mobile phones, laptops, computers or other light sources. Consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve.

Headache:  

Rest and relax. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Apply a pain-relieving balm on the head if required. Do not consume too much of alcohol. Consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve.

Skin rash or itching:

Avoid hot showers because hot water can irritate your skin further. Do not scratch the affected area. Use protective clothing when going outdoors. Regularly moisturize your skin. Consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

LATONOX T EYE DROPS is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless clearly necessary by their physician. Therefore, consult your doctor for advice before using it.

Breastfeeding

LATONOX T EYE DROPS is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it could pass through the breast milk. Therefore, consult your doctor for advice before using it.

Driving and Using Machines

Do not drive or operate any heavy tools or machines if your vision becomes blur after using LATONOX T EYE DROPS.

Allergy

Do not use LATONOX T EYE DROPS if you are allergic to Timolol, Latanoprost or to other beta-blockers (Ex. betaxolol, levobunolol) or prostaglandin analogs (Ex. bimatoprost).

Lungs

LATONOX T EYE DROPS is not recommended for use in patients who currently have or previously had any lung problems such as asthma or COPD. It should be used with caution in patients with breathing difficulties. Therefore, consult your doctor before using it.

Heart Disease

LATONOX T EYE DROPS is not recommended for use in patients with heart problems (such as slow or irregular heartbeat or heart failure). It should be used with caution among patients who have or had other heart problems (such as coronary artery disease, angina) in the past. Therefore, consult your doctor before using it.

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before using LATONOX T EYE DROPS, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines such as:

• medicines used to reduce elevated blood pressure (Ex. propranolol, atenolol, captopril, enalapril, amlodipine, nifedipine, verapamil, guanethidine)
• medicines used to manage irregular heartbeat (Ex. quinidine, digoxin)
• medicines used to manage diabetes (Ex. metformin, insulin, glimepiride, glipizide)
• medicines used to manage depression (Ex. fluoxetine and paroxetine)
• medicines used to reduce eye pain (such as bimatoprost, Travoprost)
• adrenaline (a medicine used to manage hypersensitivity reactions)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally used more LATONOX T EYE DROPS, rinse your eye with warm water. If still irritation persists, consult your doctor. If you or anyone else accidentally swallowed this medicine, contact your doctor or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdosage might include nausea, stomach pains, tiredness, flushing, increased sweating and dizziness.

Synopsis

More Information

• Keep LATONOX T EYE DROPS out of reach of children
• Store LATONOX T EYE DROPS at room temperature or in a refrigerator (between 2-8°C) based on the instructions mentioned in the product label
• Throw this medicine away after 4 weeks of opening it

FAQs About LATONOX T EYE DROPS

Can LATONOX T EYE DROPS be used to manage hypertension?

No. LATONOX T EYE DROPS is only used to reduce elevated intraocular pressure (increased pressure in the eye). Although timolol is a beta-blocker, when given as an ophthalmic solution (eye drops), it helps in reducing only the elevated intraocular pressure in the eye. Therefore, contact your doctor for a suitable antihypertensive medicine

Can LATONOX T EYE DROPS cause bradycardia (slow heartbeat)?

Yes. This medicine can cause decrease in heartbeat in some individuals, although not everybody gets them. Contact your doctor if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms such as breathing difficulty or abnormal heart rhythm etc.

Can LATONOX T EYE DROPS cause headache?

Yes. LATONOX T EYE DROPS may cause headache in some individuals. If you experience headache, rest and relax. Try to drink lot of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Apply a pain-relieving balm on the head if required. Do not consume too much of alcohol. Consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve.

Can the use of LATONOX T EYE DROPS cause blurred vision?

Yes. LATONOX T EYE DROPS may cause blurred vision after application. If your vision becomes blur, close your eyes for some time and rest. Do not strain your eyes by looking at mobile phones, laptops or television. Avoid driving or operating any heavy tools or machines while your vision is blur. Consult your doctor if you experience blurred vision for a prolonged period.

Can I use other eye medicines while using LATONOX T EYE DROPS?

Yes. You can use other eye medicines while undergoing therapy with LATONOX T EYE DROPS. But make sure to leave a time gap of at least 5 minutes before applying other eye drops or ointment.

Who should avoid using LATONOX T EYE DROPS?

LATONOX T EYE DROPS should be avoided in patients with severe lung or heart problems. It should be used with caution in patients with liver problems, low blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems and problems in blood circulation. It is also not suitable for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Patients aged below 18 years must consult your doctor before using LATONOX T EYE DROPS.

How to use LATONOX T EYE DROPS?

Use LATONOX T EYE DROPS as advised by your physician. It is for ophthalmic use only. Instil few drops of the medicine into the affected eye(s). Close your eyes and press the corner of your eye with your finger for a minute. If you wear soft contact lenses, remove the lens before applying LATONOX T EYE DROPS and wait for at least 15 minutes before reinsertion.

What is the use of LATONOX T EYE DROPS?

LATONOX T EYE DROPS is a prescription medicine used to manage increased pressure within the eyes. It is typically used in patients who have not responded adequately to therapy with beta-blockers (Ex. timolol) alone.

What are the side effects of LATONOX T EYE DROPS?

The most common side effects of using LATONOX T EYE DROPS are change in lens color, eye pain, redness or irritation, eye discomfort and mild burning sensation following application. Consult your doctor if any of these side effect bothers you.

Can I use LATONOX T EYE DROPS while wearing contact lenses?

If you wear soft contact lenses, remove the lens before applying LATONOX T EYE DROPS and wait for at least 15 minutes before reinsertion. This is because LATONOX T EYE DROPS contains preservatives which may interact with your contact lens and make your lens to discolour.

Can I stop using LATONOX T EYE DROPS without consulting my doctor?

Do not stop using LATONOX T EYE DROPS without consulting your doctor, as the pressure within the eye may raise once again. If you think that you are feeling better or if you wish to stop using LATONOX T EYE DROPS, contact your doctor for advice. Your doctor will check your condition and gradually withdraw the dose.

Is LATONOX T EYE DROPS safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women?

LATONOX T EYE DROPS is generally not recommended for use in pregnant women or breastfeeding women. Therefore, consult your doctor before using it.

Can I drive or ride a bike after using LATONOX T EYE DROPS?

Do not drive or operate any heavy tools or machines if your vision becomes blur after using LATONOX T EYE DROPS.

What if I miss a dose of LATONOX T EYE DROPS?

If you missed a dose of LATONOX T EYE DROPS, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for next dose, skip the missed dose and apply the regular dose. Do not apply a double dose to compensate the missed dose.

References

1. KD. Tripathi. Antiadrenergic Drugs (Adrenergic Receptor Antagonists) and Drugs for Glaucoma. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 153 & 155.

2. Oliver Schwenn, Barbara Heckmann, Claudia Guzy & Paul J Miller. Long-term effect of latanoprost/timolol fixed combination in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension: A prospective, observational, noninterventional study. BMC Ophthalmology. September 2010. [Accessed on 13th December 2022]. https://bmcophthalmol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2415-10-21

3. FDC International Ltd. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in March 2022] [Accessed on 13th December 2022]. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3668.pdf

4. Macarthys Laboratories Ltd T/A. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in December 2018] [Accessed on 13th December 2022]. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6944.pdf

5. Central Drugs Standard Control Organization. Latanoprost 0.005% W/v +Timolol maleate 0.5% W/v (Presevative free) Opthalamic Solution (Additional Dosage Form). September 2019. [Accessed on 13th December 2022]. https://cdsco.gov.in/opencms/resources/UploadCDSCOWeb/2018/UploadApprovalNewDrugs/dciApprovedfdc.pdf