About Xalacom Drops 0.005%/0.5%
A combination eye drop that lowers pressure inside the eye to protect vision.
Xalacom Drops Uses
- Open angle glaucoma
- Ocular hypertension not controlled by a single eye pressure medicine
- Reducing intraocular pressure when beta blocker drops alone are insufficient
Xalacom Drops Benefits
- Combines two eye pressure lowering mechanisms in a single bottle
- Once daily dosing improves convenience over using two separate drops
- Effective and sustained reduction in intraocular pressure
- Helps protect the optic nerve from further glaucoma related damage
What Experts Say
Xalacom combines a prostaglandin analog with a non-selective beta blocker, which lowers eye pressure through two separate pathways at once. Latanoprost increases the outflow of fluid from the eye, while timolol reduces the amount of fluid the eye produces, giving a more complete pressure lowering effect than either drug alone.
In Pakistan, ophthalmologists often move to this fixed dose combination when a single glaucoma drop no longer controls eye pressure adequately. The once daily schedule also helps patients stay consistent with treatment, which is essential since glaucoma related nerve damage is silent, gradual and irreversible once it occurs.
Pakistani eye specialists routinely check heart rate and screen for asthma or breathing conditions before starting timolol containing drops, since the medicine can be absorbed systemically through the tear duct. Regular eye pressure checks remain necessary even after pressure appears well controlled.
Drug Class
- Prostaglandin analog (Latanoprost)
- Non-selective beta blocker (Timolol)
- Fixed dose anti-glaucoma combination
Xalacom Drops 0.005%/0.5% Uses in Urdu
- آنکھ کے اندر دباؤ کم کرنے کے لیے
- گلوکوما کے علاج میں استعمال ہوتا ہے
- آنکھ کی نظر کو محفوظ رکھنے کے لیے استعمال ہوتا ہے
Xalacom Drops 0.005%/0.5% formula
- Latanoprost 0.005% + Timolol Maleate 0.5%
How to use Xalacom Drops 0.005%/0.5%?
- One drop is usually applied to the affected eye once daily, in the evening.
- Gentle pressure on the inner corner of the eye after application helps reduce absorption into the bloodstream.
- A gap of at least five minutes is needed if another eye drop is being used at the same time.
- Hands should be washed before and after application to avoid contamination.
- A missed dose should not be doubled up at the next application.
Drug Interactions
- Oral Beta Blockers: Using oral beta blockers alongside this eye drop can excessively lower heart rate and blood pressure.
- Calcium Channel Blockers: Combining with oral verapamil or diltiazem raises the risk of very slow heart rate.
- Other Prostaglandin Eye Drops: Using another prostaglandin analog drop at the same time is generally avoided since it does not add extra benefit.
- Epinephrine Containing Drops: Certain combinations can reduce the pressure lowering effect of latanoprost.
- Insulin and Diabetes Medicines: Timolol can mask the usual warning signs of low blood sugar.
Risks and warnings
- Eye Color Change: Long term use can gradually darken the iris, an effect that may be permanent.
- Eyelash Changes: Eyelashes may become longer, thicker or darker with regular use.
- Breathing Conditions: The timolol component can worsen asthma or chronic breathing problems in sensitive patients.
- Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: This eye drop can lower heart rate and blood pressure since timolol is absorbed into the bloodstream.
- Contact Lens Use: Lenses should be removed before applying the drop and reinserted after fifteen minutes, since the preservative can be absorbed by soft lenses.
Xalacom Drops Side Effects
- Eye redness or irritation after application
- Blurred vision for a short time after the drop
- Stinging or burning sensation in the eye
- Darkening of the iris color over time
- Longer or darker eyelashes
- Dry eyes
- Headache
- Slow heart rate
- Shortness of breath in patients with existing lung disease
- Low blood pressure or fainting in sensitive patients, which needs medical attention
Storage Conditions
- Store unopened bottles in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius.
- Keep the bottle at room temperature, below 25 degrees Celsius, once opened, and discard it after four weeks.
- Keep the dropper tip away from contact with the eye or any surface to prevent contamination.
- Protect the bottle from direct light and store it in its original carton.
- Keep out of reach of children.
