Latanoprost (Xalatan) Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the classification of Latanoprost?

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

Alpha agonists

Prostaglandin analogues (correct)

Beta-blockers

What are the therapeutic uses of Latanoprost?

Reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma.

What contraindications are associated with Latanoprost?

Cautions in clients with a torn or absent lens, intraocular inflammation, or risk of macular edema, respiratory distress.

What are common side effects of Latanoprost?

Brown pigmentation of the iris, darkening of the eyelid, blurred vision, itching, excessive tearing, length and thickness in eyelashes. Signup and view all the answers

What are some adverse reactions that may occur with Latanoprost?

Retinal embolus, detachment, and vitreous hemorrhage in clients with diabetic retinopathy. Signup and view all the answers

What drug-lab-food interaction should be noted with Latanoprost?

Concomitant use with eye drops containing thimerosal causes Latanoprost to precipitate out of solution. Signup and view all the answers

What nursing interventions are important when administering Latanoprost?

Close observations during the first dose, assessing medical history, vital signs, baseline visual acuity, and listening for pulmonary crackles and wheezes. Signup and view all the answers

What client education should be provided for Latanoprost?

Take full course of medication as prescribed, avoid sudden discontinuation without doctor approval, expect brown pigmentation of iris, and teach how to administer eye drops. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classification of Drug

Latanoprost is classified as a prostaglandin analogue.
Primarily used as an antiglaucoma medication.

Therapeutic Uses

Effective in reducing intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma.

Contraindications

Use with caution in patients with:
- Torn or absent lens.
- Intraocular inflammation.
- Risk of macular edema.
- Respiratory distress.

Common Side Effects

May cause brown pigmentation of the iris.
Darkening of the eyelid can occur.
Symptoms such as blurred vision, itching, and excessive tearing are common.
Notable effects include increased length and thickness of eyelashes.

Adverse Reactions

Rare but serious complications include:
- Retinal embolus.
- Retinal detachment.
- Vitreous hemorrhage, particularly in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

Drug-Lab-Food Interactions

Concomitant use with eye drops containing thimerosal is contraindicated as it causes latanoprost to precipitate out of solution.

Nursing Interventions and Considerations

Closely monitor patients during the first dose administration.
Conduct thorough assessments including:
- Medical history (allergies and herbal supplements).
- Vital signs.
- Baseline visual acuity.
- Respiratory assessment for crackles and wheezes.

Client Education

Advise patients to complete the full course of medication as prescribed.
Stress the importance of not stopping the medication abruptly without a doctor's approval.
Instruct to avoid medications that could elevate intraocular pressure (IOP).
Patients should be informed about the potential for brown iris pigmentation, eyelid darkening, and excessive tearing.
Teach proper administration techniques for eye drops.

Description

Test your knowledge of Latanoprost (Xalatan) with these flashcards. Covering key concepts such as classification, therapeutic uses, contraindications, and side effects, this quiz will help you master important pharmacological details. Perfect for students and professionals alike!