Monopost/Latanaprost & palpitations at night

[littlewren52]

Hi everyone, I was prescribed Monopost eye drops for raised pressure behind the eyes, which I've had for years. I had an Iridotomy several years ago which kept the pressures under control for a while, then they increased again. Visual field tests always seem fine. In March this year the consultant advised starting Monopost single dose (Latanaprost) to get the pressures down. She said they would be better for me as I have dry eyes and they don't contain preservatives. I've found using them fine - I'm on my third month of using them - but something mysterious is that for the past week I've been having strong palpitations during the night, as soon as I lie down. They are not little flutters from time to time but almost constant and they're keeping me awake as they're so noticeable. They're hardly there during the day. Palpitations are listed under rare side effects - something like 1/1000 - 1/100 and I'm wondering if the palpitations are being caused by the Monopost even though it's rare? I don't know where to go with this at the moment, obviously if it's not down to the Monopost I'd need to see my GP (if I could get an appt!) but I wondered if anyone else has had palpitations while on Monopost or Latanoprost. Thank you in advance for your help

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

Hi. I would suggest you call the consultants secretary and tell them. It may not be associated with the drops but then again it could be. You may already do what I am going to suggest you try but if not, its worth starting. Once you have put your drop(s) in, close your eye(s) and press on the tearduct(s) for up to 2 minutes. This stops the drops from getting into the tearduct travelling to the back of the throat and entering the bloodstream, encouraging side effects. In the meantime I would still contact your GP as well as it may not be the drops and tests may be needed.

[littlewren52 in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

Hi, thank you for your quick reply. Yes I do press on the tearduct usually for a minute. Strangely, when the consultant first discussed putting me on them, I mentioned doing this and she said I didn't have to worry about doing it with Monopost as the side effects tend to be topical. Then when I saw a consultant at the same eye clinic for a follow up appt to see how I was getting on with them, he told me to press on the tearducts! Plus of course the instruction leaflet tells you to. It's so annoying when two consultants tell you different things. I've read in reviews that some people have had palpitations while using Latanaprost but they contain preservatives so maybe more likely. What I' worried about is if it is the Monopost what will I be able to use then, as obviously beta blockers will give me more possible side effects

[Nanatform in reply to littlewren52]

I use Monopost but it is preservative free, maybe this could help, I also have to use timolol .Good luck

[littlewren52 in reply to Nanatform]

Hi, yes that's what I use at the moment - Monopost. I didn't know if anyone else had had palpitations while on them.

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner in reply to littlewren52]

Hi. The only difference is the preservative side of things, so side effects such as palpitations will still apply.

[littlewren52 in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

Ahh I see, thank you very much