Short answer: Keep unopened Xalatan bottles in the fridge at 36-46°F (2-8°C), protected from light. Once a bottle is opened, it may be stored at room temperature up to 77°F (25°C) for 6 weeks. During shipment to you, the bottle may be kept at up to 104°F (40°C) for no more than 8 days. Source: Xalatan label, section 16.
Section 16: “Storage: Protect from light. Store unopened bottle(s) under refrigeration at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). During shipment to the patient, the bottle may be maintained at temperatures up to 40°C (104°F) for a period not exceeding 8 days. Once a bottle is opened for use, it may be stored at room temperature up to 25°C (77°F) for 6 weeks.”
| Stage | Where | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Unopened bottle | Refrigerator, 36-46°F (2-8°C) | Not stated beyond the expiration date |
| During shipment to the patient | Up to 104°F (40°C) | No more than 8 days |
| Opened bottle | Room temperature up to 77°F (25°C) | 6 weeks |
| Any time | Protected from light | - |
Each bottle holds 2.5 mL of solution (latanoprost 50 mcg/mL, 0.005%). The label does not say whether an opened bottle may also go back in the fridge, or how long an unopened bottle may sit at room temperature outside of shipping.
The carton says: “Important information for Mail-Order Patients: Contact dispensing pharmacy if prescription is not received within 8 days of dispensing date.” That matches the 8-day shipping window in section 16.
Section 17 says not to let the dropper tip touch the eye or nearby skin, since a contaminated tip can cause eye infections. Xalatan contains benzalkonium chloride, which contact lenses can absorb: take lenses out before using the drops and wait 15 minutes before putting them back in. See Xalatan side effects, the Xalatan dosing schedule and the latanoprost page.
An opened bottle can travel at room temperature up to 77°F (25°C) within its 6 weeks. Unopened spares belong in the fridge; the label gives a room-temperature window only for shipping, so carry them cold, in an insulated bag, away from light.