What is the correct storage for a box of Xalatan (Latanoprost) before it is opened?
Answer choices
- ARoom shelf
- BRefrigerator
- CFreezer
- DIncubator
About this question
How should a box of Xalatan (latanoprost) be stored before it is opened? This PTCE Medications item combines brand-generic recognition with ophthalmic storage rules. Some prostaglandin eye drops are heat-sensitive before first use, so unopened stock is handled differently from many room-temperature drops.
This practice question asks for correct storage before opening. The correct choice is the refrigerator — not room-temperature shelves or freezers. After opening, many labels allow a shorter room-temperature beyond-use window (often around six weeks), which is a separate counseling point. Connect three facts for exam day: brand Xalatan, generic latanoprost, and refrigerate before first use.
Reveal answer & explanationShow
Correct answer
- ARoom shelf
- BRefrigeratorCorrect
- CFreezer
- DIncubator
Basic rationale
Latanoprost is a pro-drug that is heat sensitive. Pharmacies must keep it refrigerated. Patients can keep it at room temp for 6 weeks after opening.
Option explanations
- A: Incorrect. Room temperature storage causes long-term degradation of unopened Latanoprost.
- B: Correct. Pharmacies are required to keep unopened Latanoprost refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C.
- C: Incorrect. Freezing is unnecessary and potentially harmful to the solution's stability.
- D: Incorrect. High heat will rapidly destroy the active ingredients in eye drops.
Deep Analysis
Core logic
Latanoprost (Xalatan) is an ophthalmic solution for glaucoma that is chemically unstable at room temperature over long periods. To ensure it remains potent until the patient starts using it, pharmacies must store the unopened stock in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C).
Distractor analysis
A: Unopened latanoprost will degrade if kept on a room-temperature shelf for the months it might sit in pharmacy stock. C: Freezing can cause the drug to precipitate (fall out of solution) and damage the plastic dropper bottle. D: Incubation is for growing bacteria and would quickly destroy the medication.
Exam trap
The '6-week rule' is a common exam point: once the patient opens the bottle, it can stay at room temperature (up to 25°C) for 42 days (6 weeks). But the PHARMACY must keep it in the fridge.
Memory tip
🌡️ Xalatan = 'Xtremely cold'. Keep it in the fridge until the patient 'opens' the door to use it.
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