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Compare Xalatan vs. Zioptan

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Latanoprost (Xalatan) and Zioptan (tafluprost) are both prostaglandin eye drops used to lower eye pressure in conditions like open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Latanoprost needs to be refrigerated until opened, but can then be stored at room temperature for up to 6 weeks. Zioptan must be kept in the fridge until the foil pouch is opened and then used within 30 days. Zioptan is preservative-free, which may be less irritating for your eyes, but makes it more likely to be contaminated with germs and cause an infection. On the other hand, latanoprost contains the preservative, benzalkonium chloride, which can damage soft contact lenses. If you wear soft contacts, remove them before using and wait 15 minutes before putting them back in. Both medications can cause changes in eye color and eyelash growth, but latanoprost is more likely to cause eye irritation and inflammation. Latanoprost can trigger herpes infections in the eye, which isn’t observed for Zioptan. Additionally, both medications are available in generic forms, making it more affordable than brand name varieties.

  • Latanoprost (Xalatan)
    Zioptan (tafluprost)
  • Latanoprost (Xalatan)
    Zioptan (tafluprost)

  • Summary of Xalatan vs. Zioptan

    Summary for Prostaglandin
    Prescription only

    Latanoprost (Xalatan) is an eye drop medication. It's used in adults to treat conditions related to high pressure in the eye, such as glaucoma. It works as a prostaglandin to help with high eye pressure. The typical dosage is 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once each night. Side effects include feeling like there's something in the eye, burning, and stinging. Unopened bottles need to be refrigerated. But once opened, you keep the medication at room temperature. Latanoprost (Xalatan) is available as a brand-name and generic medication.

    Summary for Prostaglandin
    Prescription only

    Zioptan (tafluprost) helps lower pressure in the eye and treats glaucoma. Like the other eye drops in the same medication class, it can cause changes to your eyelashes and eye color. It comes in convenient single-use containers, but it is only available as a brand medication, so it can be expensive.

  • Indications of Xalatan vs. Zioptan

    Indications for
    •Lowering pressure in the eye in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (high pressure in the eye)
    Indications for
    •High pressure in the eye caused by open-angle glaucoma (the most common type of glaucoma) or ocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eye)

  • Pros and Cons of Xalatan vs. Zioptan

    Pros and Const for Prostaglandin
    Pros
    •A first-choice option for lowering the pressure in the eye
    •Only used once a day
    Cons
    •Can permanently change the color of your eye
    •Need to take out any soft contact lenses before using
    Pros and Const for Prostaglandin
    Pros
    •Good at treating high eye pressure
    •Only used once a day and comes in single-use containers
    •Is preservative-free, which may be less irritating to the eye
    Cons
    •Can permanently change the color of your eyes
    •Doses inside a foil pouch must be used within 30 days after the pouch is opened.
    •Only available as a brand medication, so it can be more expensive than alternatives

  • Common Side Effects of Xalatan vs. Zioptan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Feeling like there's something inside the eye (13%)
    •Stinging (9%)
    •Eye redness (8%)
    •Blurry vision (8%)
    •Itchy eye (8%)
    •Burning (7%)
    •Changes in eye color (7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Eye redness (4-20%)
    •Eye stinging or irritation (7%)
    •Headache (6%)
    •Eye itching or redness due to allergy (5%)
    •Common cold (4%)

  • Warnings of Xalatan vs. Zioptan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Darker eyes or eyelids
    •Eyelash changes
    •Eye inflammation
    •Swelling of the retina (macular edema)
    •Caution use in people with a history of a herpes eye infection
    •Risk of bacterial eye infection when using contaminated medication
    •Don't use while wearing soft contact lenses
    Common Side Effects for
    •DARKER EYES, EYELIDS, OR EYELASHES
    •THICKER EYELASHES
    •EYE INFLAMMATION AND SWELLING

  • Prices with our coupons for Xalatan vs. Zioptan

    Learn more about Latanoprost
    Learn more about Zioptan

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