Key takeaways
Zioptan (tafluprost) and betaxolol (Betoptic-S) are both prescription eye drop medications used to lower eye pressure and treat glaucoma, but they belong to different drug classes and have some key differences. Zioptan is a prostaglandin that helps fluid drain from the eye, while betaxolol is a beta blocker that reduces the amount of fluid produced in the eye. Zioptan is typically used once daily in the evening, whereas betaxolol is used twice daily. Zioptan doesn’t contain preservatives, making it suitable for people with allergies to preservatives. Both medications have a lower-cost generic option available. Zioptan can cause changes in eye color and eyelash growth, while betaxolol may cause issues for individuals with certain heart or lung conditions.
