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Compare Zioptan vs. Betoptic-S

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

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.

  • Zioptan (tafluprost)
    Betaxolol (Betoptic-S)
  • Zioptan (tafluprost)
    Betaxolol (Betoptic-S)

  • Summary of Zioptan vs. Betoptic-S

    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.

    Summary for Beta blocker
    Prescription only

    Betaxolol (Betoptic-S) is an eye drop medication. It helps lower pressure within the eye and treats glaucoma in adults. This eye drop is a beta blocker that works by lessening the amount of fluid in the eye. The Betaxolol (Betoptic-S) eye drops are typically used twice a day. Side effects aren't common but can include temporary eye discomfort and watery eyes. Betaxolol (Betoptic-S) can be used by itself or together with other pressure-lowering eye drops.

  • Indications of Zioptan vs. Betoptic-S

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

  • Pros and Cons of Zioptan vs. Betoptic-S

    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
    Pros and Const for Beta blocker
    Pros
    •Works well at lowering eye pressure
    •Can use with other eye drops if it's not working well enough on its own
    •Side effects aren't common, except for temporary discomfort in the eye right after using the eye drops
    •Lower-cost generic available for the solution version
    Cons
    •Must use twice a day
    •Might not be the best choice if you have asthma or other lung conditions
    •Not recommended if you have heart problems like heart failure, heart block, or long-lasting low heart rate
    •Unknown if safe while pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Zioptan vs. Betoptic-S

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Temporary discomfort in the eye (burning or stinging) after using
    •Watery eye

  • Warnings of Zioptan vs. Betoptic-S

    Common Side Effects for
    •DARKER EYES, EYELIDS, OR EYELASHES
    •THICKER EYELASHES
    •EYE INFLAMMATION AND SWELLING
    Common Side Effects for
    •Hidden symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hidden symptoms of overactive thyroid
    •Worsening of myasthenia gravis
    •Not recommended for people with breathing problems
    •Caution use in people who've had heart problems like heart failure

  • Prices with our coupons for Zioptan vs. Betoptic-S

    Learn more about Zioptan
    Learn more about Betaxolol

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