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Compare Zioptan vs. Brimonidine

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

Key takeaways

Zioptan (tafluprost) and Alphagan P (brimonidine) are both prescription eye drops used to lower high pressure in the eye caused by open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. However, they belong to different medication classes. Zioptan (tafluprost) is a prostaglandin, while Alphagan P (brimonidine) is an alpha agonist. Zioptan is typically used once daily in the evening and comes in single-use containers. In contrast, Alphagan P is used three times daily, about 8 hours apart. Zioptan can cause changes in eye color and eyelash growth, while Alphagan P may lead to dry mouth, headaches, and drowsiness. Additionally, Zioptan is preservative-free, which may be less irritating for some users. Your eye doctor will help you find the right one for you, based on your specific eye health needs, side effect profile, and lifestyle.

  • Zioptan (tafluprost)
    Alphagan p (brimonidine)
  • Zioptan (tafluprost)
    Alphagan p (brimonidine)

  • Summary of Zioptan vs. Brimonidine

    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 Alpha agonist
    Prescription only

    Alphagan P (brimonidine) is a prescription eye drop that helps lower pressure in the eye and treats glaucoma. It's typically applied three times a day. Some common side effects include blurry vision, slight stinging in the eyes, and headaches. Alphagan P (brimonidine) is available as both a brand name and a generic medication.

  • Indications of Zioptan vs. Brimonidine

    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:

    •Open-angle glaucoma
    •Ocular hypertension

  • Pros and Cons of Zioptan vs. Brimonidine

    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 Alpha agonist
    Pros
    •Good at treating high eye pressure
    •Start working to lower eye pressure in as quickly as 1 hour
    •Can be stored at room temperature
    Cons
    •Can cause dry mouth, headache, and drowsiness
    •Applied 3 times daily
    •Must take out contact lenses out before applying

  • Common Side Effects of Zioptan vs. Brimonidine

    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
    •Dry mouth (up to 30%)
    •Red eye (up to 30%)
    •Eye burning and stinging (up to 30%)
    •Headache (up to 30%)
    •Blurry vision (up to 30%)
    •Feeling like there's something in your eye (up to 30%)
    •Sleepiness (up to 30%)
    •Small white patches on the inside of the eyelids (up to 30%)
    •Allergic reactions in the eye (up to 30%)
    •Itchy eyes (up to 30%)

  • Warnings of Zioptan vs. Brimonidine

    Common Side Effects for
    •DARKER EYES, EYELIDS, OR EYELASHES
    •THICKER EYELASHES
    •EYE INFLAMMATION AND SWELLING
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of worsening of low blood flow
    •Risk of infections (from contamination)
    •No soft contact lenses
    •Only use in the eye

  • Prices with our coupons for Zioptan vs. Brimonidine

    Learn more about Zioptan
    Learn more about Alphagan p

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