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Compare Zioptan vs. Combigan

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

Key takeaways

Zioptan (tafluprost) and Combigan (brimonidine / timolol) are both medications used to lower high pressure in the eye, which can help treat conditions like open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. However, they belong to different medication classes. Zioptan is a prostaglandin eye drop that helps fluid drain from the eye, while Combigan is a combination of an alpha agonist (brimonidine) and a beta blocker (timolol) that reduces fluid production and increases fluid outflow. Zioptan is typically used once daily in the evening, whereas Combigan is used twice daily, about 12 hours apart. Common side effects of Zioptan include eye redness and irritation, while Combigan can cause eye redness, itching, and dryness. Also, the timolol in Combigan may interact with other medications, especially those for heart and breathing conditions. 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)
    Combigan (brimonidine / timolol)
  • Zioptan (tafluprost)
    Combigan (brimonidine / timolol)

  • Summary of Zioptan vs. Combigan

    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 / Beta blocker
    Prescription only

    Combigan is a combination eye drop containing brimonidine (an alpha agonist) and timolol (a beta blocker). It's used to lower high pressure inside the eye in adults with conditions like glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Typically, you apply one drop to the affected eye(s) twice daily, about 12 hours apart. Common side effects include eye redness, itching, or dryness. Combigan (brimonidine / timolol) is available as both a brand-name and generic medication.

  • Indications of Zioptan vs. Combigan

    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

    Treatment of high pressure in the eye in people ages 2 years and older with:

    •Ocular hypertension
    •Open-angle glaucoma

  • Pros and Cons of Zioptan vs. Combigan

    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 / Beta blocker
    Pros
    •Convenient to have a single eye drop that combines two different medications
    •Can be stored at room temperature
    •Possible option for children older than 2 years old
    Cons
    •Used twice a day
    •Can cause tiredness or drowsiness in some people
    •Not for people with asthma, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or certain heart-related problems

  • Common Side Effects of Zioptan vs. Combigan

    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

    Reported in up to 15% of people in clinical studies:

    •Eye redness
    •Eye itching
    •Eye burning or stinging

  • Warnings of Zioptan vs. Combigan

    Common Side Effects for
    •DARKER EYES, EYELIDS, OR EYELASHES
    •THICKER EYELASHES
    •EYE INFLAMMATION AND SWELLING
    Common Side Effects for
    •Only use in the eye
    •Allergic reaction of the eye
    •Interaction with inhaled beta agonists for asthma or COPD
    •Worsening heart problems
    •Worsening of other medical conditions
    •Masked symptoms of low blood sugar in people with diabetes
    •Masked symptoms of high thyroid hormone levels (hyperthyroidism)

  • Prices with our coupons for Zioptan vs. Combigan

    Learn more about Zioptan
    Learn more about Combigan

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