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Compare Zioptan vs. Timolol

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

Key takeaways

Zioptan (tafluprost) and timolol are both prescription eye drops 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 timolol is a beta blocker that reduces the amount of fluid in the eye. Zioptan is typically used once daily in the evening and comes in single-use containers, whereas timolol is usually taken once or twice daily. Both medications are available in a lower-cost generic form. Zioptan can cause changes to your eyelashes and eye color, and it needs to be refrigerated until opened, unlike timolol. Timolol, on the other hand, can cause systemic side effects like lower blood pressure and heart rate, and it is not recommended for people with certain heart or lung conditions. Both medications can cause eye irritation, but timolol is more likely to cause burning or stinging right after application.

  • Zioptan (tafluprost)
    Timolol
  • Zioptan (tafluprost)
    Timolol

  • Summary of Zioptan vs. Timolol

    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

    Timolol is an eye drop medication that's used to lower pressure within the eye and treat glaucoma. This medication belongs to the drug class called beta blockers. Timolol can be used by itself or together with other eye drops. The usual dosage is a drop of timolol into the eye(s) once or twice a day. Common side effects include burning or stinging after you put in the eye drops, but this is generally a temporary feeling. Although the brand name Timoptic was discontinued, the generic version is still available.

  • Indications of Zioptan vs. Timolol

    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 pressure inside the eye) or open-angle glaucoma (the most common type of glaucoma)

  • Pros and Cons of Zioptan vs. Timolol

    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 to treat high eye pressure
    •Usually only need to take once or twice daily
    •Lower-cost generic version available
    Cons
    •Can cause some burning and stinging in the eye
    •Shouldn't use if you have asthma or other lung problems
    •Shouldn't take if you have uncontrolled heart failure, second- or third-degree heart block, or sinus bradycardia (a chronically low heart rate)

  • Common Side Effects of Zioptan vs. Timolol

    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 burning or stinging in the eye after using

  • Warnings of Zioptan vs. Timolol

    Common Side Effects for
    •DARKER EYES, EYELIDS, OR EYELASHES
    •THICKER EYELASHES
    •EYE INFLAMMATION AND SWELLING
    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk for heart failure
    •Not recommended for people with breathing problems
    •Hidden symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hidden symptoms of overactive thyroid
    •Worsening of myasthenia gravis

  • Prices with our coupons for Zioptan vs. Timolol

    Learn more about Zioptan
    Learn more about Timolol

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