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.
