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Zioptan vs. Travatan Z

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

Key takeaways

Tafluprost (Zioptan) and travoprost (Travatan Z) are both prostaglandin eye drops used to lower eye pressure in conditions like open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. They work by helping fluid drain from inside the eye. However, there are some differences between them. Tafluprost (Zioptan) comes in single-use containers, while travoprost (Travatan Z) comes in a multi-use bottle. Tafluprost (Zioptan) is preservative-free, so it may be less likely to cause eye irritation in people with allergies to preservatives. Travoprost (Travatan Z) has a preservative that is gentle on the eyes. Both medications can cause changes in eye color and eyelash growth, but travoprost (Travatan Z) is more likely to cause eye redness. Tafluprost (Zioptan) needs to be refrigerated until opened, while travoprost (Travatan Z) can be stored at room temperature. Both medications are typically used once daily in the evening.

Zioptan

(tafluprost)

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Travoprost

(Travatan Z)

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Summary for Zioptan

Prescription only

Zioptan (tafluprost) is an eye drop medication used to treat high pressure in the eye, such as glaucoma. It works as a prostaglandin to help relieve pressure in the eye. Zioptan (tafluprost) is for adults and is used once each night. Side effects include feeling like there's something in the eye, burning, and stinging. Zioptan (tafluprost) is available as a brand-name and now also a generic medication.

Indications for Zioptan

Pros and Cons for Zioptan

Pros

  • A first-choice option for lowering eye pressure
  • Only used once a day
  • Is preservative free, which might be less irritating to the eye

Cons

  • Often causes some eye redness
  • Can permanently darken the color of your eye over time
  • Must use eye drop vials inside the foil pouch within 30 days after opening the pouch

Common Side Effects for Zioptan

  • Eye redness (up to 20%)
  • Eye stinging or irritation (7%)
  • Headache (6%)
  • Itchy eye (5%)

Warnings for Zioptan

  • Darker eyes or eyelids
  • Eyelash changes
  • Eye inflammation
  • Swelling of the retina (macular edema)

Summary for Travatan Z

Prescription only

Travoprost (Travatan Z) is a prescription prostaglandin eye drop that helps lower pressure in the eye. It's a first-choice medication for treating glaucoma in people over the age of 16. Typically, you apply travoprost (Travatan Z) once a day at night. This medication can cause eye redness and changes to eye color as side effects. It's available as a brand name and generic medication.

Indications for Travatan Z

High pressure in the eye from:

Pros and Cons for Travatan Z

Pros

  • A first-choice treatment option for high eye pressure
  • Applied once a day
  • Doesn't contain the preservative benzalkonium chloride

Cons

  • Can cause eye redness
  • Might permanently change the color of your eyes
  • Requires you to take out your contact lenses

Common Side Effects for Travatan Z

  • Eye redness (30-50%)
  • Vision problems (5-10%)
  • Eye discomfort (5-10%)
  • Feeling like there's something in your eye (5-10%)
  • Eye pain (5-10%)
  • Itchy eye (5-10%)

Warnings for Travatan Z

  • Darker eyes, eyelids, or eyelashes
  • Eyelash changes
  • Eye inflammation and swelling
  • Bacterial infections
  • Avoid contact lenses

Prices with our coupons for Zioptan vs. Travatan Z

Price Card Drug Icon
Tafluprost1 carton / 30 single-use containers of 0.0015%
$60.48$233.00
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Price Card Drug Icon
Travoprost1 eye dropper / 2.5ml of 0.004%
$35.36$204.98
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