Zioptan Eyedrops Approved for Glaucoma, Ocular Hypertension

MONDAY, Feb. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Merck's Zioptan drops (tafluprost ophthalmic solution) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to lower pressure within the eye among people with high blood pressure of the eye (ocular hypertension) or open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of the disease.

Approval was based on five clinical studies involving 905 people, the drug's maker said in a news release. The most common side effects included increased pigmentation of the iris and eyelids, and changes in the thickness and color of the eyelashes.

The product should not be used by children or by pregnant women, Merck warned. It also should be used "with caution" among nursing women and by people with macular swelling (edema).

Zioptan should be on pharmacy shelves in March, the Whitehouse Station, N.J., company said.

More information

Medline Plus has more about glaucoma.

Related Articles

Learn More About Sharp
Sharp HealthCare is San Diego's health care leader with seven hospitals, two medical groups and a health plan. Learn more about our San Diego hospitals, choose a Sharp-affiliated San Diego doctor or browse our comprehensive medical services.

Health News is provided as a service to Sharp Web site users by HealthDay. Sharp HealthCare nor its employees, agents, or contractors, review, control, or take responsibility for the content of these articles. Please read the Terms of Use for more information.