Submitted by administrator on
Following a two year trial period by the US Food and Drug Administration, the drug Zioptan has been approved for use in treating patients and sufferers of the eye condition open-angle glaucoma. The manufacturer, Merck & Co., confirmed the approval on 13 February 2012 and will look to begin production and distribution of the glaucoma drug immediately.
Zioptan, which is a solution of tafluprost, works by reducing intraocular pressure, or the fluid pressure in the eye. Following diagnosis via a tonometer, IOP is used to evaluate patients at risk of glaucoma. The resuts of FDA trials showed that using the drug Zioptan decreased, on average, pressures by 5 to 8mm Hg. These statistics were collected from patients after a six month treatment process. However, as with all good things (seemingly) there a few side effects to using the drug which have been documented along with its approval for use.
Possible side effects of Zioptan:
- Conjunctival hyperemia (red eye)
Enlarged bloodvessels in the eyes - Increased growth in eyelashes and vellus hairs
As well as hairs growing in volume, thickening can also occur - Tissue dis-colouring
Some trials have noted a colouring of tissues in patients who have had the drug administered to them including the eyelid, eyelashes and iris. Although most tissues should return to normal following a course of Zioptan, it is unlikely that the iris will revert to its original colour - Macular edema
A collection of fluid and proteins on or around the macula
Due to the array of side effects, it is recommended that the drug be administered with caution.