What is Zioptan? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated May 14, 2025

Zioptan overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Zioptan

Generic Names:

  • Zioptan

Uses:

  • Treats glaucoma and hypertension of the eye.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiglaucoma

Forms:

  • Liquid, Drop

How it’s taken:

  • Into the eye

What form(s) does Zioptan come in?

  • Liquid

  • Drop

What are common Zioptan dosages?

  • Plas Cont 30 Solution

Zioptan images - What does Zioptan look like?

  • Zioptan
    10 solution box

How to take Zioptan

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. Use this medicine in the evening.

  • Ophthalmic routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • Ophthalmic routeLie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Gently squeeze the container so that 1 drop goes into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball.

  • After you open the single-use container, use the medicine right away. Throw away any unused medicine. The medicine does not stay sterile after the container is opened.

  • Open only 1 single-use container each time your use the medicine. The container has enough medicine for both eyes, if needed.

  • Wait at least 5 minutes before you put any other eye drop in the same eye.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Cartons and unopened foil pouches: Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

  • Opened foil pouches: Store at room temperature for up to 28 days. Protect from moisture.

  • Write down the date that you open the foil pouch. Throw away any unused medicine 28 days after you opened the pouch for the first time.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. Use this medicine in the evening.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Opened foil pouches: Store at room temperature for up to 28 days. Protect from moisture.

  • Wait at least 5 minutes before you put any other eye drop in the same eye.

  • Cartons and unopened foil pouches: Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

  • Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Gently squeeze the container so that 1 drop goes into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball.

  • Open only 1 single-use container each time your use the medicine. The container has enough medicine for both eyes, if needed.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Ophthalmic routeLie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • After you open the single-use container, use the medicine right away. Throw away any unused medicine. The medicine does not stay sterile after the container is opened.

  • Ophthalmic routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • Write down the date that you open the foil pouch. Throw away any unused medicine 28 days after you opened the pouch for the first time.

Zioptan contraindications - Who shouldn't take Zioptan?

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to tafluprost.

Zioptan warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have an eye infection or inflammation, a lens problem, any other eye problems, or if you plan to have eye surgery.

  • This medicine may cause changes in the color of your eye (iris) or eyelids, or increased growth of your eyelashes.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Zioptan interactions & what to avoid when taking Zioptan

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have an eye infection or inflammation, a lens problem, any other eye problems, or if you plan to have eye surgery.

  • This medicine may cause changes in the color of your eye (iris) or eyelids, or increased growth of your eyelashes.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Zioptan side effects - How does Zioptan make you feel?

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Redness, pain, itching, or swelling of the eye or eyelid

  • Vision changes

  • Mild itching, burning, or redness of your eye, dry eyes

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Eye color changes, darkening of your eyelid

  • Darker color or increased growth of your eyelashes

  • Mild itching, burning, or redness of your eye, dry eyes

  • Headache