tafluprost
Zioptan (tafluprost) is a prostaglandin analog eye drop from Thea Pharma. Used once daily, it lowers elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension by helping fluid drain from the eye.
This page is based on FDA prescribing information for tafluprost (Zioptan) and the DailyMed label record for tafluprost ophthalmic solution; the mechanism is explained in plain language, and analogies are used only where they stay accurate.
How it works
Explains what the medicine does in the body, not dosing, side effects, or safety.
An analogy
The eye is a sink with a partially blocked drain, and pressure builds up behind it, straining the optic nerve. Tafluprost is a drop that tells the drain to open wider. More fluid flows out through the eye's natural drainage routes, the pressure falls, and the optic nerve is spared further damage.
In simple terms
Tafluprost is a prostaglandin analog applied to the eye as drops. It mimics natural prostaglandins that regulate fluid movement in the eye, increasing the drainage of aqueous humor, the fluid inside the eye. Better drainage lowers intraocular pressure, which is the main treatable risk factor in open-angle glaucoma, and helps protect the optic nerve from progressive damage.
In depth
Tafluprost is a prostaglandin analog indicated for reducing elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. As an FP receptor agonist, it increases uveoscleral outflow of aqueous humor, reducing intraocular pressure without reducing aqueous production. Lowering intraocular pressure is the main treatable way to protect the optic nerve in open-angle glaucoma.
See it in motion
A schematic animation of the mechanism — simplified for clarity, not drawn to scale.
How tafluprost, an FP receptor agonist, lowers eye pressure
- Tafluprost is a prostaglandin analog indicated for reducing elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
- It mimics natural prostaglandins that regulate fluid movement in the eye, increasing the drainage of aqueous humor, the fluid inside the eye.
- As an FP receptor agonist, it increases uveoscleral outflow of aqueous humor, reducing intraocular pressure without reducing aqueous production.
- Lowering intraocular pressure is the main treatable way to protect the optic nerve in open-angle glaucoma.
Target: Prostaglandin FP receptors in the eye
Receptors on tissues that control fluid drainage from the eye; stimulating them increases outflow of aqueous humor and lowers the pressure inside the eye.
Approved uses
Approved uses differ by country and change over time. Always follow your local prescribing information.
Approved uses in United States
FDA- For reducing elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension
Official sources
The statements on this page trace back to these records.
- DailyMed: tafluprost ophthalmic solution (Sandoz Inc) label
DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: tafluprost prescribing information
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
This page explains how the medicine works — it isn’t the patient leaflet. For anything that applies to you, read the leaflet that came with your medicine or ask your pharmacist.
MedUnfold provides educational content and is not medical advice. Always follow your local prescribing information and healthcare professional.