tafluprost

General

Pronunciation:
ta-floo-prost

Trade Name(s)

• Zioptan

Ther. Class.
ocular hypotensive agent

Pharm. Class.
prostaglandins

Indications

Lowering of intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Action

Acts as a prostaglandin analogues that decreases intraocular pressure by ↑ uveoscleral outflow.

Therapeutic Effect(s):

↓ intraocular pressure.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Absorbed through cornea and is converted to the active metabolite tafluprost acid.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism and Excretion: Further metabolized and eliminated.

Half-life: Unknown.

TIME/ACTION PROFILE (↓ in intraocular pressure)

Contraindication/Precautions

Contraindicated in:

• Pedi:  Avoid use in children due to unknown safety of chronic ↑ pigmentation.

Use Cautiously in:

• Aphakia, pseudoaphakia with a torn posterior lens capsule
• Known risk factors for macular edema
• OB:  Women with child-bearing potential should practice adequate contraception
• Lactation: Use cautiously in nursing women.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

EENT: conjunctival hyperemia, blurred vision, cataract, permanent iris pigmentation, eyelid pigmentation, lash pigmentation/increased thickness/↑ number, macular edema, ocular stinging/irritation

* CAPITALS indicate life-threatening.
Underline indicate most frequent.

Interactions

Drug-Drug

Note noted.

Route/Dosage

Ophth:  (Adults): One drop once daily (into conjunctival sac) in the evening into affected eye(s).

Availability

Ophthalmic solution : 0.0015% in 0.3 mL single-use containers

Assessment

• Measure intraocular pressure periodically during therapy.

Potential Diagnoses

• Readiness for enhanced knowledge, related to medication regimen (Patient/Family/Teaching) 

Implementation

• Ophth:  

  Wash hands prior to instillation. Pull lower lid downward and look up. Instill 1 drop in conjunctival sac each evening. Each unit is for one-time use; discard after using. Store unopened foil pouches in refrigerator. Do not open pouch until ready to use.

  • If used with other ophthalmic medications, administer at least 5 min apart.

Patient/Family Teaching

• Instruct patient to use drops as directed. Do not use more than 1 drop daily; may increase intraocular pressure. Do not use for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not share with others, even if they have the same symptoms; may cause harm.
• Advise patient to read the  Patient Information Leaflet  prior to initiating therapy and with each Rx refill in case of changes.
• Inform patient of potential side effects including brownish color of the iris; may be permanent. Also, darkening of the eyelid, increasing length, thickness, color, or number of eyelashes, and hair growth on eyelids; usually reversible.
• Advise patient to notify health care professional if eye injury, eye infection, sudden loss of vision, eye surgery, swelling and redness around eye, or problems with eyelids occur.
• Instruct patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care professional before taking other medications.
• Advise female patient use adequate contraception during therapy and to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected, or if breastfeeding.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

Reduction of intraocular pressure.