Taflan

Indications

Tafluprost eye drops are used to lower raised pressure inside the eye in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Lowering eye pressure helps protect the optic nerve and prevent loss of vision. Some products combine Tafluprost with Timolol.

How It Works

Tafluprost is a prostaglandin analogue. It increases the outflow of the watery fluid (aqueous humour) from the eye through a natural drainage route, which lowers the pressure inside the eye. The effect starts within a few hours and lasts about a day.

Dosage and Administration

The usual dose is 1 drop in the affected eye or eyes once daily in the evening. Do not use more often, as this can reduce the effect. Wash your hands, tilt your head back, pull down the lower lid and place one drop; then close the eye and press gently on the inner corner for 1 to 2 minutes. Leave at least 5 minutes between different eye drops. Single-use units are discarded after each use.

Interactions

Using two prostaglandin eye drops together (for example with Latanoprost) can raise eye pressure rather than lower it. Other glaucoma drops can be used alongside if prescribed, spaced 5 minutes apart. Combination products with Timolol also carry the interactions of beta blockers.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Tafluprost or any ingredient.
• For combination products containing Timolol: asthma, severe chronic lung disease, slow heart rate or certain heart blocks.

Side Effects

Common effects are red eyes, itching, stinging, a feeling of something in the eye and headache. Over months the eyelashes may grow longer and darker, and the iris (coloured part of the eye) may slowly become browner, which can be permanent. The skin around the eye may darken.

Get urgent medical help for severe eye pain, sudden change in vision, swelling of the eye or eyelids, or signs of allergy such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Tafluprost should not be used in pregnancy unless clearly needed, and women who could become pregnant should use contraception. Avoid during breastfeeding unless the doctor advises otherwise.

Precautions and Warnings

Remove contact lenses before use and wait 15 minutes before putting them back. Use with care in eye inflammation, after cataract surgery or in people at risk of macular swelling. Regular eye pressure checks are needed. Vision may blur briefly; do not drive until it clears.

Overdose

Extra drops in the eye are unlikely to cause harm; rinse with water. If swallowed, contact a doctor for advice.

Therapeutic Class

Antiglaucoma agent, prostaglandin analogue.

Storage

Store as directed on the pack. Unopened bottles are often kept in a refrigerator at 2 to 8°C; once opened, store below 30°C and use within the time stated on the pack. Keep out of the reach of children.