tafluprost

(ta-floo-prost) tafluprost,

Zioptan

(trade name)

Classification

Therapeutic: ocular hypotensive agent
Pharmacologic: prostaglandins
Pregnancy Category: C

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 effects

↓ 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)

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
Ophth	within 2–4 hr	12 hr	24 hr

Contraindications/Precautions

Contraindicated in: Pediatric: 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; Obstetric: Women with child-bearing potential should practice adequate contraception; Lactation: Use cautiously in nursing women.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Ear, Eye, Nose, Throat

conjunctival hyperemia (most frequent)
blurred vision
cataract
permanent iris pigmentation
eyelid pigmentation
lash pigmentation/increased thickness/↑ number
macular edema
ocular stinging/irritation

Interactions

Drug-Drug interaction

Note noted.

Route/Dosage

Ophthalmic (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

Nursing implications

Nursing assessment

Measure intraocular pressure periodically during therapy.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

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

Implementation

Ophthalmic: 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.