Where is Tafluprost used?
Tafluprost is a prescription medicine used to treat open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. This is an FDA-approved this medication that regulates the flow of fluid within the eye to maintain normal pressure. Lowering high pressure inside the eye can help prevent blindness.
How does Tafluprost work?
Tafluprost is a type of medicine called a prostaglandin analog. This lessens the pressure in the eye by imitating the action of a naturally occurring prostaglandin. Prostaglandins are a group of natural body chemicals found in many places in the body. Tafluprost is a synthetic prostaglandin that acts on the same receptors in the eye as the natural prostaglandins. It causes an increase in the drainage of aqueous humor out of the eyeball which decreases the pressure within the eye.
The pressure within the eyeball is naturally maintained by a continuous flow of liquid called aqueous humor through the eyeball. Aqueous humor is produced by a part of the eye called the ciliary body. It drains out of the eyeball through channels called the trabecular meshwork. If the outflow of aqueous humor is blocked, the aqueous humor builds up inside the eye which increases the pressure within the eyeball. This pressure needs to be reduced, as otherwise it can damage the optic nerve and impair vision as a result.
How is Tafluprost used?
- This medication is applied in the affected area as directed by your doctor.
- This is usually applied once a day in the evening.
- To apply drops, wash your hands first.
- To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.
- Apply gentle pressure for 1-2 minutes before opening your eyes. Try not to blink or rub your eye.
- Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed.
- If you are having medication other than this, wait at least 5 minutes before applying it.
- Use eye drops before eye ointments to let the drops enter the eye.
Do not use Tafluprost more often than prescribed. Using this more than the prescription can make it work less well. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. It is important to continue using Tafluprost even if you feel well.
What are the possible side effects of Tafluprost?
Common side effects:
- Headache
- Eye itching eye-stinging or irritation
- Eye pain
- Eye redness
- Blurred vision
- Dry eyes
If any side effects occur, call your doctor right away.
What are the precautions in using Tafluprost?
- This medicine is for use in the eye and must not be taken by mouth.
- This eye drop may cause your vision to blur temporarily. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this affects you.
- While using this medicine you should have regular eye examinations.
- Use this with caution in people with an artificial lens in the eye, no lens in the eye, a history of inflammation of the middle layer of the eyeball, those with decreased kidney or liver function, and people with severe or poorly controlled asthma.
- This is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
- If you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, consult your doctor first before using this prescription.
