tafluprost + timolol maleate at a glance
Medicine class
Prostaglandin analogue combined with an ophthalmic beta blocker.
Licensed role
For adults requiring combination treatment for open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who would benefit from preservative-free drops.
Presentation
Preservative-free solution in single-use containers; discard the opened container and remaining solution after use.
Reducing absorption
Closing the eye and pressing gently at its inner corner for two minutes reduces drainage into the bloodstream.
What is tafluprost + timolol maleate used for?
UK-licensed uses in adults are:
Reducing raised intraocular pressure in open-angle glaucoma when a topical beta blocker or prostaglandin analogue alone has not provided an adequate response.
Reducing raised intraocular pressure in ocular hypertension in the same circumstances, where combination treatment and preservative-free drops are appropriate.
How does tafluprost + timolol maleate work?
Tafluprost is converted to an active prostaglandin analogue that increases drainage of aqueous humour from the eye. Timolol blocks beta receptors and mainly reduces production of this fluid. Their complementary actions lower intraocular pressure.
tafluprost + timolol maleate preparations and strengths
Eye drops
Route: Ophthalmic
Strengths: 15 micrograms/mL + 5 mg/mL
How to take tafluprost + timolol maleate
Use only in the eye or eyes specified by the prescriber. Wash your hands, avoid touching the container tip to the eye, eyelids, fingers or other surfaces, and place the solution inside the pulled-down lower eyelid. Close the eye and press gently beside the nose for two minutes, then wipe excess solution from surrounding skin. Discard the opened single-use container immediately. Remove contact lenses beforehand and wait at least 15 minutes before replacing them; separate different eye medicines by at least five minutes.
Do not swallow the solution.
Do not use a container if its pouch or container is damaged.
Temporary blurred vision can occur; do not drive or operate machinery until vision is clear.
tafluprost + timolol maleate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Red, itchy, irritated or painful eyes
- Feeling that something is in the eye
- Temporary blurred vision or sensitivity to light
- Longer, thicker or more numerous eyelashes
- Eyelash discolouration
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling and breathing difficulty
- Wheezing, worsening asthma, or significant shortness of breath
- Chest pain, fainting, or a markedly slow or irregular heartbeat
- Severe eye inflammation, persistent eye pain, or worsening vision
- Possible macular oedema, particularly in people with relevant retinal or lens-related risk factors
tafluprost + timolol maleate in pregnancy
Product-specific UK information says this combination should not be used during pregnancy unless it is clearly necessary and no suitable alternative is available. Anyone who is pregnant, planning pregnancy, or becomes pregnant while using it should contact their eye specialist or prescriber promptly rather than stopping treatment independently. Pressing at the inner corner of the eye after administration reduces systemic absorption.
tafluprost + timolol maleate while breastfeeding
The UK product information does not recommend breastfeeding while this combination is required because human information about tafluprost is limited, although timolol eye drops alone generally produce only small milk exposure. A prescriber should assess the importance of treatment, alternatives, and infant factors.
tafluprost + timolol maleate interactions
Systemic interactions remain possible because timolol can enter the bloodstream after ocular use. Tell the prescriber about all medicines and eye drops.
Oral or ophthalmic beta blockers
Beta-blocking effects may be increased, causing excessive slowing of the heart, low blood pressure, or breathing problems; using two topical beta blockers is not recommended.
Calcium-channel blockers, including verapamil
Concurrent use can add to blood-pressure lowering and slowing of the heart.
Antiarrhythmics, including amiodarone, and digoxin
There may be an increased risk of marked bradycardia or conduction problems.
Common questions about tafluprost + timolol maleate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is tafluprost + timolol maleate used for?
It lowers raised pressure inside the eye in adults with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension when a beta-blocker or prostaglandin eye drop alone has not worked sufficiently and preservative-free combination drops are suitable.
How does tafluprost + timolol maleate lower eye pressure?
Tafluprost increases drainage of fluid from the eye, while timolol mainly reduces fluid production.
Is tafluprost + timolol maleate preservative-free?
The selected UK single-dose product is preservative-free.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.