Individuals with elevated eye pressure are considered to be at risk for glaucoma that is one of the principal causes of blindness. With respect to this disease, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved of the drug namely Zioptan among patients of open-angled glaucoma who suffer from elevated eye pressure.
Alternatively, patients devoid of glaucoma but who encounter ocular hypertension or elevated eye pressure can also use the drug, as per the guidelines. This medication is available as an eyedrop that is supposed to be used once in the evening per day. To issue the approval, a study constituting a set of persons diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma was conducted. This trial spanned through 24 months for detecting the precise and long-term effect of the drug on patients.
Edward Cox, M.D., M.P.H, director of the Office of Antimicrobial Products in FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research,, commented, “Zioptan’s approval provides an alternative treatment option for patients living with this potentially blinding disease.”
The results of the analysis showed that individuals with open-angle glaucoma apparently experienced reduced eye pressure after 3 to 6 months of treatment with Zioptan. Notably, those suffering from ocular hypertension also appeared to benefit from using the drug.
According to the scientists, people using Zioptan may encounter darkening of the iris, that is considered to be a permanent side-effect and therefore irreversible. Their eyelids may also turn darker, which is regarded as treatable. Patients using the medication could also develop eyelash growth.
Whitehouse Station is the marketer of Zioptan.