MONDAY, Feb. 13 (HealthDay News) — Merck’s Zioptan drops (tafluprost ophthalmic solution) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to lower pressure within the eye among people with high blood pressure of the eye (ocular hypertension) or open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of the disease.

Approval was based on five clinical studies involving 905 people, the drug’s maker said in a news release. The most common side effects included increased pigmentation of the iris and eyelids, and changes in the thickness and color of the eyelashes.

The product should not be used by children or by pregnant women, Merck warned. It also should be used “with caution” among nursing women and by people with macular swelling (edema).

Zioptan should be on pharmacy shelves in March, the Whitehouse Station, N.J., company said.

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– Scott Roberts

Last Updated: Feb. 13, 2012