Travatan general information

What is Travatan used for?

Travatan eye drops 0.004% are used to lower pressure within the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP) in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma, which is raised IOP caused by a build-up of fluid (aqueous humour) in the eye.  The increased IOP can cause damage to the optic nerve fibres that lead out of the back of the eye to the brain and may lead to gradual loss of sight, starting with peripheral vision and eventually to total blindness in that eye.  Travatan eye drops increase the drainage of aqueous fluid out of the eye which decreases IOP and prevents loss of sight.  Travatan eye drops are also used to treat ocular hypertension (increased IOC without ocular nerve damage) to lower IOC.  Travatan eye drops can be used alone as first line monotherapy or in conjunction with other glaucoma medication.

How does Travatan work?

Travatan eye drops 0.004% contain travoprost, a synthetic analogue (mimic) of a naturally occurring prostaglandin known as prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha).  Prostaglandins have distinct and specific actions in various tissues of the body, including reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye.  The build-up of pressure in the eye that is seen in glaucoma is caused by a blockage in the draining system for the eye fluid called aqueous humour, which is produced continually to maintain normal eye pressure.  Travoprost in Travatan eye drops binds to the same receptors in the eye as PGF2 alpha and is thought to dilate (widen) the blood vessels of the eye.  This increases the uveoscleral outflow of aqueous humour from the eye, through the ciliary body where the aqueous is produced, and is an alternative route for drainage.  As the flow of fluid into and out of the eye becomes balanced again, the pressure in the eye is lowered and this reduces the risk of damage to the optic nerve and loss of sight that can happen if glaucoma is left untreated.  A reduction in IOP can be seen about 2 hours after you start using Travatan eye drops with a maximum effect after 12 hours that lasts for 24 hours. 

What does Travatan contain?

Travatan eye drops contains the active ingredient travoprost 40mcg/mL (0.004%), a synthetic analogue prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha), used to treat glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure.  They also contain:

Benzalkonium chloride 0.15 mg in 1 ml (preservative), polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, disodium edetate, boric acid, trometamol, mannitol, purified water.

Or

Polyquaternium-1 10 mcg/mL polyoxyethylene (preservative), hydrogenated castor oil, boric acid, mannitol, sodium chloride, propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid (to adjust pH), purified water. (this formula is not available in Australia and New Zealand).

Treating glaucoma with Travatan

Travatan eye drops 0.004% contain the active ingredient travoprost, a synthetic analogue (mimic) of a naturally occurring prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) that has various actions, including reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye.  The build-up of pressure in the eye that is seen in glaucoma is caused by a blockage in the draining system for the eye fluid called aqueous humour, which is produced continually.  Although aqueous humour is important for maintaining normal eye pressure and providing nutrients for the eye, increased production or decreased drainage from the eye increases IOP, which can cause damage to the optic nerve fibres that lead out of the back of the eye to the brain and may lead gradual loss of sight.  Travoprost in Travatan eye drops binds to the same receptors in the eye as PGF2 alpha and increases the uveoscleral outflow of aqueous humour from the eye.  As the flow of fluid into and out of the eye becomes balanced again, the pressure in the eye is lowered and this reduces the risk of damage to the optic nerve and loss of sight that can happen if glaucoma progresses untreated.

What are the side effects of Travatan?

The most commonly reported side effects when using Travatan eye drops include red congested eyes (conjunctival hyperaemia), growth of eyelashes, itching, irritation or inflammation of the eye (conjunctivitis) and eyelid (blepharitis), sensitivity to light, an increase in colouring or pigment of area around eye, visual changes, eyelash darkening, darkening of the iris, headache.

When should Travatan not be used?

You should not use Travatan eye drops if you:

• are allergic to travoprost or any ingredients in Travatan
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• suffer from dry eyes or any diseases of the cornea
• are wearing contact lenses, you should remove your contacts and replace them after using Travatan eye drops

How should Travatan be used?

You should take your Travatan eye drops by applying one drop into the affected eye, once daily, preferably in the evening, and following the instructions provided.  If you are wearing contact lenses, you should remove them before applying your Travatan eye drops and then replace them after 15 minutes.  You should continue to use your Travatan eye drops daily for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for several months or years, as they will help maintain normal eye pressure but will not cure glaucoma.

How long should you use Travatan?

You should continue to use your Travatan eye drops daily for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for several months or years, as they will help maintain normal eye pressure but will not cure glaucoma.

Missed dose of Travatan

If you miss a dose of Travatan eye drops apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to apply the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not apply a double dose.

How should Travatan be stored?

You should store your Travatan eye drops below 25°C in a cool dry place and always replace the top on the bottle to prevent contamination.  Discard the bottle of Travatan eye drops 4 weeks after opening.