TRAVATAN is a brand-name prescription eye drop that contains travoprost, which is its active pharmaceutical ingredient. In essence, travoprost is the specific chemical compound responsible for the medication's therapeutic effects, while TRAVATAN was a particular commercially produced product that utilized this compound.
Understanding TRAVATAN
TRAVATAN was a branded ophthalmic solution used to lower elevated intraocular pressure in individuals with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The original TRAVATAN product contained travoprost 0.004% as its active ingredient. It is important to note that the original TRAVATAN formulation has been discontinued. It was later replaced by Travatan Z, which also contains travoprost 0.004%. The primary distinction between the original TRAVATAN and Travatan Z lies in their inactive ingredients, particularly the preservative system used.
Understanding Travoprost
Travoprost is the generic name for a synthetic prostaglandin F2α analog. As an active ingredient, travoprost functions by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor from the eye, effectively reducing intraocular pressure. It is the core therapeutic component that makes the eye drops effective in managing glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Travoprost is available both as a standalone generic medication and as the active ingredient in various brand-name products.
The Relationship Between TRAVATAN and Travoprost
The relationship between TRAVATAN and travoprost can be best understood as that between a brand and its core component. TRAVATAN was a specific formulation and packaging of travoprost eye drops. Even though the original TRAVATAN brand has been discontinued, the active ingredient, travoprost, remains a widely used and effective treatment for glaucoma, available in other formulations like Travatan Z and generic versions.
| Feature | TRAVATAN | Travoprost |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Brand-name prescription eye drop (original formulation discontinued) | Active pharmaceutical ingredient (generic drug name) |
| Composition | Contains travoprost 0.004% as the active ingredient, along with inactive components | The chemical compound responsible for the therapeutic effect |
| Purpose | Lowers intraocular pressure in glaucoma/ocular hypertension as a complete product | The mechanism of action for pressure reduction within eye drops |
| Availability | Original formulation is discontinued; succeeded by Travatan Z | Available as a generic medication and within various brand-name products |
Practical Insights
- Prescribing Practices: When a healthcare provider prescribes "travoprost," they are specifying the active drug. The pharmacist may then dispense a generic travoprost product or a specific brand, such as Travatan Z, depending on factors like insurance coverage and availability.
- Inactive Ingredients Matter: While the active ingredient (travoprost) is the same, different brand-name formulations (like original TRAVATAN versus Travatan Z) utilize varying inactive ingredients. These differences can be significant for some patients, affecting:
- Preservatives: Travatan Z, for example, uses a different preservative system (sofZia) compared to the original TRAVATAN, which may be beneficial for patients sensitive to certain preservatives like benzalkonium chloride.
- Tolerability: Inactive ingredients can influence a patient's comfort and potential for irritation or allergic reactions.
