Glaucoma is a serious disease of the organs of vision. It got its name because of the greenish tint, which acquires an enlarged pupil, affected by an acute attack of glaucoma. This is a chronic disease characterized by increased intraocular pressure. However, this is not an exhaustive definition. The term "glaucoma" combines about 60 eye diseases that have the following symptoms:
- Intraocular pressure.
- Damage to the fibers of the optic nerve.
- Violation of the optic nerve.
Glaucoma can occur at any age, starting from infancy. However, most often this ailment affects older people. Today we are interested in drugs that help to effectively deal with the disease, in particular, Travatan. Analogs of this Belgian drug are very often prescribed by ophthalmologists, as they can bring quick relief. Today we will talk about the most popular of them.
pharmachologic effect
The purpose of our article is a brief overview of modern drugs for the treatment of glaucoma, among which the first place is Travatan. We will list the analogs a bit below, while we take the time to the original drug. So, this is a local drug that is used in ophthalmic practice. According to the reviews of practitioners, Travatan has been successfully used in the treatment of increased intraocular pressure, as well as a cure for glaucoma in complex treatment.
The main active substance
What ensures the effectiveness of the drug "Travatan" (analogues may differ from it in their active substances)? The basis of the drug is travoprost. Only at first glance it is connected with the plant world, which means it is safe. This is a synthetic analogue of prostaglandin. In the body, these are derivatives of fatty acids, a group of lipid substances, the study of the properties of which is currently ongoing.
So, what function does Travatan perform (analogues strive to achieve the same effect)? As a result of application, the outflow of ocular fluid increases, which means that intraocular pressure decreases .
Noticeable relief
About two hours after the use of the drug, a person may notice a therapeutic effect. However, it reaches maximum strength after about 12 hours. The action lasts 24 hours, after which the application should be repeated. It should be noted that the active substance even with local application enters the systemic circulation. Therefore, it is extremely important to get acquainted with contraindications, as well as consult with your doctor. 30 minutes after use, a peak in plasma concentration is observed. And an hour after application is no longer detected in plasma. The drug is excreted by the kidneys and liver.
Indications for use
In what cases do ophthalmologists prescribe "Travatan" (eye drops) to patients ? Instructions, price, analogues - all this is important information that everyone wants to hear from their doctor. With great success, this drug is used in the treatment of increased intraocular pressure. Those who have already encountered a similar disease know that this leads to a gradual violation of visual function, and therefore needs timely correction.
Glaucoma treatment is even more complicated. This is a systemic disease in which not only the organs of vision are involved, but also the blood vessels, as well as certain centers of the brain. Therefore, the treatment should be comprehensive, and "Travatan" is often included in the treatment.
Mode of application
And we move on. But once again we repeat that the appointment of such drugs should be carried out only by a specialist. With self-medication, there is a high probability of harming your body. How to use "Travatan" (eye drops) at home? The instruction (price, analogues will be discussed below) suggests burying the drug directly under the affected eyelid. To achieve maximum effect, it is best to use the drug in the evening, before bedtime.
Precautionary measures
It is extremely important to open the bottle immediately before use. Do not allow it to come into contact with the skin, as this may lead to contamination of the solution. If for other external means this is not critical, then here any particle can play a role. Another point: the solution should not come in contact with the skin. Direct contact should be completely excluded, but if you suddenly spilled the solution through carelessness, you must rinse the skin quickly with plenty of water.
Dosage
And now a few words about how long and in what quantities Travatan should be used. Analogs, the price of which is often lower, can only be used if the doctor considers them a full-fledged alternative. Instructions for use suggest that the duration of the course and dose will be agreed by the attending physician. All this is purely individual, therefore it is rather difficult to give a general recommendation for everyone. However, most often, adults are prescribed one drop of the drug once a day. Here you need to be very careful, because you can not exceed the recommended dosage. If the dose was missed, then you must wait for the next dose.
If the patient has already been treated for glaucoma, then treatment with Travatan should be started no earlier than three days after the end of using the previous drug. In the event that the doctor decides to prescribe several ophthalmic preparations at once, the interval between the use of a particular drug should be at least 5 minutes.
Side effects and contraindications
Below we will talk about how economically profitable to use "Travatan" (eye drops). Analogs, the price of which may differ, may not always accurately replace a Belgian-made drug. Its cost, by the way, is quite affordable. Packaging 2.5 ml will cost about 590 rubles. But for now, let's talk a little more in detail about what your doctor should consider.
So, the main contraindication is hypersensitivity to any component of the drug. This medication is not used in pediatrics. The age limit is 18 years. The drug is completely contraindicated during pregnancy. During treatment, it is extremely important to use reliable methods of contraception. If during lactation there is a need to take "Travatan", then breastfeeding should be temporarily canceled.
But in addition to contraindications, there are also side effects that can develop in a variety of patient groups. Redness of the eyes is possible, which usually goes away by itself. On the part of the organs of vision, cataract development and visual impairment, a foreign body sensation in the eyes, itching and burning can be observed. According to some patients, a change in the structure of eyelashes can be noted. They become denser and longer.
From the digestive tract, stool disturbance and exacerbation of a stomach ulcer can be observed. From the side of the official instructions - this is where all the unpleasant symptoms end. However, reviews emphasize that often against the background of the use of the drug, there is an increase in cholesterol, emotional lability, headaches and various infections, as well as herpes.
Analogues of the drug
We briefly told the reader about the drug Travatan. Analogues are cheaper, there are among them those that contain other active substances. It is to this type that Xalatan belongs. Located in about the same price category. It costs about 610 rubles in pharmacies. Standard packaging, 2.5 ml. The active substance is latanoprost, which effectively reduces intraocular pressure.
Due to contraindications, not everyone can use the drug "Travatan". Instructions for use (price, reviews, analogues are provided only for general reference) gives general information, but the final decision is made by the doctor. If in your case it is impossible to prescribe the listed drugs, then the doctor may consider such an option as Betoptik. This is a Belgian-made drug that costs much cheaper than other analogues, about 320 rubles. The active substance is betaxolol hydrochloride. It is great for monotherapy for glaucoma.
If there is a need to choose the most budget option for treatment, then ask your doctor, he will definitely choose the available analogue of "Travatan" from the list of drugs. Pilocarpine drops are available in Russia. Their cost is the lowest on the market - about 30 rubles per pack. The active substance is pilocarpine hydrochloride. This is a substance that narrows the pupil and improves the outflow of intraocular fluid, which helps to quickly reduce intraocular pressure. The drug is considered one of the safest, it is prescribed even for pregnant women.
Arutimol is another medicine, this time of German production, which helps to quickly and effectively reduce intraocular pressure. It is also available in the form of drops. The active substance is thymol hydro maleate. The cost is about 50 rubles. However, this drug has serious contraindications. Among them are any disturbances in cardiac activity, diseases of the upper respiratory tract, severe rhinitis and allergic reactions.
Instead of a conclusion
On this we will end today a brief excursion into the treatment of glaucoma. Now you know how to use Travatan. Instructions and analogues of the drug give a complete picture of what an appointment should be made only by an experienced doctor, because the list of contraindications and side effects is quite large. Glaucoma is a serious disease that most often requires systemic treatment, but the medicines described above will help make therapy more enjoyable and effective.