travoprost
Travatan (travoprost) is a prostaglandin analogue eye drop from Novartis that lowers raised intraocular pressure. In the European Union it is used in adults with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma, and in children from 2 months of age with ocular hypertension or paediatric glaucoma.
This page is based on the EMA medicine record for Travatan (travoprost); the mechanism is explained in plain language, and analogies are used only where they stay accurate.
How it works
Explains what the medicine does in the body, not dosing, side effects, or safety.
An analogy
The eye constantly makes a clear fluid, and pressure builds when it cannot drain fast enough. Travoprost acts like a key that turns the drain wider open, so fluid leaves the eye more easily and the pressure inside falls.
In simple terms
Travoprost is an eye drop taken once daily. It belongs to the prostaglandin analogue family and works by improving the drainage of aqueous humour, the fluid inside the eye. Better drainage lowers intraocular pressure, which helps protect the optic nerve in people with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma.
In depth
Travoprost is a prostaglandin F2alpha analogue and a selective FP receptor agonist. Applied topically as an eye drop, it lowers intraocular pressure by increasing the outflow of aqueous humour, primarily through the uveoscleral pathway. Reduced intraocular pressure slows optic nerve damage in ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma. In the European Union it is approved for adults and for paediatric patients from 2 months of age.
See it in motion
A schematic animation of the mechanism — simplified for clarity, not drawn to scale.
How travoprost, an FP receptor agonist, lowers eye pressure
- The eye constantly makes a clear fluid, and pressure builds when it cannot drain fast enough.
- Travoprost is a prostaglandin F2alpha analogue and a selective FP receptor agonist.
- Applied topically as an eye drop, it lowers intraocular pressure by increasing the outflow of aqueous humour, primarily through the uveoscleral pathway.
- In the European Union it is approved for adults and for paediatric patients from 2 months of age.
Target: Prostaglandin FP receptor
A receptor in the eye whose activation by prostaglandin analogues increases drainage of aqueous humour and lowers intraocular pressure.
Approved uses
Approved uses differ by country and change over time. Always follow your local prescribing information.
Approved uses in European Union
EMA- Decrease of elevated intraocular pressure in adult patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma
- Decrease of elevated intraocular pressure in paediatric patients aged 2 months to less than 18 years with ocular hypertension or paediatric glaucoma
Official sources
The statements on this page trace back to these records.
- Travatan (travoprost) — Summary of product characteristics and package leaflet, English version
European Medicines Agency
- DailyMed: Travatan Z (travoprost) ophthalmic solution label
DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Emc SmPC: Travoprost (UK licensed product)
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (EMC)
This page explains how the medicine works — it isn’t the patient leaflet. For anything that applies to you, read the leaflet that came with your medicine or ask your pharmacist.
MedUnfold provides educational content and is not medical advice. Always follow your local prescribing information and healthcare professional.