DuoTrav contains two active ingredients, travoprost and timolol maleate which help decrease raised pressure (ocular hypertension) within the eye. The eye drops should be administered to the affected eye(s) once a day. DuoTrav is most effective when the drops are applied in the evening.

If you are using more than one type of eye drop you should administer them at least five minutes apart, to prevent the second drop washing away the first. Use eye gels or ointments last. Always make your doctor aware of other medications you are currently using, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines before starting a new medication.

What is ocular hypertension?

Ocular hypertension occurs when the pressure inside the eye, called intraocular pressure, is higher than normal. Eye pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Normal eye pressure ranges from 10-21 mm Hg. Ocular hypertension is an eye pressure of greater than 21 mm Hg.

The term ocular hypertension is used to describe people who should be observed more closely than the general population for the onset of glaucoma. A glaucoma suspect is a person whom the ophthalmologist is concerned may have or may develop glaucoma because of the elevated pressure inside the eyes.

Does DuoTrav have any side effects?

The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with DuoTrav.

• red eye(s) due to increased blood supply (hyperaemia)
• eye irritation including stinging, burning and itching
• change in colour of the iris (the coloured part of the eye - see warning above)
• darkening, thickening and lengthening of the eyelashes
• eye pain
• eye swelling
• dislike of light (photophobia)
• inflammation of the lining of the eye(s), causing pain and redness (conjunctivitis)
• dry eye(s)
• irritation of the eyelid(s)
• darkening of the eyelid(s) or skin around the eye(s)
• headache
• dizziness
• nervousness
• slowed heart rate (bradycardia)
• irregular heart beat
• low blood pressure (hypotension)
• shortness of breath
• skin rashes
• swelling of the area at the back of the eye responsible for seeing fine detail (macular oedema)

If any side effects persist or worsen, speak with your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking DuoTrav.

When shouldn't DuoTrav be used?

You should not use this medicine if you:

• have an allergy to other beta-blocker medicines
• have asthma or history of asthma
• have severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• have severe hayfever (allergic rhinitis)
• have other breathing problems
• have a slow heart rate caused by the pacemaker of the heart (sinus bradycardia)
• have serious defect in the heart's electrical message pathways resulting in decreased function of the heart (2nd or 3rd degree heart block)
• have uncontrolled heart failure
• have failure of the heart to maintain adequate circulation of blood (cardiogenic shock)
• have clouding of the front part of the eye (corneal dystrophy)
• are pregnant
• are breastfeeding

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