TAMarindus indica seed polysaccharide (TSP)
Place in Therapy
Place in Therapy
Tamarindus indica seed polysaccharide (TSP) 0.5% ophthalmic solution is a novel over-the-counter, long-acting eye drop formulation used to treat dry eye disease1,2. This formulation can provide dry-eye relief from fatigue or irritation, poor production of natural tears, and primary or secondary tear-deficient conditions3. The active ingredient, tamarindus indica seed polysaccharide (0.5%), is a unique natural substance made up of polysaccharide branches such as cellulose, xylose and galactoxylate branches3. It is a unique substances that chemically resembles endogenous transmembrane mucins such as corneal and conjunctival mucin I (MUCI)3. Thus, this similarity gives it superior mucoadhesive and mucomimetic properties3. Therefore, the eye drops can integrate with natural tears to form a lubricating film that moisturizes and protects the surface of the eye for approximately 12 hours1. There are no vasoconstrictors present in the product1.
Viscosity agents are the currently first-line treatment options for dry eye conditions4. This includes agents such as carboxymethylcellulose, hypromellose, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyethylene glycol4. Viscosity agents act on the mucus and aqueous portions of the tear film to improve wetness and stabilize the film3. Due to its mucomimetic properties, tamarindus indica seed polysaccharide 0.5% ophthalmic solution is classified as a viscosity agent5 that can be used as 1) an artificial tear replacement with concentrations between 0.7% and 1.5%, or 2) as a vehicle for medication deliver in ophthalmic solutions5. TSP is a unique formula that provides long-acting relief unlike other viscosity agents3; however, it does contain the preservative benzalkonium chloride1. Overusing this preservative can lead to corneal epithelium toxicity; thus, this product should be avoided in patients with moderate to severe dry eyes4. Preservative-free viscosity agents such as Genteal and Sustane, are preferred for patients that use eye drops more than 4 times per day and/or those with moderate to severe dry eyes4.
Patient Counseling Information
Directions for use1,2:
· This product should not be used in children under 6 years of age1
· Apply 1 drop into affected eye(s) three to four times a day1
· Do not use while wearing contact lens users2
· Store product between 15 to 30°C1
· Medical ingredients: Tamarindus indica seed polysaccharide 0.5%1
· Non Medical ingredients: “water, mannitol, disodium phosphate, sodium phosphate, benzalkonium chloride”1
How to Apply Eye Drops 4:
· Wash you hands with soap and warm water before administering the eye drop solution
· Remove the bottle cap and lay it on its side on top of a clean tissue to prevent contamination
· Lean your head back and keep both eyes open
· Gently pull the lower eyelid down to create a pocket
· Hold the bottle on a horizontal angle and bring it to the inner corner on your eye
· Hold the bottle approximately one inch from your eye and look upwards (do not move your head, just your eyes)
· Instill one single drop into the pocket created by pulling down the lower eyelid
· After instilling the stop, look down and release the lower eyelid
· Close your eyes gently for a minimum of 30 seconds and a maximum of 5 minutes
· Do not touch the tip with any part of your eye or face
· To prevent the medication from going down the tear duct, you can hold the side of the nose bridge with your thumb
References:
Tamarindus indica seed polysaccharide (TSP) 0.5% ophthalmic solution is a novel over-the-counter, long-acting eye drop formulation used to treat dry eye disease1,2. This formulation can provide dry-eye relief from fatigue or irritation, poor production of natural tears, and primary or secondary tear-deficient conditions3. The active ingredient, tamarindus indica seed polysaccharide (0.5%), is a unique natural substance made up of polysaccharide branches such as cellulose, xylose and galactoxylate branches3. It is a unique substances that chemically resembles endogenous transmembrane mucins such as corneal and conjunctival mucin I (MUCI)3. Thus, this similarity gives it superior mucoadhesive and mucomimetic properties3. Therefore, the eye drops can integrate with natural tears to form a lubricating film that moisturizes and protects the surface of the eye for approximately 12 hours1. There are no vasoconstrictors present in the product1.
Viscosity agents are the currently first-line treatment options for dry eye conditions4. This includes agents such as carboxymethylcellulose, hypromellose, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyethylene glycol4. Viscosity agents act on the mucus and aqueous portions of the tear film to improve wetness and stabilize the film3. Due to its mucomimetic properties, tamarindus indica seed polysaccharide 0.5% ophthalmic solution is classified as a viscosity agent5 that can be used as 1) an artificial tear replacement with concentrations between 0.7% and 1.5%, or 2) as a vehicle for medication deliver in ophthalmic solutions5. TSP is a unique formula that provides long-acting relief unlike other viscosity agents3; however, it does contain the preservative benzalkonium chloride1. Overusing this preservative can lead to corneal epithelium toxicity; thus, this product should be avoided in patients with moderate to severe dry eyes4. Preservative-free viscosity agents such as Genteal and Sustane, are preferred for patients that use eye drops more than 4 times per day and/or those with moderate to severe dry eyes4.
Patient Counseling Information
Directions for use1,2:
· This product should not be used in children under 6 years of age1
· Apply 1 drop into affected eye(s) three to four times a day1
· Do not use while wearing contact lens users2
· Store product between 15 to 30°C1
· Medical ingredients: Tamarindus indica seed polysaccharide 0.5%1
· Non Medical ingredients: “water, mannitol, disodium phosphate, sodium phosphate, benzalkonium chloride”1
How to Apply Eye Drops 4:
· Wash you hands with soap and warm water before administering the eye drop solution
· Remove the bottle cap and lay it on its side on top of a clean tissue to prevent contamination
· Lean your head back and keep both eyes open
· Gently pull the lower eyelid down to create a pocket
· Hold the bottle on a horizontal angle and bring it to the inner corner on your eye
· Hold the bottle approximately one inch from your eye and look upwards (do not move your head, just your eyes)
· Instill one single drop into the pocket created by pulling down the lower eyelid
· After instilling the stop, look down and release the lower eyelid
· Close your eyes gently for a minimum of 30 seconds and a maximum of 5 minutes
· Do not touch the tip with any part of your eye or face
· To prevent the medication from going down the tear duct, you can hold the side of the nose bridge with your thumb
References:
- Visine. Visine Enduring Moisture. http://www.visine.ca/products/dry-eye/enduring-moisture (accessed March 7 2014).
- Johnson and Johnson. Public Summary Document. http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/82AA9B0236DE1E41CA257BF0001D73F1/$File/TSP%20eye%20drops%20Visine%20PSD%205.18%20Johnson%20&%20Johnson%20FINAL.pdf (accessed March 7 2014).
- Rolando M, Valente C. Establishing the tolerability and performance of tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) in treating dry eye syndrome: results of a clinical study. BMC Ophthalmology 2007; 7: 5-12.
- Friessen AM. Dry Eye. In: Repchinsky C, ed. Patient Self-Care: Helping Your Patients Make Therapeutic Choices. 2nd ed. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2010