This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Travatan Consumer Information
TRAVATAN
Generic Name: travoprost ophthalmic (TRA voe prost)
Brand Names: Travatan
What is the most important information I should know about travoprost ophthalmic?
- Travoprost ophthalmic may cause a change in the color of the eyes and/or eyelids. The amount of brown pigment in the eyes and eyelids may increase during treatment with travoprost ophthalmic, and it is not known if color changes are reversible after treatment. These changes occur slowly and may not be noticeable for months or years. Travoprost ophthalmic may also cause an increase in the length, thickness, and number of eyelashes. These effects may occur only in the eye being treated.
- Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye, possibly resulting in a loss of vision.
What is travoprost ophthalmic?
- Travoprost ophthalmic reduces pressure in the eye by increasing the amount of fluid that drains from the eye.
- Travoprost ophthalmic is used to treat certain types of glaucoma and high pressure in the eye(s).
- Travoprost ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using travoprost ophthalmic?
- Before using travoprost ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you have
- an eye infection or other eye problems;
- angle closure, inflammatory, or neovascular glaucoma;
- liver disease; or
- kidney disease.
- You may not be able to use travoprost ophthalmic, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
- Travoprost ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether travoprost ophthalmic will be harmful to an unborn baby. Because travoprost may be absorbed through the skin, women who are pregnant or attempting to become pregnant should exercise caution to avoid direct exposure to the contents of the bottle. In the case of accidental contact with the medication, the area should be thoroughly cleansed with soap and water immediately. Do not use travoprost ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- It is not known whether travoprost passes into breast milk. Do not use travoprost ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use travoprost ophthalmic?
- Use travoprost ophthalmic eyedrops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse to explain them to you.
- Travoprost ophthalmic is usually used once a day, one drop in the affected eye(s), in the evening. Do not use more of this medication than is prescribed, as more frequent administration may decrease the effects of the medication. Since travoprost ophthalmic is used regularly, try to make applying them a part of your nightly routine. Follow your doctor's instructions.
- Wash your hands before and after using the eyedrops.
- Travoprost ophthalmic contains a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), therefore contact lenses should not be worn when applying the medication. Contact lenses can be inserted 15 minutes after application of the drops.
- To apply the eyedrops:
- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Steady the hand holding the bottle by placing your thumb against your brow or the bridge of your nose. Look up and away from the dropper. Gently press or lightly tap, the side of the bottle to allow only a single drop of medicine fall into the pocket formed by your lower eyelid. Do not allow the dropper to touch your eye. Close the eye and apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of the eye for approximately 2 to 3 minutes. If you are using drops in both eyes, repeat this procedure in the other eye. If you are also using another eye medication, wait at least 5 minutes before applying the other medication.
- Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye, possibly resulting in a loss of vision.
- Contact your doctor if you develop any other problems with your eye(s) including signs of eye or eyelid infection or if you need to have eye surgery during treatment with travoprost ophthalmic.
- Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.
- Store travoprost ophthalmic at room temperature between 36 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (2 and 25 degrees Celsius). Throw away any unused medication after 6 weeks. Keep the bottle properly capped.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Contact a poison control left or another emergency medical left for advice.
- Symptoms of a travoprost ophthalmic overdose have not been reported.
What should I avoid while using travoprost ophthalmic?
- Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye, possibly resulting in a loss of vision.
- Travoprost ophthalmic contains a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), therefore contact lenses should not be worn when applying the medication. Contact lenses can be inserted 15 minutes after application of the drops.
- Apply other eye medications at least 5 minutes before or after a dose of travoprost ophthalmic to prevent an interaction.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.