Generic name: travoprost ophthalmic [ TRA-voe-prost-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand names: Travatan, Travatan Z
Dosage form: eye drop
Drug class: Ophthalmic glaucoma agents

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on Aug 20, 2023.

What is Travatan Z?

Travatan Z (travoprost) eye drops are used to lower pressure in the eye if you have open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Travatan Z contains travoprost, which is a prostaglandin analog that works to reduce eye pressure by increasing the amount of fluid that drains from the eye. Travatan Z is usually used once a day, at night.

What is the difference between Travatan and Travatan Z?

The difference between Travatan and Travatan Z is the inactive ingredients. Both contain the same active ingredient travoprost, and they are both the same strength, 0.004%. The original product was Travatan (travoprost 0.004%) which has been discontinued and replaced by Travatan Z (travoprost 0.004%).

Warnings

Travatan Z may cause a gradual change in the color of your eyes or eyelids and lashes, as well as increased growth or thickness of your eyelashes. These color changes, usually an increase in brown pigment, occur slowly and you may not notice them for months or years. Color changes may be permanent even after your treatment ends, and may occur only in the eye being treated. This could result in a cosmetic difference in eye or eyelash color from one eye to the other.

Do not allow the Travatan dropper to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Travatan Z side effects

Serious allergic reaction. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Travatan Z. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Travatan Z eye drops and call your doctor at once if you have:

• eye swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage (may be signs of infection);
• red, swollen, or itchy eyelids;
• increased sensitivity to light;
• vision changes; or
• severe burning, stinging, or irritation after using this medicine.

Common Travatan Z side effects may include:

• pain, itching, or redness of the eyes;
• puffy eyelids; or
• blurred vision.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

epinephrine ophthalmic, latanoprost ophthalmic, timolol ophthalmic, pilocarpine ophthalmic, brimonidine ophthalmic, Lumigan, Xalatan

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Travatan Z if you are allergic to travoprost or any inactive ingredients contained in this product. See the ingredients list below for a full list of ingredients.

To make sure Travatan Z is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• swelling or an infection in your eye;
• retinal detachment; or
• eye surgery, or an injury affecting the lens of your eye.

Travatan Z may cause a gradual change in the color of your eyes or eyelids and lashes, usually an increase in brown pigment. You may also notice increased growth or thickness of your eyelashes. These changes occur slowly, and you may not notice them for months or years. Color changes may be permanent even after your treatment ends, and may occur only in the eye being treated. This could result in a cosmetic difference in eye or eyelash color from one eye to the other.

It is not known whether Travatan eye drops will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether travoprost ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Travatan Z is not approved for use by anyone younger than 16 years old.

How should I use Travatan Z?

Use Travatan Z exactly as it was prescribed for you, following directions using the correct dosing schedule for the prescribed length of time. The usual dose of this medicine is 1 drop into the affected eye every evening. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

You should remove contact lenses before putting in eye drops and then wait 15 minutes before putting your contact lenses back in.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the Travatan Z eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
• Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
• Wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

After using Travatan Z, wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops that your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any eye injury or eye infection.

If you need surgery (including eye surgery), tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Intraocular Hypertension:

One drop in the affected eye(s) once a day in the evening

Usual Adult Dose for Glaucoma (Open Angle):

One drop in the affected eye(s) once a day in the evening

Usual Pediatric (16 years or older) Dose for Intraocular Hypertension:

One drop in the affected eye(s) once a day in the evening.

Usual Pediatric  (16 years or older) Dose for Glaucoma (Open Angle):

One drop in the affected eye(s) once a day in the evening

Comments:

• Travatan Z should not be administered more than once per day since it has been shown that more frequent administration of prostaglandin analogs may reduce the intraocular pressure lowering effect.
• Reduction of the eye pressure starts approximately 2 hours after the first drop, with the maximum effect reached after 12 hours.
• If more than one type of eye drop is being used, the different eye drops should be used at least five (5) minutes apart.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and use the eye drop at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra drops to make up for the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of Travatan Z is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using Travatan Z?

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Take your contact lenses out before you put in your drops, and wait 15 minutes before you reinsert your contact lenses.

What other drugs will affect Travatan Z?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on travoprost used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Storage

Store at cool room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: Travoprost 0.04mg in 1 ml

Inactive ingredients: Polyoxyl 40 castor oil, boric acid, propylene glycol, sorbitol, zinc chloride, sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, water.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer