Comprehensive medication guide to Travoprost including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–30 copay on Tier 1–2 formularies; Tier 3 or non-preferred plans may charge $50–100+. Most Medicare Part D plans cover generic travoprost; quantity limits of one bottle per 25–30 days typically apply.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$190 average retail for generic travoprost 0.004% (2.5 mL, 30-day supply); as low as $28–30 with GoodRx or SingleCare coupons at participating pharmacies.
Medfinder Findability Score
82/100
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Travoprost is a prescription ophthalmic solution used to lower elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It belongs to the class of medications known as prostaglandin analogs — drugs that mimic the natural compound prostaglandin F2α to enhance fluid drainage from the eye. The FDA first approved travoprost (as Travatan) in 2001, and the improved Travatan Z formulation (using the gentler sofZia preservative) was approved in 2006. Generic versions are now widely available.
In 2020, travoprost ranked as the 304th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States with more than 1 million prescriptions filled. It is a first-line treatment for open-angle glaucoma in adults 16 and older, administered as a single drop in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening. Clinical trials demonstrate 7–8 mmHg IOP reductions in patients with baseline pressures of 25–27 mmHg — a clinically significant reduction that protects the optic nerve from progressive damage.
Brand name Travatan Z uses the sofZia ionic buffered preservative system, which is gentler on the ocular surface compared to the benzalkonium chloride (BAK) preservative used in many generic travoprost products. For most patients, both formulations are clinically equivalent. For patients with ocular surface disease or dry eye, the sofZia formulation (or the newer ionic-buffered generics from Glenmark and Alembic) may be preferable.
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Travoprost is an ester prodrug that is inactive when applied to the eye. After crossing the cornea, it is rapidly hydrolyzed by corneal enzymes into its active form, travoprost free acid. This active compound acts as a highly selective agonist at the prostaglandin F (FP) receptor in the tissues of the eye, primarily in the ciliary muscle.
FP receptor activation triggers remodeling of the extracellular matrix in the ciliary muscle, widening the uveoscleral outflow pathway — an alternative drainage route for aqueous humor. This dramatically increases fluid outflow from the eye, reducing IOP. Trabecular meshwork outflow is also secondarily improved. IOP reduction begins approximately 2 hours after the first dose, reaching maximum effect at 12 hours and maintaining meaningful control for up to 84 hours post-dose.
After absorption, a very small amount of travoprost reaches the systemic circulation — plasma concentrations fall below the limit of detection within one hour of dosing, approximately 1,000 times lower than concentrations in the eye. Metabolites are excreted primarily through the kidneys with a short plasma half-life of approximately 45 minutes. This highly localized pharmacology makes travoprost effective at controlling eye pressure with minimal systemic effects.
0.004% (0.04 mg/mL) — ophthalmic solution
Standard concentration — one drop in affected eye(s) once daily in the evening. Available in 2.5 mL and 5 mL bottles.
Travoprost is not on the FDA's official drug shortage list as of 2026. The national supply is robust, with multiple manufacturers actively producing generic travoprost — including Mylan, Lupin, Apotex, Glenmark (new ionic-buffered generic, 2024), Sagent (2025), and Alembic (FDA final approval December 2025). Brand Travatan Z from Sandoz/Novartis also remains available. Despite national supply adequacy, individual pharmacies occasionally run out due to local stocking decisions and single-supplier dependency.
Patients who cannot find travoprost at their usual pharmacy should try calling other nearby locations, including independent pharmacies. Pharmacy stock varies significantly within the same geographic area. The fastest solution is often to use a pharmacy-locating service that calls multiple pharmacies on your behalf — saving hours of searching.
If you're having trouble locating travoprost, medfinder calls pharmacies near you and texts you which ones can fill your prescription — so you don't have to spend your afternoon on hold.
Travoprost is not a controlled substance and carries no DEA scheduling restrictions. Any licensed prescriber in the United States can legally prescribe it. In practice, it is almost exclusively managed by eye care specialists because the underlying conditions (glaucoma and ocular hypertension) require specialized diagnostic equipment for proper assessment and monitoring.
Ophthalmologists (MDs/DOs): Primary specialists for glaucoma diagnosis and management; glaucoma subspecialists handle complex cases
Optometrists (ODs): Licensed to diagnose and treat glaucoma in all 50 states; often the primary provider for glaucoma management in outpatient settings
Primary care physicians (PCPs): May manage refills for established patients; initial diagnosis and monitoring should be by eye care specialists
Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs): Can prescribe within scope of practice, often collaborating with ophthalmologists or optometrists
Telehealth options are limited for new glaucoma patients, as initial diagnosis requires in-person IOP measurement and optic nerve examination. However, established patients with well-controlled IOP may be able to obtain refill prescriptions through ophthalmology-specific telehealth platforms between annual in-person visits. Ask your eye care provider if they offer this service.
No. Travoprost is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. It does not have abuse potential, and there are no special federal prescribing restrictions associated with it. Any licensed prescriber — including ophthalmologists, optometrists, primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants — can prescribe travoprost without a DEA registration or special waiver.
In practice, travoprost is nearly always prescribed by eye care specialists (ophthalmologists and optometrists) because diagnosis and monitoring of glaucoma and ocular hypertension require specialized equipment to measure intraocular pressure and assess the optic nerve. Refills may be managed by primary care providers in some settings. Prescriptions may be transmitted electronically (e-prescribing) with no restrictions.
The most common side effects reported in clinical trials:
Eye redness/ocular hyperemia — 30–50% of patients (most common)
Decreased visual acuity — 5–10%
Eye discomfort, pain, or foreign body sensation — 5–10%
Iris pigmentation (permanent brown darkening of eye color)
Eyelash changes: increased length, thickness, and darkness (usually reversible)
Periorbital/eyelid skin darkening
Dry eye, blurred vision, blepharitis, conjunctivitis — 1–4%
Macular edema — swelling of the central retina; higher risk in aphakic patients or those with torn posterior lens capsule; symptoms: distorted central vision
Anterior uveitis/iritis — eye inflammation; use with caution in patients with existing uveitis
Bacterial keratitis — eye infection from contaminated multi-dose bottle; prevent by never touching dropper tip
Severe allergic reactions — seek emergency care immediately
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Latanoprost (Xalatan)
Most commonly prescribed prostaglandin analog; same mechanism, once-daily evening dosing, 7–8 mmHg IOP reduction; generic available as low as $8–15 with discount cards — significantly cheaper than travoprost
Bimatoprost (Lumigan)
Prostaglandin analog with potential for slightly greater IOP reduction (1–2 mmHg more); once-daily; generic available; also used cosmetically for eyelash growth (Latisse brand)
Tafluprost (Zioptan)
Preservative-free prostaglandin analog in single-use vials; ideal for patients with ocular surface disease or preservative sensitivity; generic available
Timolol (Timoptic)
Beta-blocker eye drop that reduces aqueous humor production; different mechanism from prostaglandins; often combined with travoprost for additive effect; twice-daily dosing; very affordable generic; contraindicated in asthma/COPD
Prefer Travoprost? We can find it.
Latanoprost (Xalatan)
majorCombined use of two prostaglandin analogs may decrease IOP-lowering effect or cause paradoxical IOP elevation due to FP receptor desensitization. Avoid combination — use only one prostaglandin at a time.
Bimatoprost (Lumigan)
majorSame interaction as latanoprost — concurrent prostaglandin analogs reduce efficacy and may paradoxically raise IOP. Never combine.
Tafluprost (Zioptan)
majorConcurrent prostaglandin analog — avoid combination for same reasons as above.
NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, ketorolac)
moderateConflicting reports: some studies show NSAIDs increase IOP when combined with prostaglandin analogs; others show decreased IOP. Monitor IOP closely if patient uses regular NSAIDs.
Ophthalmic NSAIDs (flurbiprofen, ketorolac eye drops)
moderateSame unpredictable IOP effect as systemic NSAIDs when used concurrently with travoprost. Monitor closely.
Travoprost (Travatan Z) is a highly effective first-line treatment for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Its once-daily evening dosing, strong IOP reduction of 7–8 mmHg, and well-understood safety profile make it a reliable choice for long-term glaucoma management. The cosmetic side effects — particularly permanent iris darkening — are unique to prostaglandin analogs and should be discussed with patients before starting therapy.
As of 2026, travoprost availability is improving with multiple new generic manufacturers entering the market. However, local pharmacy stock gaps remain a real problem for some patients. Being proactive — using discount cards to reduce cost, requesting 90-day supplies when possible, and knowing your alternatives — gives you the best chance of uninterrupted treatment.
If you're struggling to find travoprost at your pharmacy, medfinder can help. Provide your medication, dosage, and ZIP code — we call pharmacies near you and text you which ones have your prescription in stock.
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