Travoprost
Propan-2-yl (Z)-7-[(1R,2R,3R,5S)-3,5-dihydroxy-2-[(1E,3R)-3-hydroxy-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]but-1-enyl]cyclopentyl]hept-5-enoate
Also known as: Travatan · Travoprostum
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary glaucoma / Lens subluxation / Posterior luxation | 1 drop per eye | topical | once daily (evening), or q8-12h | — | 🌍 EU |
- Primary glaucoma / Lens subluxation / Posterior luxation: Often used in conjunction with other topical antiglaucoma drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Travoprost is a topical ophthalmic prostaglandin F2α analogue used primarily in veterinary medicine for the management of primary canine glaucoma. It is highly effective at rapidly reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) and is often utilized in the emergency management of acute primary glaucoma. It has comparable activity to latanoprost and is frequently used in conjunction with other topical antiglaucoma drugs, such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
Clinical Warning: Travoprost is contraindicated in cases of uveitis and anterior lens luxation, though it may be useful in managing lens subluxation and posterior luxation. Avoid use in pregnant animals.
Mechanism of action
Acts as an agonist for prostaglandin F receptors → increases uveoscleral outflow of aqueous humor → significantly reduces intraocular pressure (IOP).
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Uveitis
- Anterior lens luxation
- Pregnancy
Adverse effects
- Miosis (profound in dogs)
- Conjunctival hyperaemia
- Mild ocular irritation
- Increased iridal pigmentation (noted in humans, but not typically in dogs)
Precautions
Normal safety and handling precautions should be observed.
Warning: Avoid use in pregnant animals. Prostaglandin analogues can be absorbed systemically and may carry risks for pregnant handlers.
Drug interactions
Incompatible; do not use in conjunction
Monitoring
- Intraocular pressure (IOP)
- Signs of ocular irritation or inflammation
- Pupil size (miosis)
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Absorbed through the cornea where it is hydrolyzed to the active free acid.
Distribution
Primarily acts locally within the eye.
Metabolism
Hydrolyzed by esterases in the cornea to its biologically active free acid.
Elimination
Systemically absorbed drug is rapidly metabolized and excreted primarily via urine.
Overdose
No specific veterinary information provided. Overdosage is likely to cause profound miosis, conjunctival hyperaemia, and ocular irritation. Flush the eye with sterile saline if significant accidental overexposure occurs.
Available products
Formulations
- Ophthalmic solution: 40 μg/ml (0.004%) in 2.5 ml bottle
Human-labeled
- Travatan 40 μg/ml (0.004%) ophthalmic solution
Regulatory status
Human authorized product used off-label under the cascade (POM).
Human authorized product used off-label under the cascade (POM).
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store according to manufacturer guidelines, typically at room temperature (below 25°C). Discard 4 weeks after first opening.
Client information
- Administer the exact number of drops prescribed.
- If using multiple eye drops, wait at least 5-10 minutes between applications to prevent washing out the previous medication.
- Wash hands thoroughly after use.
Warning: Pregnant women should handle this medication with extreme caution or avoid handling it entirely, as prostaglandins can affect pregnancy. Do not use in pregnant pets.
- May cause redness of the eye or a smaller pupil (miosis); contact your veterinarian if the eye seems painful or irritated.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.