DuoTrav (Travoprost And Timolol Maleate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is DuoTrav Used For?
DuoTrav is an eye drop medication that combines two active ingredients to treat serious eye conditions that can damage your vision if left untreated.
Primary Uses
DuoTrav is used to treat high pressure inside your eye and open angle glaucoma, which is an eye condition caused by fluid buildup that damages the optic nerve.
How It Works
DuoTrav helps lower increased eye pressure in two ways. Travoprost (a prostaglandin analog) increases the amount of fluid that drains from the eye, while Timolol maleate (a beta-blocker) decreases the production of fluid in the eye.
How to Take DuoTrav
DuoTrav is an eye drop that should be used carefully following proper technique to ensure effectiveness and prevent contamination.
Dosage Instructions
Put one drop of DuoTrav once daily at about the same time each day into the affected eye(s). Do not use more than once daily. Remove contact lenses before applying and wait 15 minutes before putting them back in. If using other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between different medications. Shake the bottle well before use and follow proper eye drop technique to avoid contamination.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at the usual time, put the drops in as soon as you remember and then go back to using them as told by your doctor. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you are meant to. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Important: Never double dose to make up for a missed dose. Do not touch the dropper tip to your eye or any surface to prevent contamination.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Redness of the eye(s)
- Eye pain
- Uncomfortable feeling in the eye(s)
- Dry eye
- Blurred vision
- Conjunctivitis
- Eye swelling
- Excessive tearing
- Eyelid swelling
- Eye irritation
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Cough
- Tiredness
- Hair loss or thinning
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Stuffy nose
- Skin discoloration
- Rash
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reactions (shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, rash, hives)
- Eye swelling with pain and decreased vision
- Eye inflammation or infection
- Blue, brown or grey discoloration around the iris or white part of eye
- Double vision
- Corneal inflammation with pain, redness, sensitivity
- Droopy eyelid affecting vision
- Fluid buildup in the macula causing vision problems
- Unwanted hollows of the upper eyelid
- Eyelash changes (discoloration, increased length, thickness)
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
Important Warnings
DuoTrav has several important contraindications and warnings that must be considered before use.
Who Should Not Take DuoTrav
Do not use DuoTrav if you are allergic to Travoprost, Timolol maleate, or any ingredients; if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant; if you have respiratory problems such as asthma or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; or if you have heart problems including irregular heartbeat, heart function problems, history of heart attack, low blood pressure, or other heart disease.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have blood vessel problems such as severe Raynaud’s disease; use other beta-blocker or prostaglandin eye drops; have diabetes, low blood sugar, or thyroid problems; suffer from myasthenia gravis; have a history of allergic problems; or have any eye swelling or diseases.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
DuoTrav should not be used in pregnancy or in women planning to become pregnant. It is not recommended to use DuoTrav while breastfeeding. Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Heart and Breathing Problems: Do not use if you have asthma, severe lung disease, or any heart problems. Call your doctor immediately if you develop heart or breathing problems while using DuoTrav.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interfere with DuoTrav and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.
- Beta-blockers like Metoprolol
- Calcium channel blockers
- Digoxin or digitalis glycosides
- Heart rhythm medications like amiodarone and quinidine
- Depression medications like fluoxetine, paroxetine, or MAOIs
- Narcotic pain medications like morphine
- Adrenaline for severe allergic reactions
- Medications for high blood sugar
- Other glaucoma eye drops or similar eye medications
Alcohol & Driving
DuoTrav may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely due to temporary vision changes.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned in the prescribing information.
Driving and Operating Machinery
DuoTrav may cause temporary blurred vision in some people. Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how DuoTrav affects you. If you experience blurred vision, wait until your vision clears before driving or using machinery.
Storage
Store DuoTrav below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep it where young children cannot reach it. Always keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Discard DuoTrav 4 weeks after opening it.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much DuoTrav, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort. If you accidentally put several drops in your eyes, immediately wash your eyes with warm tap water.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medication works to lower eye pressure, but the source doesn’t specify exact timing. Your doctor will monitor your eye pressure to determine effectiveness.
Remove soft contact lenses before putting in DuoTrav and wait 15 minutes after applying the drops before putting your lenses back in.
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any change in your eye color, as this can be a serious side effect requiring medical attention.
If you are using any other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between applying DuoTrav and other eye medications. Always tell your doctor about all eye drops you are using.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and speak with them before stopping treatment.
You may feel a slight burning sensation in the eye shortly after using DuoTrav. If it continues or is uncomfortable, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Take any unused or expired medicine to any pharmacy for safe disposal. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date and discard it 4 weeks after opening.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.