Compare pilocarpine vs. Travatan

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Isopto Carpine (pilocarpine)

Prescription only

Travatan (travoprost)

Prescription only
Lowers eye pressure and constricts the pupil.

Isopto Carpine (pilocarpine) is a very effective first choice medicine for treating high eye pressure to prevent the onset or worsening of glaucoma, but you may have to use up to 4 times daily.

Lowers eye pressure and controls glaucoma.

Travatan (travoprost) is a first-choice treatment to prevent and treat glaucoma because it's effective and has few side effects.

Upsides
  • It takes about 1 hour for Isopto Carpine (pilocarpine) to lower dangerously high eye pressure.
  • It does not require dose adjustments in patients with liver or kidney problems.
  • Available as a generic.
  • It's easy to use, with one drop every evening.
  • Travatan (travoprost) can be used with other eye drops for better results.
  • The new formulation of Travatan (travoprost) is less irritating and can be stored at room temperature.
Downsides
  • Isopto Carpine (pilocarpine) causes the pupil of the eye to become smaller, which results in dim vision, particularly at night.
  • Alternatives are easier to use than this medication, since it requires more drops throughout the day.
  • Isopto Carpine (pilocarpine) is a recommended choice, but it may not work for more serious conditions.
  • Travatan (travoprost) can permanently darken your eyes and eyelids, even after you stop using it.
  • Travatan (travoprost) can temporarily cause your eyelashes to grow longer, darker, and thicker – which may irritate your eyes.
  • You'll need to wait 15 minutes after applying Travatan (travoprost) to put your contacts in.
  • There's no generic option available, so it can be expensive.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Eye drops
  • Eye drops
Price
Lowest price
$103.50
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Lowest price
$203.67
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Reviews
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Side effects
The Isopto Carpine (pilocarpine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
12possible side effects
  • Red, dry eyes
    40%
  • Eye pain
    7%
  • Changes in eyesight
    7%
  • Eye irritation
    7%
  • Feeling like there's something in your eye
    7%
  • Itchy eyes
    7%
  • Eye/Eyelid inflammation
    2%
  • Cataract
    2%
  • Eye infections
    2%
  • Darkening of the eyes/eyelids
    2%
  • Dry eyes
    2%
  • Increased sensitivity to light
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Reduced visual acuity
  • Retinal disease
    • Retinal disease
  • Increased intraocular pressure in children
    • Use of Isopto Carpine (pilocarpine) in pediatric patients
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Darkening of the eyes
    • Long-term use
  • Darkening of lashes
    • Long-term use
  • Darkening of contact lenses
    • (Re)inserting contact lenses too soon after applying Travatan (travoprost)
  • Eye injury or infection
    • Sharing eye drops with others
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Isopto Carpine (pilocarpine)
Learn more about Travatan (travoprost)