Ketotifen fumarate ophthalmic solution (
Alaway®,
Zaditor®,
Zyrtec® Eye Drops,
Claritin® Eye) is a nonprescription eye drop used to temporarily relieve itching due to eye
allergies (known medically as allergic conjunctivitis).
As with any medicine, ketotifen can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience bothersome side effects. Most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Possible side effects of ketotifen include, but are not limited to:
(Click Side Effects of Ketotifen to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Ketotifen?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Ketotifen belongs to a group of allergy medications known as antihistamines. Specifically, it is an H1 receptor antagonist. This means that it blocks a specific type of histamine receptor in the body (known as H1 receptors). Since the symptoms of allergic reactions are partly caused by histamine, ketotifen can help prevent or relieve
allergy symptoms.
In addition to blocking histamine receptors, this medication also seems to decrease the release of histamine from cells in the body and may also inhibit other substances (such as leukotrienes or eosinophils) produced by the body in response to an allergen.
When and How to Take Ketotifen
General considerations include the following:
- This medication comes in the form of an eye drop. It is used in each eye twice a day.
- If you wear contact lenses, you must remove them to use the drops. In order to prevent the lens from absorbing the preservatives in the medication, be sure to wait at least 10 minutes after using the drops before reinserting the lens. Do not wear your contact lenses if your eye is still red.
- In order to prevent contamination of the drops, do not touch the tip of the dropper to any surface, including the surface of the eye.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as directed.
There is only one standard recommended dosage for this product. As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Ketotifen Drug Interactions
What If I Take an Overdose?
It is not clear exactly what to expect from an overdose with this medication. If you happen to overdose on this medication, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Ketotifen Be Stored?
Ketotifen eye drops should be stored at room temperature. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children. Be sure to put the cap back on after each use.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your ketotifen as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Generic Availability for Ketotifen
Who Makes This Medication?
Zaditor is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, and
Alaway is made by Bausch and Lomb.
Zyrtec Eye Drops is made by McNeil Consumer Healthcare, and
Claritin Eye is made by Schering-Plough HealthCare Products, Inc. Generic versions are made by various different manufacturers.
Ketotifen eye drops come in one strength -- ketotifen 0.025%, equivalent to 0.035% ketotifen fumarate.
