Eyes Home > Ketotifen
Ketotifen is an eye medication approved for treating itchy eyes due to eye allergies. It is available over the counter and comes in the form of eye drops that are applied to each eye twice a day. The medicine, which belongs to a group of allergy medications known as antihistamines, works by blocking H1 receptors and decreasing the release of histamine from cells in the body.
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).
(Click What Is Ketotifen Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
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:
- Red eyes
- Headaches
- Stuffy or runny nose.
(Click Side Effects of Ketotifen to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)