Ketotifen Ophthalmic

Ketotifen Ophthalmic is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used for treating allergic conjunctivitis.

• Ketotifen Ophthalmic is available under the following different brand names: Zaditor, Alaway, Zyrtec Itchy Eye Drops

Adult and pediatric dosage

Ophthalmic solution

• 0.025% (equivalent to ketotifen fumarate 0.035%)

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Adult dosage

• 1 drop in the affected eye(s) every 8-12 hours
• Not to exceed 2 doses / day

Pediatric dosage

• Children below 3 years: Safety and efficacy not established
• Children above 3 years: 1 drop in the affected eye(s) every 8-12 hours; not typically recommended

Not to exceed 2 doses / day

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

Common side effects of the Ketotifen Ophthalmic include:

• mild burning, stinging, or eye irritation,
• dryness of the eyes, and
• increased sensitivity to light.

Serious side effects of the Ketotifen Ophthalmic include:

• redness in the eye,
• drainage from the eye,
• eyelid swelling,
• other signs of infection,
• eye pain,
• vision changes, and
• severe itching of the eyes worse than before using the medication.

Rare side effects of the Ketotifen Ophthalmic include:

• none 

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; and sudden dizziness, lightheartedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur as a result of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Ketotifen Ophthalmic has severe interactions with no other drugs.
• Ketotifen Ophthalmic has serious interactions with no other drugs.
• Ketotifen Ophthalmic has moderate interactions with at least 189 other drugs.
• Ketotifen Ophthalmic has minor interactions with the following drugs:
  • calcium/magnesium/potassium/sodium oxybates
  • eucalyptus
  • sage

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Ketotifen Ophthalmic?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Ketotifen Ophthalmic?”

Cautions

• Delay insertion of soft contact lenses for at least 10 min after ketotifen instillation, since benzalkonium chloride preservative may be absorbed by soft lenses; do not wear contact lenses if eyes red
• Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or do not improve within 3 days of initiating therapy
• The solution should not be used if cloudy or changes in color
• Not for the treatment of contact lens-related irritation
• Discontinue use, and contact your healthcare provider, if experience eye pain, changes in vision, redness of the eyes, itching worsens, or lasts more than 72 hours.

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks during pregnancy
• Lactation
  • Not known if distributed in milk; use caution