Friday, September 9, 2016

Ketotifen Drops


Pronunciation: KEY-toe-TIE-fen
Generic Name: Ketotifen
Brand Name: Zaditor


Ketotifen Drops are used for:

Temporary prevention of itching of the eye due to allergies.


Ketotifen Drops are an antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer. It works by blocking the release of chemicals from cells involved in allergic reactions.


Do NOT use Ketotifen Drops if:


  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Ketotifen Drops

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.



Before using Ketotifen Drops:


Some medical conditions may interact with Ketotifen Drops. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:


  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Ketotifen Drops. However, no specific interactions with Ketotifen Drops are known at this time.


Ask your health care provider if Ketotifen Drops may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


How to use Ketotifen Drops:


Use Ketotifen Drops as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.


  • To use Ketotifen Drops in the eye, first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back. Using your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Immediately use your finger to apply pressure to the inside corner of the eyelid for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not blink. Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean, dry tissue, being careful not to touch your eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.

  • To prevent germs from contaminating your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface, including the eye. Keep the container tightly closed.

  • Ketotifen Drops are only for the eye. Do not get it in your nose or mouth.

  • Do not wear contact lenses if your eye is red.

  • Do not use Ketotifen Drops to treat irritation caused by contact lenses.

  • Remove contact lenses before you use Ketotifen Drops; soft contact lenses may be placed back in the eyes 10 minutes after use of Ketotifen Drops if your eyes are not red.

  • If you miss a dose of Ketotifen Drops, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Ketotifen Drops.



Important safety information:


  • Ketotifen Drops may cause mild stinging when you first put it in your eye. Contact your doctor if the stinging continues.

  • Do not use Ketotifen Drops for future eye problems without first checking with your doctor.

  • Ketotifen Drops may cause harm if it is swallowed. If you may have taken it by mouth, contact your poison control center or emergency room right away.

  • Ketotifen Drops should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 3 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Ketotifen Drops while you are pregnant. It is not known if Ketotifen Drops are found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Ketotifen Drops, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.


Possible side effects of Ketotifen Drops:


All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:



Burning; dry eyes; eye discharge; eyelid disorder; flu-like syndrome; headache; infection of the mucous membrane around the eye; inflammation of the cornea; itching; nasal congestion; red eyes; runny nose; sensitivity to light; sore throat; stinging; tearing.



Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); eye pain or swelling; trouble breathing.



This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.


See also: Ketotifen side effects (in more detail)


If OVERDOSE is suspected:


Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.


Proper storage of Ketotifen Drops:

Store Ketotifen Drops at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Store in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Ketotifen Drops out of the reach of children and away from pets.


General information:


  • If you have any questions about Ketotifen Drops, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • Ketotifen Drops are to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

  • Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Ketotifen Drops. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.



Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Ketotifen resources


  • Ketotifen Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Ketotifen Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Ketotifen Support Group
  • 4 Reviews for Ketotifen - Add your own review/rating


Compare Ketotifen with other medications


  • Conjunctivitis, Allergic

No comments:

Post a Comment