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Overview: Ketotifen is an eye drop used to treat eye redness and itching caused by allergies. The most common side effects of ketotifen eye drops are headache, runny nose, and eye burning/stinging. Contact your health care provider if your eye symptoms seem to be getting worse instead of better while using ketotifen.

Uses

What is ketotifen used for?

Ketotifen is commonly used for itchy eyes from conjunctivitis due to allergies. Allergic conjunctivitis is a condition where part of your eye is inflamed (red and itchy) from exposure to things like pollen, ragweed, grass, dust, or animal hair and dander.

Ketotifen may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does ketotifen work (mechanism of action)?

Ketotifen is an antihistamine. It blocks the release of histamines from mast cells, which are involved in the allergic response. Antihistamines reduce or block histamines to treat itchy eyes.

How is ketotifen supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Alaway
  • Children’s Alaway
  • Zaditor

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.025% ophthalmic solution (eye drops)

How should I store ketotifen?

Ketotifen eye drops should be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator, between 39 F to 77 F (4 C to 25 C).

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of ketotifen?

The most common side effects of ketotifen are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Headache
  • Runny nose
  • Eye burning/stinging

There may be other side effects of ketotifen that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of ketotifen?

While less common, the most serious side effects of ketotifen are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Ketotifen may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using ketotifen and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Worsening Eye Symptoms. If you have any of the following symptoms, stop use and contact your health care provider right away.

  • Eye pain
  • Blurry vision or changes in vision
  • Increased redness of the eye
  • Itching that gets worse or lasts more than 72 hours

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use ketotifen?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use ketotifen.

  • Alaway
  • Children’s Alaway
  • Ketotifen
  • Zaditor
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific ketotifen products they stock.

What should I know about ketotifen before using it?

Keep ketotifen out of the reach of children. Since this medicine can be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

Ketotifen eye drops should only be applied to the surface of the eye. Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface, including your finger. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Do not use ketotifen for eye irritation caused by contact lenses.

Do not wear contact lenses if your eye is red.

The preservative in ketotifen can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. If you wear soft contact lenses, wait at least 10 minutes after using ketotifen before you insert your contact lenses.

What should I tell my health care provider before using ketotifen?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if ketotifen is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how ketotifen could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if ketotifen passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does ketotifen interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between ketotifen and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between ketotifen and alcohol.

Does ketotifen interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between ketotifen and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much ketotifen?

If you or someone else has used too much ketotifen, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of ketotifen?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.