Generic name: Ketotifen ocular is the name of the drug’s generic form.
Brand names: Alaway, Claritin Eye, Refresh Eye Itch Relief, and Zaditor are some of the brand names.
Drug class: Antihistamines and decongestants for the eyes are a type of drug.
Describe Zaditor.
Antihistamines, like ketotifen, block the affects of the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can make you sneeze, itch, get red eyes, and have a runny nose.
Zaditor (for use in the eyes) is used to treat itchy eyes caused by allergies to dust, pollen, animals, or other allergens.
Zaditor can also be used for other things that aren’t in this book.
Warnings
Follow all of the advice on the label and package of your medicine. Tell each health care worker about all of your health problems, allergies, and medicines.
Drugs that are similar
prednisone, cetirizine ophthalmic, dexamethasone ophthalmic, prednisolone ophthalmic, azelastine ophthalmic, and doxylamine
Before you take this drug,
You shouldn’t use Zaditor if you are allergic to it or if you have
- an eye infection that isn’t being treated; or
- if having contact lenses makes your eyes feel bad.
No one younger than 3 years old is allowed to use Zaditor.
How do I make use of Zaditor?
Follow the directions on the package or what your doctor tells you to do. Do not use more or less or for longer than what is suggested.
If you wear contact glasses, you shouldn’t use Zaditor. Zaditor may have a sealant that can make soft contact lenses turn a different colour. If you wear contact lenses, you should wait at least 10 minutes after taking this medicine before putting them in.
Before you use the eye drops, you should wash your hands.
To put the eye drops in,
- Tilt your head back a little and pull down your lower eyelid to make a small pocket. Keep the tip of the dropper down and hold it over the eye. Look up and away from the drip as you squeeze out a drop.
- Close your eyes and tilt your head down for 2 or 3 minutes without moving or squinting. For about a minute, gently press your finger against the inside corner of your eye to stop the liquid from going into your tear duct.
- Only use the number of drops that your doctor tells you to. Wait about 5 minutes between drops if you use more than one.
- Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has given you.
Do not put the tip of the eye dropper directly on your eye or touch it. Your eye can get sick from a dirty dropper, which could cause major problems with your vision.
Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has turned a different colour or if there are pieces in it. If you need new drugs, call your chemist.
Call your doctor if the itching in your eyes doesn’t get better or if it lasts for more than three days.
Keep at room temperature and away from heat and moisture. Do not die. When not in use, keep the bottle tightly closed.
What will happen if I don’t take a dose?
As soon as you remember, take the dose you forgot. If it’s almost time for your next dose, don’t take the one you missed. Don’t take more medicine than you should to make up for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Zaditor is not thought to be dangerous if you take too much of it. If the medicine was swallowed by mistake, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I not do while using ketotifen ophthalmic?
If your doctor doesn’t tell you to, don’t use any other eye medicines.
Zaditor side effects
If you have hives, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face, lips, tongue, or throat, you may be having an allergic response.
The side effects of Zaditor could be very bad. Stop using Zaditor and call your doctor right away if you have any of the following: redness, drainage, swollen eyelids, or other signs of infection; eye pain; changes in your vision; or serious itching in your eyes that was worse before you started using the medicine.
Some of the most common side effects of Zaditor are slight burning, stinging, or irritation of the eyes, dry eyes, or a heightened sensitivity to light.
This isn’t a full list of all possible side effects, and there may be others. You should talk to your doctor about any side effects. You can call 1-800-FDA-1088 to tell the FDA about side effects.
Zaditor side effects (more information)
What effects will other drugs have on Zaditor?
Ketotifen used in the eyes is not likely to react with other drugs you take by mouth or inject. But there are many ways that drugs can affect each other. Tell each of your healthcare sources about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
More on Zaditor (Ophthalmic Ketotifen)
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- Reviews (8)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: ophthalmic antihistamines and decongestants
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient tools/resources
• More reading to do
Different brands
Claritin Eye, Alaway, Eye Itch Relief, Thera Tears Allergy Eye Itch Relief,… +2 more
Tools for professionals resources
- Information for Doctors
Related treatment guides:
- Allergic, conjunctivitis,
For more details,
Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of reach of children, to never give your medicines to other people, and to only use this medicine for what it was given for.
Talk to your doctor or other healthcare source to make sure that the information on this page applies to your situation.
Disclaimer for Medical Use Copyright 1996–2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.02.
