This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Ketotifen ophthalmic Consumer Information
KETOTIFEN OPHTHALMIC
Generic Name: ketotifen ophthalmic (KEY toe tih fen)
Brand Names: Zaditor
What is the most important information I should know about ketotifen ophthalmic?
- Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
- Apply light pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down your tear duct.
What is ketotifen ophthalmic?
- Ketotifen is an antihistamine. It inhibits the release in the body of histamine and other substances that cause allergic symptoms after exposure to an allergen.
- Ketotifen ophthalmic is used to reduce itching of the eyes due to allergic conditions.
- Ketotifen ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not use ketotifen ophthalmic?
- Do not use ketotifen ophthalmic if you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection in your eye unless you are also receiving proper anti-infective treatment.
- Ketotifen ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether ketotifen ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- It is not known whether ketotifen passes into breast milk. Do not use ketotifen ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
- Ketotifen is not approved by the FDA for use by children younger than 3 years of age.
How should I use ketotifen ophthalmic?
- Use ketotifen eyedrops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Wash your hands before and after using your eyedrops.
- If you wear contact lenses, remove them from your eyes before using ketotifen ophthalmic.
- To apply the eyedrops:
- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. Repeat the process in the other eye if directed.
- Ketotifen ophthalmic is usually applied every 8 to 12 hours. Follow your doctor's instructions.
- Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
- Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.
- If you wear contact lenses, do not wear them if your eyes are red during treatment with ketotifen ophthalmic. If your eyes are not red, wait at least 10 minutes after applying a dose of ketotifen ophthalmic before reinserting your contact lenses.
- Store ketotifen ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, call an emergency room or poison control left near you. If the drops have been ingested (taken by mouth), drink plenty of fluid and call an emergency left for advice.
What should I avoid while using ketotifen ophthalmic?
- Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
- If you wear contact lenses, do not wear them if your eyes are red during treatment with ketotifen ophthalmic. If your eyes are not red, wait at least 10 minutes after applying a dose of ketotifen ophthalmic before reinserting your contact lenses.
- Avoid other eyedrops unless your doctor approves.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.