KETOTIFEN (Ophthalmic)?
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.?
? Not commercially available in Canada.
Category
- Antihistamine, H1-receptor, ophthalmic
- mast cell stabilizer, ophthalmic
- antiallergic, ophthalmic
Description
Ketotifen (kee-toe-TYE-fen)ophthalmic (eye) solution is used to temporarily prevent itching of the eye caused by a condition known as allergic conjunctivitis.It works by acting on certain cells, called mast cells, to prevent them fromreleasing substances that cause the allergic reaction.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in thefollowing dosage forms:
Ophthalmic- Ophthalmic solution (eye drops) (U.S.)
Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must beweighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctorwill make. For ketotifen, the following should be considered:
Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusualor allergic reaction to ketotifen. Also tell your health care professionalif you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives.
Pregnancy?Ketotifen has not been studied in pregnant women.However, studies in animals have shown that ketotifen, when given in veryhigh doses to some types of animals, causes birth defects. Before using thismedicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may becomepregnant.
Breast-feeding?It is not known whether ketotifen passes intohuman breast milk. However, it does pass into the milk of animals with nursingyoung. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed shoulddiscuss this with their doctor.
Children? Studies on this medicine have been done only inadult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of ketotifenin children younger than 3 years of age with use in other age groups.
Older adults?Many medicines have not been studied specificallyin older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactlythe same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effectsor problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing useof ophthalmic ketotifen in the elderly with use in other age groups.
Other medicines?Although certain medicines should not be usedtogether at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used togethereven if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want tochange the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health careprofessional if you are taking or using any other prescription or nonprescription(over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Proper Use of This Medicine
Do not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red .Also, do not use this medicine to treat irritation related to contact lensuse. If you wear contact lenses: Take out your contact lenses before usingketotifen eye drops. Wait at least 10 minutes after putting the eye dropsin before putting the contact lenses back in.
To use the eye drops:
- First, wash your hands. Tilt the head back and, pressing your fingergently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid awayfrom the eye to make a space. Drop the medicine into this space. Let go ofthe eyelid and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed for1 to 2 minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed by the eye.
- If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly,use another drop.
- To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible,do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye).Also, keep the container tightly closed.
Dosing?The dose of ketotifen will be differentfor different patients. Follow your doctor's orders orthe directions on the label. The following information includes onlythe average doses of ophthalmic ketotifen. If your doseis different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
- For ophthalmic dosage form (eye drops):
- For prevention of itching of the eye due to allergic conjunctivitis(eye allergy):
- Adults and children 3 years of age and older?Use one drop ineach affected eye every 8 to 12 hours.
- Children up to 3 years of age?Use and dose must be determinedby your doctor.
Missed dose?If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible.However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose andgo back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage?To store this medicine:
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Store away from heat and direct light.
- Keep the medicine from freezing.
- Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask yourhealth care professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do notuse. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions While Using This Medicine
If your symptoms do not improve or if your condition becomes worse, checkwith your doctor.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause someunwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if theydo occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following sideeffects occur:
Other side effects may occurthat usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go awayduring treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check withyour doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
Less common
Burning or stinging of eyes; dry eyes; eyelid disorder; eye sensitivityto light; fever, tiredness, achiness, and sore throat; increase in size of pupils; sore throat; tearing.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur insome patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Developed: 9/30/1999
Revised: 10/28/1999
