Below are some of the details of Ketotifen(generic)
Ketotifen is used to minimize the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. This medication may allow for a reduction in the use of other asthma medications. Ketotifen is not effective in treating an active asthma attack (acute attack).
Ketotifen relieves and prevents eye itchiness and/or irritation associated with most seasonal allergies. It starts working within minutes after administering the drops. The drug has not been studied in children under 3. The mean elimination half life is 12 hours.
Besides its anti-histaminic activity, it is also a functional leukotriene antagonist and a phosphodiesterase inhibitor.
What is this drug used for?
• It is used to treat eye irritation.
Other side effects of this drug: Talk with your doctor right away if you have any of these signs of:
• Vision changes
• Eye pain
• Severe eye irritation
• Eye redness
• Signs of a significant reaction like wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have questions.
Pronunciation
(kee toe TYE fen)
Medication Safety Issues
Sound-alike/look-alike issues:
Claritin Eye (ketotifen) may be confused with Claritin (loratadine)
Ketotifen may be confused with ketoprofen
ZyrTEC Itchy Eye (ketotifen) may be confused with ZyrTEC (cetirizine)
Product Availability (US)
Not available in the US
Storage/Stability
Syrup: Store at up to 25°C (up to 77°F).
Tablet: Store at up to 25°C (up to 77°F). Protect from moisture.
Adverse Reactions
Reactions are generally mild, transient, and local as systemic exposure following topical ocular administration is minimal.
Central nervous system: Headache
Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reaction (ophthalmic)
Ophthalmic: Burning sensation of eyes, circumocular rash, conjunctival injection, conjunctivitis, disease of the lacrimal apparatus, eye discharge, eyelid disease, eye pain, eye pruritus, keratitis, mydriasis, photophobia, stinging of eyes, xerophthalmia
Respiratory: Flu-like symptoms, pharyngitis, rhinitis
