Type of medicine: antihistamine
Generic and brand names: ketotifen fumarate, ophthalmic; Alaway; Claritin Eye; Zaditor; Zyrtec Itchy Eye
This medicine, in the form of eyedrops, provides temporary relief from itching eyes caused by tree and grass pollen (hay fever) and other allergens.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine. Also tell your provider if you wear contact lenses.
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use the drops exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Continue treatment as long as you are exposed to the allergen or until the pollen season is over. Do not use more of it or use it more often than prescribed. Using this medicine too much may increase the risk of side effects. Read and follow the information sheet that comes in the medicine package.
Wash your hands before and after putting medicine in your eyes. Tilt your head back and gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch.
Hold the dropper directly above your eye, look up, and squeeze a drop of medicine into the pouch. Close your eyes for a minute and with a fingertip press gently on the inside corner of your eye to keep the medicine from draining out. Do not rub your eyes.
To keep from contaminating the medicine, do not allow the tip of the dropper to touch your eye or any other surface. After use, put the cap on tightly. Do not rinse the dropper. Do not use the medicine if it becomes discolored.
If your healthcare provider has prescribed more than one eye medicine, use them at least 10 minutes apart. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which eye medicine should be used first.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
Do not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red. Do not use these drops for any irritation caused by contact lenses. These drops may discolor contact lenses. If you wear contacts, remove them before you use these eyedrops. If your eyes are not red, you can put your contacts back in 10 to 15 minutes after using the eyedrops.
This medicine may affect your vision temporarily. Do not drive or operate machinery until you can see clearly.
If your symptoms do not improve in 3 days, contact your healthcare provider.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Increased eye redness, itching, pain, or swelling.
Other: Mild and temporary burning or stinging, dry mouth, dry eyes, feeling like something is in your eye, swelling or redness of eyelid, runny nose, headache, bitter or unusual taste in your mouth.
No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, tell your healthcare provider if you are using any other eyedrops, including nonprescription products.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from extreme heat or cold, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
