Ketotifen
About Ketotifen
Ketotifen belongs to a class of anti-histamine and anti-allergic drugs primarily used to temporarily prevent eye itching caused by a condition known as allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, a tissue that covers the inside of the eyelids as well as the white area of the eyeball.
Ketotifen contains Ketotifen, an anti-histamine which is used to treat allergies. It blocks the effects of a chemical messenger known as ‘histamine,’ which is naturally involved in allergic reactions.
Use Ketotifen as advised by your doctor. It may cause some side effects like stinging or burning sensation, gritty feeling in the eye, irritation, white deposits on the eye surface (cornea), and redness. The majority of these side effects fade with time without the need for medical intervention. However, if any of these side effects persist, consult your doctor.
Ketotifen is intended for use in the eyes; do not inject or consume. Avoid using Ketotifen if you are allergic to any component present in it. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using this medicine. Ketotifen may cause temporary blurred vision. Before operating machinery or driving, wait until your vision returns to normal. Do not use two eye medications together; wait for at least 5 to 10 minutes before using the second medication.
Uses of Ketotifen
Medicinal Benefits
Ketotifen is an anti-histamine or anti-allergic medicine primarily used to relieve itching in the eyes caused by allergic conjunctivitis.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ketotifen
- Allergic reactions
- Burning or stinging
- Conjunctivitis (Pink eye)
- Discharge
- Dry eyes
- Eye pain
- Eyelid disorder
- Itching
- Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)
- Lacrimation disorder
- Mydriasis
- Photophobia (eye discomfort in bright light)
- Rash
- Flu syndrome (symptoms that are similar to those caused by influenza (flu) virus)
- Pharyngitis (sore throat)
Drug Warnings
Before using the Ketotifen, let your doctor know if you have a history of previous eye surgery and other eye problems. Avoid touching the dropper with bare hands or taking it closer to the eyelids while administering drops since it contaminates the dropper tip and solution. Let your doctor know if you are using other eye medications before starting Ketotifen. If you wear contact lenses, please inform your doctor since the Ketotifen contains additives like Benzalkonium chloride that change the colour. Ketotifen should not be used when pregnancy or breastfeeding unless necessary. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy or nursing; your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Ketotifen. Avoid driving or operating machines since the Ketotifen may cause blurred vision after use.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: No interactions found or established.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found or established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: No interactions found or established.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionNo interactions were found. However, limit or avoid consuming alcohol while using Ketotifen.
Pregnancy
cautionKetotifen is a pregnancy category C drug. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. Your doctor will prescribe this medicine only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether topical ocular administration of Ketotifen could lead to sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable amounts in breast milk. Hence, it should be used with caution if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionNot driving or operating machinery while using Ketotifen is recommended.
Liver
safe if prescribedNo interactions were found. It can be used safely due to minimal systemic absorption of Ketotifen. If you have any concerns, please discuss them with Ketotifen.
Kidney
safe if prescribedNo interactions were found. It can be used safely due to minimal systemic absorption of Ketotifen. If you have any concerns, please discuss them with Ketotifen.
Children
cautionPlease consult your doctor before using Ketotifen in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Sleep for at least six to eight hours to rejuvenate your eyes naturally.
- Wash your eyes with clean water at least two to three times a day.
- Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages as they can make you dehydrated and affect your sleep. This effect can also affect your body’s ability to fight off infections.
- Reduce screen time (by avoiding watching tv or phone) and use sunglasses while going into the sunlight.
Special Advise
- Do not use two eye medications together; wait for at least 5 to 10 minutes before using the second medication.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Allergic conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the tissue that covers the inside of the eyelids and the white area of the eyeball. Allergens and irritants such as pollen, dust, and mould induce allergic conjunctivitis. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and perennial allergic conjunctivitis are the two kinds of allergic conjunctivitis.
FAQs
Ketotifen is used to treat Allergic conjunctivitis.
Ketotifen contains Ketotifen, an antihistamine; it works by blocking the effect of a chemical messenger known as ‘histamine,’ which is naturally involved in allergic reactions. As a result, Ketotifen can treat symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.
Ketotifen may cause Photophobia (eye discomfort in bright light) in some cases. It does not require medical attention and gradually resolves over time. However, if this effect persists, reach out to your doctor.
You are not recommended to wear contact lenses while using Ketotifen as it contains benzalkonium chloride, a preservative that changes the colour of contact lenses as soft contact lenses may absorb it. Please remove the contact lenses before using the Ketotifen, and you can use them back after 15 minutes or as per the doctor's advice.
Glaucoma is an eye condition in which the eye pressure rises. If you have glaucoma, please notify your doctor before using Ketotifen so that he can check your medical condition and determine your dose accordingly.
Yes, Ketotifen can cause Pharyngitis (sore throat) in some conditions.
Your doctor will diagnose allergic conjunctivitis after reviewing your symptoms and performing an eye exam.
