Ketotifen eye solution

What is this medication?

KETOTIFEN (kee toe TYE fen) eye drops are used in the eye to prevent itching that is caused by allergies.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Alaway, Children's Alaway, Claritin Eye, Eye Itch Relief, Itchy Eye, Zaditor, Zyrtec Itchy Eye

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•wear contact lenses

•an unusual or allergic reaction to ketotifen, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt the head back slightly and pull down the lower eyelid with the index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingertips, or any other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye gently to spread the drops. Your vision may blur for a few minutes. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. If you use other eye medicines, they should be used at least 10 minutes before or after this medicine. Eye ointments should be applied last.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 3 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other eye products without telling your doctor or health care professional.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to improve in 2 or 3 days.

Report any serious side effects promptly. Stop using this medicine if your eyes get swollen, painful, or have a discharge, and see your doctor or health care professional as soon as you can.

Contact lenses may be inserted 10 minutes after putting the medicine in the eye. Do not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red. You should not use this medicine to treat irritation that is caused by contact lenses.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•skin rash, hives, or itching

•swelling of the lips, tongue or face

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•burning, discomfort, stinging, or tearing immediately after use

•eyelid swelling or eye dryness

•headache

•sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 4 and 25 degrees C (39 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.