Ketotifen

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to prevent eye itching caused by allergies.

How does it work?

• Ketotifen, if taken before coming in contact with the material that causes the allergy, blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing or preventing the eye's reaction to the allergen.

How is it best taken?

• For the eye only.
• Take out soft contact lenses before using medicine. Lenses can be replaced 15 minutes after medicine is given.
• After using medicine keep your eyes closed. Apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 3-5 minutes. This keeps medicine in the eye.
• Separate each eye medicine by 5 minutes. Give one and wait 5 minutes before using the next.
• Do not touch the bottle tip to eye, lid, or other skin.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Apply a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not apply a double dose or extra doses.
• This medicine may be taken on an as needed basis.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Do not wear soft contact lenses if eyes are red.
• Do not use to treat contact lens irritation.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Burning, stinging, redness, or itching.
• Headaches. Mild pain medicine may help.
• Runny nose.

What should I monitor?

• Improvement in condition. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing, tightness in the chest, fever, itching, bad cough, blue skin color, fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat.
• Severe pain, itching, burning, stinging, or redness.
• Any rash.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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