Ketotifen Fumarate (Ophthalmic)
Indications
Ketotifen is indicated for the treatment and prevention of signs and symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.
Pharmacology
Ketotifen is a potent anti-allergic substance possessing a powerful and sustained non-competitive histamine (H1) receptor blocking property. Ketotifen inhibits the release of mediators from cells responsible for type I allergic reactions. Ketotifen also stabilizes mast cells, decreases chemotaxis, activation and degranulation of eosinophils.
Dosage & Administration
Adults and children over 3 years of age: 1 drop Ketotifen eye drop into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) twice a day or as directed by the physician.
Children below 3 years of age: Not recommended.
Children below 3 years of age: Not recommended.
Interaction
If Ketotifen eye drops is used concomitantly with other eye medications there must be an interval of at least 5 minutes between the two medications.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to Ketotifen or any of the components
Side Effects
Generally side effects of Ketotifen are localized ocular toxicity and hypersensitivity such as burning or stinging, punctate corneal epithelial erosion, dry eyes, eyelid disorder, photophobia, keratitis, lacrimation etc. Systemic side effects are very rare, there may be headache, urticaria, dry mouth and allergic reaction.
Pregnancy & Lactation
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies about the use of Ketotifen eye drops in pregnant women. Systemic levels after ocular administration are much lower than oral use. Caution should be exercised when prescribing to pregnant women. Topical administration to humans is unlikely to produce detectable quantities in breast milk. Ketomar eye drops can be used during lactation.
Precautions & Warnings
The formulation of Ketotifen eye drops contains benzalkonium chloride as a preservative, which may be deposited in soft contact lenses; therefore Ketotifen eye drops should not be instilled while the patient is wearing contact lenses. The lenses should be removed before application of the drops and not reinserted earlier than 15 minutes after use.
Overdose Effects
Signs and symptoms of an overdose may be similar to the reactions described above under side effects.
Therapeutic Class
Ophthalmic Non-Steroid drugs
Storage Conditions
Close the bottle immediately after use. Should not use after 4 weeks of opening. keep in a cool and dry place away from light. Keep all the medicine out of reach of children.
