Zyrtec Itchy Eye (Ophthalmic)

Generic name: ketotifen (ophthalmic route) [ kee-toe-TYE-fen ]
Drug class: Ophthalmic antihistamines and decongestants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 1, 2023.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Alaway
• Claritin Eye
• Zaditor
• Zyrtec Itchy Eye

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Ophthalmologic Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Mast Cell Stabilizer

Chemical Class: Piperidine

Uses for Zyrtec Itchy Eye

Ketotifen ophthalmic (eye) solution is used to temporarily prevent itching of the eye caused by a condition known as allergic conjunctivitis. It works by acting on certain cells, called mast cells, to prevent them from releasing substances that cause the allergic reaction.

This medicine is available both over-the-counter (OTC) and with your doctor''s prescription.

Before using Zyrtec Itchy Eye

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of ketotifen in children younger than 3 years of age with use in other age groups.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of ophthalmic ketotifen in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Proper use of Zyrtec Itchy Eye

This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain ketotifen. It may not be specific to Zyrtec Itchy Eye. Please read with care.

Do not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red . Also, do not use this medicine to treat irritation related to contact lens use. If you wear contact lenses: Take out your contact lenses before using ketotifen eye drops. Wait at least 10 minutes after putting the eye drops in before putting the contact lenses back in.

To use the eye drops:

• First, wash your hands. Tilt the head back and, pressing your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Drop the medicine into this space. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed by the eye.
• If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly, use another drop.
• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor''s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For ophthalmic dosage form (eye drops):
  • For prevention of itching of the eye due to allergic conjunctivitis (eye allergy):
    • Adults and children 3 years of age and older—Use one drop in each affected eye every 8 to 12 hours.
    • Children up to 3 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Precautions while using Zyrtec Itchy Eye

If your symptoms do not improve or if your condition becomes worse, check with your doctor.

Zyrtec Itchy Eye side effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Eye redness and swelling

Less common

• Eye discharge
• eye discomfort
• eye pain
• hives
• increased itching of eyes
• rash.

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Headaches
• stuffy or runny nose

Less common

• Burning or stinging of eyes
• dry eyes
• eyelid disorder
• eye sensitivity to light
• fever, tiredness, achiness, and sore throat
• increase in size of pupils
• sore throat
• tearing.

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer