Ketotifen

Ketotifen Brand Names

Alaway | Children’s Alaway | Claritin Eye | Eye Itch Relief | Itchy Eye | Zaditor | Zyrtec Itchy Eye

What is Ketotifen

Ketotifen is benzocycloheptathiophene derivative that is an antihistamine and a mast cell stabilizer.

Ketotifen is widely used in other countries as an oral agent for the management of bronchial asthma and other allergic disorders; however, ketotifen is only available in the US as an ophthalmic preparation.

In patients with allergic conjunctivitis, ketotifen is as effective as cromolyn ophthalmic solution in alleviating ocular symptoms. In the treatment of atopic or extrinsic asthma, oral ketotifen has been shown to decrease symptoms (e.g., wheezing and cough) and decreases the need for other agents.

A long induction period and sedation limit the usefulness of oral ketotifen; it is not recommended as a first line agent in the treatment of asthma.

Oral ketotifen has also been effective in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, seasonal rhinitis, acute or chronic urticaria, and food allergies.

Oral ketotifen has been examined in a small number of patients for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and AIDS-associated wasting syndrome.

The FDA approved ophthalmic ketotifen (Zaditor™) for the temporary relief of itching due to allergic conjunctivitis in July 1999.

In December 2006 the FDA approved Alaway™ (bioequivalent to Zaditor™) for over-the-counter use.

The product is expected to be available in the spring of 2007.

Indications

• allergic conjunctivitis
• ocular pruritus

For the temporary prevention of ocular pruritus due to allergic conjunctivitis

Side Effects

1. conjunctival hyperemia
2. conjunctivitis
3. headache
4. keratitis
5. lacrimation
6. mydriasis
7. ocular discharge
8. ocular irritation
9. ocular pain
10. pharyngitis
11. photophobia
12. pruritus
13. rash
14. rhinitis
15. xerophthalmia

Monitoring Parameters

• laboratory monitoring not necessary

Contraindications

• breast-feeding
• children
• contact lenses
• infants
• neonates
• pregnancy

Interactions

There are no drug interactions associated with Ketotifen products.