← Back to Meds

Ketotifen fumarate

Allergy · OTC
Trade namesZaditor, Alaway, Claritin Eye
Drug classAntihistamine + mast-cell stabilizer (dual-acting)
Strength0.025%
AvailabilityOTC
Mechanism of actionH1-antagonist with mast-cell stabilization and eosinophil suppression.
Indication / reason for useItching due to allergic conjunctivitis; widely used first-line OTC agent.
Usual adult dosing1 drop in each eye every 8-12 h.
PreservativeBAK 0.01%
Contact lensesRemove lenses; reinsert after 10 min.
Common / important adverse effectsBurning/stinging, conjunctival injection, headache, dry eye.
Contraindications & cautionsHypersensitivity.
Pregnancy / lactationLimited data; acceptable when needed.
Practice notesInexpensive, effective, a reasonable default recommendation.
Chair-side reference only. Dosing, contraindications and pregnancy guidance here are not exhaustive. Confirm against the current prescribing information and the patient’s full history before prescribing or advising.

Open in the full tool →