Dosing and uses of Zaditor, Alaway (ketotifen)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
ophthalmic solution
- 0.025% (equivalent to ketotifen fumarate 0.035%)
Allergic Conjunctivitis
1 gtt in affected eye(s) q8-12hr
Not to exceed 2 doses/day
Administration
Remove contact lenses before use
Wait at least 10 min before re-inserting contact lenses after use
Avoid contamination by not touching tip of container
Replace cap after each use
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
ophthalmic solution
- 0.025% (equivalent to ketotifen fumarate 0.035%)
Allergic Conjunctivitis
<3 years: Safety and efficacy not established
3 >years: 1 gtt in affected eye(s) q8-12hr; not typically recommended
Not to exceed 2 doses/day
Administration
Remove contact lenses before use
Wait at least 10 min before re-inserting contact lenses after use
Avoid contamination by not touching tip of container
Replace cap after each use
Zaditor, Alaway (ketotifen) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Conjunctivitis
Headache
Eye pain
Lacrimation disorder
Keratitis
Mydriasis
Eyelid disorder
Rhinitis
Photophobia
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Cautions
Delay insertion of soft contact lenses for at least 10 min after ketotifen instillation, since benzalkonium chloride preservative may be absorbed by soft lenses; do not wear contact lenses if eyes red
Contact healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or do not improve within 3 days of initiating therapy
Solution should not be used if cloudy or change in color
Not for treatment of contact lens related irritation
Discontinue use, and contact healthcare provider, if experience eye pain, changes in vision, redness of the eyes, itching worsens or lasts >72 hr
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Not known if distributed in milk; use caution
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Zaditor, Alaway (ketotifen)
Mechanism of action
Histamine H1 antagonist and mast cell stabilizer; inhibits vascular permeability and may prevent chemokine induced migration of eosinophils into inflamed conjunctiva
Pharmacokinetics
Onset of action: Minutes
Absorption: Minimal (systemic)
Duration: 8-12hr
