Stafen Eye Drops 0.025%

Indications

Ketotifen eye drop is used to treat the signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, such as vernal keratoconjunctivitis, vernal keratitis, blepharitis, blepharo-conjunctivitis, and giant papillary conjunctivitis (itchy, watery, red, swollen eyes and eyelids).

Pharmacology

Ketotifen is a powerful anti-allergic drug that blocks histamine (H1) receptors in a non-competitive and long-lasting manner. Ketotifen works by preventing the release of mediators (such as histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins) from cells that cause type I allergic reactions. Ketotifen also stabilizes mast cells, reduces chemotaxis, and activates eosinophil degranulation.

Dosage and Administration

Adults and children 3 years and older: 1 drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily, every 8-12 hours, not more than twice per day.

Children under 3 years of age: Consult with a doctor.

Interaction

If Ketotifen eye drops are taken in conjunction with other eye treatments, at least 5 minutes must pass between the two medications.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to Ketotifen or any of the components

Side Effects

Burning, stinging, punctate corneal epithelial erosion, blurred vision after drug instillation, dry eyes, eyelid dysfunction, conjunctivitis, eye pain, photophobia, and subconjunctival haemorrhage are all common adverse effects.

Pregnancy & Lactation

There is insufficient information about the usage of ketotifen eye drops in pregnant women. Systemic levels are significantly lower after ocular administration than after oral treatment. Prescriptions for pregnant women should be handled with caution. Although animal research shows excretion into breast milk after oral administration, topical application to humans is unlikely to yield detectable amounts in breast milk. During lactation, ketotifen 0.25 percent eye drops can be utilized.

Precautions & Warnings

Because benzalkonium chloride, a preservative in the formulation of Ketotifen 0.025 percent eye drops, might deposit in soft contact lenses, this eye drop should not be used when the patient is wearing lenses. The lenses should be removed before using the drops and should not be reinserted for at least 15 minutes afterward.

Therapeutic Class

Ophthalmic Non-Steroid drugs

Storage Conditions

Protect from light and moisture by storing in a cool, dry location. Keep out of children's reach. Because touching the dropper tip to any surface can contaminate the solution, avoid doing so. After 30 days from the date of initial opening, do not use.