Ketomar Eye Drops

Indications

Ketotifen eye drop is used to treat the signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitides, such as vernal kerato-conjunctivitis, vernal-keratitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, giant papillary conjunctivitis.

Pharmacology

Ketotifen is a potent anti-allergic agent with a strong and long-lasting non-competitive histamine (H1) receptor-blocking activity. Ketotifen suppresses the release of mediators (such as histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins) from cells that cause type I allergic responses. Ketotifen also stabilizes mast cells, reduces chemotaxis, and activates eosinophil degranulation.

Dosage & 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 concurrently with other eye medicines, there must be at least a 5-minute gap between the two drugs.

Contraindications

Ketotifen hypersensitivity or hypersensitivity to any of the components

Side Effects

Burning, stinging, punctate corneal epithelial erosion, blurring of vision after medication instillation, dry eyes, eyelid dysfunction, conjunctivitis, eye discomfort, photophobia, and subconjunctival hemorrhage are common adverse effects.

Pregnancy & Lactation

There is insufficient data on the usage of ketotifen eye drops in pregnant women. Systemic levels are considerably lower after ocular delivery than after oral treatment. When prescribing to pregnant women, use extreme caution. Although animal findings suggest excretion into breast milk after oral treatment, topical application to humans is unlikely to yield measurable amounts in breast milk. During breastfeeding, ketotifen 0.25 percent eye drops can be administered.

Precautions & Warnings

Ketotifen 0.025 percent eye drops include benzalkonium chloride as a preservative, which may deposit in soft contact lenses; thus, this eye drop should not be injected when the patient is wearing lenses. The lenses should be removed before applying the drops and should not be reinserted for at least 15 minutes following use.

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool, dry area away from light and moisture. Keep out of children's reach. Touching the dropper tip to any surface may contaminate the solution. After 30 days from the date of initial opening, do not use.