Zaditor Eye Drops: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Zaditor Eye Drops (ketotifen ophthalmic) is an over-the-counter antihistamine eye drop belonging to the ophthalmic antihistamines and decongestants class. It is used in adults and children at least 3 years old to temporarily relieve itchy eyes caused by allergies to dust, pollen, grass, animals, or other allergens. It works within 15 minutes and is used as one drop twice a day.

What is Zaditor Eye Drops

Zaditor is an over-the-counter antihistamine eye drop used in adults and children at least 3 years old to temporarily relieve itchy eyes caused by allergies to dust, pollen, grass, animals, or other allergens.

Zaditor Eye Drops uses

• Temporarily treats itching of the eyes caused by allergy to dust, pollen, grass, animals, or other allergens
• Temporarily relieves itchy eyes due to pollen, ragweed, grass, animal hair and dander

Benefits of Zaditor Eye Drops

• Works within 15 minutes to relieve itchy eyes
• Available over the counter
• Can use in children age 3 or older
• Only need to use 1 drop twice a day

How Zaditor Eye Drops works

Zaditor is an antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer. It works by blocking histamine, a chemical released in the body when exposed to certain allergens, and by stopping other allergy-causing chemicals from being released from mast cells in the body. This helps relieve itchy eyes caused by allergies.

Zaditor Eye Drops dosage

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses; remove lenses before using and wait at least 10 minutes before putting them back in, since the eye drops may contain a preservative that can permanently stain soft lenses.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops. To apply: pull down the lower eyelid to make a small pocket, squeeze in a drop, and close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Use only the number of drops directed, and wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops.

Do not let the dropper tip touch your eye or any other surface, to avoid contaminating it and risking an eye infection. Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed color or looks cloudy—call your pharmacist if this happens. Do not allow a young child to use Zaditor without help from an adult.

If a dose is missed, use it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for the next dose—do not use two doses at once.

Available forms and strengths

• Eye drops (ophthalmic solution)
• Single-use vials

Side effects of Zaditor Eye Drops

Common

• Headache
• Runny nose
• Rash
• Dry eye
• Burning or stinging sensation
• Eyes more sensitive to light
• Eye pain
• Eye itching
• Blurry vision
• Sore throat

Serious

• Eye pain or changes in vision
• Eye itching that gets worse or lasts longer than 72 hours
• Severe burning, stinging, or eye irritation after using the eye drops
• Signs of eye infection—swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage
• Eye redness and swelling
• Eye discharge
• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Warnings and precautions

• You should not use Zaditor if you are allergic to it, or if you have eye irritation caused by wearing contact lenses.
• Do not use Zaditor while wearing soft contact lenses. It may contain a preservative that can permanently stain the lenses. Wait at least 10 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.
• Do not touch the dropper tip or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye and lead to serious vision problems.
• Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.
• Do not allow a young child to use Zaditor without help from an adult.
• Do not use if the solution changes color or becomes cloudy, if you are sensitive to any ingredient in the product, or to treat contact lens related irritation.
• For ophthalmic use only.
• Do not use Zaditor for contact-lens-related irritation.
• If using other eye drops, leave at least 5 minutes between products.
• Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, seek medical help or contact a poison-control center.

Ask a doctor before using Zaditor if you are pregnant. There isn't enough information to know whether Zaditor is safe to use during pregnancy. Ask a doctor before using Zaditor if you are breastfeeding.

Storage

• Each single-use vial is for one use only (in both eyes)
• Store the unused vials in the original foil pouch and protect from light
• Throw the vial away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside
• Store at room temperature, in an upright position and tightly closed
• Do not freeze
• Store between 4°-25°C (39°-77°F)

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Stop using Zaditor and call your doctor at once if you have eye pain or changes in vision, eye itching that gets worse or lasts longer than 72 hours, severe burning, stinging, or eye irritation, or signs of eye infection such as swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting, or drainage.
• Stop use and ask a doctor if you experience eye pain, changes in vision, redness of the eye, or itching that worsens or lasts more than 72 hours.
• If the medicine is swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Alternatives

• Alaway
• Lastacaft
• Azelastine ophthalmic drops