ketotifen ophthalmic

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

The action of ketotifen ophthalmic is to inhibit the release of histamine and other allergic mediators from mast cells, which are responsible for the allergic response. This leads to a reduction in the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, such as redness, itching and swelling. 

The spectrum of ketotifen ophthalmic is limited to its action in treating allergic conjunctivitis. It does not have any effect on other types of eye conditions, such as infections or injuries. It is also not effective in treating other allergic conditions, like hay fever or asthma. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Rhinitis 

Eye pain 

Lacrimation disorder 

Conjunctivitis 

Photophobia 

Headache 

Mydriasis 

Keratitis 

Eyelid disorder 

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication 

• ketotifen ophthalmic is contraindicated in individuals who have previously exhibited hypersensitivity to ketotifen or any of the other ingredients in the medication. 
• Additionally, individuals who are currently using contact lenses should not use ketotifen ophthalmic which has benzalkonium chloride substance,can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause eye irritation. 

Caution 

• Use with caution in individuals with a history of eye disorders, such as glaucoma or cataracts. 
• Use with caution in individuals with a history of herpes simplex keratitis, as the use of ketotifen ophthalmic may exacerbate the condition. 
• Use with caution in individuals with liver or kidney disease, as the medication may be metabolized differently in these individuals and may require dosage adjustments. 
• Use with caution in children under 3 years of age, as the safety and efficacy of the medication in this population has not been established. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

AU TGA pregnancy category: B1
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned. 

Lactation:   

Excreted into human milk is Not known.  

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies do not show risk to the fetus in the first/later trimester.        
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women        
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.       
• Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.        
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.        
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

ketotifen ophthalmic is a type of medication known as an antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer. It works by blocking the release of histamine and other allergic mediators from mast cells, which are responsible for the allergic response. This leads to a reduction in the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, such as redness, itching and swelling. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

The drug’s mode of operation involves acting as a histamine H1 antagonist and mast cell stabilizer. It works by preventing vascular permeability and may also hinder the migration of eosinophils into inflamed conjunctiva induced by chemokines. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

ketotifen ophthalmic has a relatively low systemic absorption, which means that it primarily stays in the eye tissues and does not spread to other parts of the body. 

Distribution 

ketotifen ophthalmic is primarily distributed to the eye tissues and surrounding blood vessels when administered as eye drops. The medication has a low systemic distribution. 

Metabolism 

When ketotifen is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is rapidly metabolized in the liver, with a half-life of approximately 12 hours. 

Elimination and Excretion 

The majority of ketotifen ophthalmic is excreted in the urine, with only a small amount of the medication excreted in the feces. The medication is primarily eliminated from the body within 24 hours of administration. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Ophthalmic Administration 

To administer ophthalmic medication safely and effectively, please follow these instructions: 

• Remove your contact lenses prior to using the medication. 
• Wait for at least 10 minutes after using the medication before reinserting your contact lenses. 
• To avoid contamination, be sure not to touch the tip of the container with your fingers or any other surface. 
• After each use, securely replace the cap on the container. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: ketotifen ophthalmic 

Pronounced: [ kee-toe-TYE-fen-off-THAL-mik ] 

Why do we use ketotifen ophthalmic? 

ketotifen ophthalmic is a medication used to treat allergic conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva) caused by allergies. It is also used to prevent seasonal allergic rhinitis, which is a type of allergy that affects the nose and eyes during certain times of the year. 

ketotifen ophthalmic acts by blocking the action of histamine (substance produced by the body in response to an allergen). 

Histamine is responsible for the symptoms of allergic reactions, such as itching, redness, and swelling. By blocking histamine, ketotifen ophthalmic reduces the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis and prevents seasonal allergic rhinitis. 

It is important to note that ketotifen ophthalmic is a prescription medication and must be used under the supervision of a physician provider.