Zaditor - Talk Medical

Generic Name: ketotifen ophthalmic

Brands: Zaditor

What is the most important information I should know about Zaditor?

· Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

· Apply light pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down your tear duct.

What is Zaditor?

· Ketotifen is an antihistamine. It inhibits the release in the body of histamine and other substances that cause allergic symptoms after exposure to an allergen.

· Zaditor is used to reduce itching of the eyes due to allergic conditions.

· Zaditor may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not use Zaditor?

· Do not use Zaditor if you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection in your eye unless you are also receiving proper anti-infective treatment.

· Zaditor is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Zaditor will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

· It is not known whether ketotifen passes into breast milk. Do not use Zaditor without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

· Ketotifen is not approved by the FDA for use by children younger than 3 years of age.

How should I use Zaditor?

· Use ketotifen eyedrops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Wash your hands before and after using your eyedrops.

· If you wear contact lenses, remove them from your eyes before using Zaditor.

· To apply the eyedrops: ·Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. Repeat the process in the other eye if directed.

· Zaditor is usually applied every 8 to 12 hours. Follow your doctor's instructions.

· Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

· Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.

· If you wear contact lenses, do not wear them if your eyes are red during treatment with Zaditor. If your eyes are not red, wait at least 10 minutes after applying a dose of Zaditor before reinserting your contact lenses.

· Store Zaditor at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

· An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, call an emergency room or poison control center near you. If the drops have been ingested (taken by mouth), drink plenty of fluid and call an emergency center for advice.

What should I avoid while using Zaditor?

· Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

· Avoid other eyedrops unless your doctor approves.

What are the possible side effects of Zaditor?

· Serious side effects from Zaditor are not likely to occur. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

· Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use Zaditor and talk to your doctor if you experience ·mild burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, pain, or dryness of the eyes; ·discharge from the eyes; ·eyelid irritation; ·large (dilated) pupils; ·eye sensitivity to light; or ·a rash.

· Discontinue using Zaditor and notify your doctor if the side effects listed above persist or worsen with continued use.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Zaditor?

· Avoid other eye medications unless they are approved by your doctor.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Zaditor. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Zaditor written for health professionals that you may read.

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