Zaditor
Generic Name:
Ketotifen fumarate
Brand Names:
Zaditor
Zaditor Description:
Zaditor is an antihistamine eye drop medication used to treat itchy eyes resulting from either seasonal or perennial allergies. In patients with allergies, the body’s immune system overreacts to relatively harmless substances such as pollen and dust mites by releasing histamines, chemicals that attach to cell receptors and cause swelling and fluid discharge. Zaditor works to prevent these reactions by blocking histamines. Zaditor is an over-the-counter medication and does not require a prescription.
Zaditor Side Effects:
Zaditor may cause side effects including:
- Headache
- Runny nose
For more information, see our Zaditor side effects page.
Zaditor Uses:
Zaditor is used to relieve allergic conjunctivitis, or itchy eyes resulting from seasonal or perennial allergies. It is approved for use in adults and children at least three years of age.
Zaditor Interactions:
Zaditor has not been shown to significantly interact with other medications. However, patients should talk to their doctor or pharmacist about the concurrent use of all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements.
Zaditor Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Patients generally administer a single drop of Zaditor into each affected eye two times a day. Patients should use caution to ensure the tip of the dispenser bottle does not touch the eye or any other surfaces. One drop of Zaditor is intended to provide symptom relief for up to 12 hours.
Zaditor dosage recommendations are the same for adults and children.
Patients who wear contacts should remove their lenses before administering Zaditor and should reinsert them no sooner than 10 minutes after the medication has been administered.
Zaditor is available in a 5 ml bottle. This bottle contains a 30-day supply of medication.
Missing a Dose of Zaditor
Zaditor is an over-the-counter medication that can be used as-needed and generally does not require adherence to a strict dosage schedule. However, patients should not use Zaditor more than twice a day unless otherwise instructed by their doctor.
Zaditor Overdose
Contact your doctor if you believe you may have administered excessive amounts of this medication.
Zaditor FDA Approval:
Zaditor was approved by the FDA as a prescription medication in 1999. In 2006, Zaditor was approved as an over-the-counter medication.
Zaditor Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
In June 2008 Novartis Pharmaceuticals announced a voluntary recall of Zaditor due to the possibility that some bottles contained openings that compromised the sterility of the medication. Customers with bottles that contained an expiration date of April 10, 2008 were warned that their medication might be contaminated.
There have not been any black box warnings associated with Zaditor since its initial approval.
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