Ketotifen (Zaditor) Uses

Ketotifen eye drops are used to treat eye itching caused by allergic disorders such as allergic conjunctivitis (pink eye) and allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Therapeutic use of oral ketotifen includes treatment of symptoms in people with a medical problem such as asthma.

There may be other uses of ketotifen—your healthcare provider or pharmacist can give you further drug information.

Ketotifen (Zaditor) Mechanism of Action

The pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of ketotifen are such that this drug stabilizes immune system cells called mast cells. Mast cells release substances such as histamine, cytokines, leukotrienes, and platelet-activating factors, which cause allergic symptoms in the body. Ketotifen stabilizes mast cells and blocks the release of these substances.

Ketotifen (Zaditor) Doses

Ketotifen comes in the form of an ophthalmic solution that is instilled into the eye. The usual dose is one drop in the affected eye(s) twice a day, with the two doses 8-12 hours apart.