Zaditen

The active ingredient in Zaditen is ketotifen fumarate. It is part of the drug class known as antihistamines and mast cell stablizers. It works by blocking histamine and mast cells, which stops your body from reacting to substances that can irritate the eye.

Follow all directions given by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full prescribing information, FDA-approved product labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Zaditen. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Zaditen:

• Avoid getting the eye dropper dirty. If the eye dropper becomes dirty, this could increase your risk of developing an eye infection. Keep the dropper clean, and don’t let it touch your eyelids, eyes, or any surface.
• Remove your contact lenses before you use Zaditen, and don’t put them back in for at least ten minutes or while your eyes are still red or irritated.
• After you have put Zaditen in your eye, keep your eye closed for a minute to keep the medication in your eye so that it absorbs the medication.
• If you use other eye drop medications, make sure you wait at least five minutes between eye drops to make sure that your eyes fully absorb each medication.
• Do not use the eye drops after the expiry date. Do not use it if the eye drop liquid is cloudy or has changed color.

-If you experience irritation, pain, worsening redness, or vision changes in your eye, stop taking the medication and contact your healthcare professional.

• If, after three days of using the medication, your symptoms have not improved or have worsened, talk to your healthcare professional.
• If you miss a dose, do not take two doses at once. Instead, take your dosage as soon as you remember. If it is closer to the time of your next dose, skip this dose and take your next dose at its scheduled time.

The most common side effects of Zaditen seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Eye pain
• Eye irritation
• Somnolence (drowsiness)
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Headache

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Zaditen. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Serious, life-threatening allergic reactions. This would include anaphylaxis.
• Symptoms (of anaphylaxis) could include:
• Urticaria (raised red patches on your skin or hives)
• Swelling of your face, tongue, lips, or throat
• Shortness of breath
• Damage to soft contact lenses
• Zaditen eye drops are not indicated to treat eye irritation that is caused by wearing contact lenses. It contains benzalkonium chloride as a preservative that has been absorbed by soft contact lenses.
• If you wear soft contact lenses, remove them before you use Zaditen eye drops. It is recommended to wait at least 10 minutes after you use the eye drops to wear your contacts again.
• Increased risk of seizures.
• Convulsions have been reported during Zaditen therapy. As Zaditen may lower the seizure threshold, there is a noted contraindication in patients with a history of epilepsy.
• Impairment when driving or using machines
• Your reactions may be impaired during the first few days of treatment with Zaditen. It is recommended that you exercise caution when driving a vehicle or operating machinery.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Zaditen. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Zaditen, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• A hypersensitivity or allergy to Zaditen or any of its ingredients such as magnesium stearate.
• A prescription for other eye medications or eye drops.
• Diabetes.
• Epilepsy or history of seizures.
• Fructose or lactose intolerance.

You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Known hypersensitivity to ketotifen or to any of its excipients.

For conditions like allergic eye symptoms, you may notice some relief within 1 to 2 hours of taking Zaditen.

When Zaditen is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Oral medicines for diabetes
• Medications deal with anxiety or sleepiness (sedatives)
• Antihistamines that treat allergic reactions, including rash, runny nose, or itching.
• Corticosteroids or other medications used to treat asthma such as sodium cromoglycate.

Zaditen eye drops are dosed as 1 drop to the affected eye(s) twice daily.

Ketotifen should be stored at room temperature. Protect it from moisture and ensure that you keep it out of the reach of children.

Zaditen (ketotifen) is manufactured by Novartis, a global healthcare company.

Currently, there are lower-cost generics available.

To stop using Zaditen, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider. Stopping abruptly may cause a return of your symptoms.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.