From the Guidelines
Ketotifen ophthalmic solution is recommended for allergic conjunctivitis at a dosage of one drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily, approximately 8-12 hours apart, with a standard concentration of 0.025% ketotifen fumarate. This recommendation is based on the properties of ketotifen as a dual-action agent, possessing both antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer activities, which makes it suitable for acute and longer-term treatment of allergic conjunctivitis symptoms 1.
Key Points for Treatment:
- Ketotifen works by blocking histamine receptors to reduce itching and redness while also preventing mast cells from releasing inflammatory mediators that cause allergy symptoms.
- Treatment should continue throughout the allergy season or exposure period.
- Most patients experience symptom improvement within minutes of application, with the full effect developing over several days of consistent use.
- Before application, remove contact lenses (if worn) and wait at least 10 minutes after using the drops before reinserting them.
- Side effects are generally mild and may include temporary burning or stinging, headache, and dry eyes.
Considerations:
- If symptoms worsen or persist beyond 72 hours, medical consultation is recommended.
- Oral antihistamines are generally less effective in relieving ocular allergy symptoms than topical ophthalmic agents and have slower onset of action 1.
- Ocular corticosteroids should be reserved for more severe symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis due to potential vision-threatening side effects 1.
Mechanism and Efficacy:
Ketotifen's dual mechanism of action as both an antihistamine and a mast cell stabilizer makes it particularly effective for both acute symptom relief and ongoing management of allergic conjunctivitis 1. This is supported by studies demonstrating that dual-action agents like ketotifen are more effective in preventing or treating ocular itching than other ocular agents 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Directions Adults and children 3 years of age and older: Put 1 drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily, every 8-12 hours, no more than twice per day. Children under 3 years of age: Consult a doctor. The recommended treatment and dosage for allergic conjunctivitis using Ketotifen is to put 1 drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily, every 8-12 hours, no more than twice per day for adults and children 3 years of age and older 2.
- For children under 3 years of age, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
From the Research
Recommended Treatment and Dosage for Allergic Conjunctivitis using Ketotifen
- The recommended dosage of Ketotifen for allergic conjunctivitis is 0.025% ophthalmic solution, instilled into each eye twice daily 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Ketotifen 0.025% has been shown to be effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, including ocular itching, redness, and tearing 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The efficacy of Ketotifen 0.025% has been compared to other treatments, including desloratadine and levocabastine, and has been found to be superior in some cases 3, 4.
- A study comparing Ketotifen 0.025% and 0.05% found that the 0.025% concentration was more effective and better tolerated 6.
- Another study found that Ketotifen 0.05% was effective in treating seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, but had a slower onset of action and required prolonged use to treat objective signs 7.
Key Findings
- Ketotifen 0.025% ophthalmic solution is a effective treatment for allergic conjunctivitis, with a rapid onset of action and good tolerability 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The combination of Ketotifen with other treatments, such as desloratadine, may improve overall antiallergic efficacy 3.
- Ketotifen has been shown to be bioequivalent to other formulations, including a test formulation of ketotifen fumarate ophthalmic solution 0.025% 5.