What is the presentation of Alaway (ketotifen), an antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer?

From the Guidelines

Alaway (ketotifen) is a dual-action agent that presents as an antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer, providing quick relief from allergic eye symptoms within minutes, and can be used for up to 12 weeks continuously. According to the most recent evidence [ 1 ], for allergic eye symptoms, apply one drop in each affected eye twice daily, approximately 8-12 hours apart. Before application, wash hands thoroughly, tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid to form a pocket, and place one drop in the pocket without touching the dropper to your eye. Close your eyes for 1-2 minutes after application to allow proper absorption. Alaway works by blocking histamine receptors and stabilizing mast cells, preventing the release of inflammatory chemicals that cause allergy symptoms like itching, redness, and tearing.

Some key points to consider when using Alaway include:

• If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Alaway and wait at least 10 minutes before reinserting.
• If symptoms persist beyond two weeks of regular use or worsen, consult a healthcare provider as this may indicate a more serious condition requiring different treatment.
• Alaway is available in single-use vials or multi-dose bottles, and contains ketotifen 0.025%.
• The medication can be stored in the refrigerator, as the cooling sensation upon instillation of the eye drop can provide symptomatic relief [ 1 ].

It's also important to note that Alaway is classified as a dual-action agent, which means it possesses both antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer activities [ 1 ]. This makes it suitable for acute and longer-term treatment of allergic conjunctivitis symptoms. Additionally, the use of topical mast-cell inhibitors, such as Alaway, can be helpful in alleviating the symptoms of allergic rhinitis [ 1 ].

From the FDA Drug Label

Active ingredient Ketotifen (0.025%) (equivalent to Ketotifen Fumarate 0.035%) Now OTC! ANTIHISTAMINE EYE DROPS UPTO 12 HOURS EYE ITCH RELIEF FOR TOPICAL OPHTHALMIC USE ONLY.

The presentation of Alaway (ketotifen) is antihistamine eye drops for topical ophthalmic use.

• The active ingredient is Ketotifen (0.025%), equivalent to Ketotifen Fumarate 0.035% 2.
• It is available as a sterile solution 2.

From the Research

Presentation of Alaway (Ketotifen)

• Alaway, also known as ketotifen, is an antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer used to treat allergic conjunctivitis 3, 4, 5.
• It is available as an ophthalmic solution, typically administered twice daily 5.
• Ketotifen has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, including itching, redness, tearing, and eyelid swelling 3, 4, 5.
• Compared to other treatments, such as olopatadine, ketotifen has been found to have a similar or superior efficacy in relieving symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis 4, 5.
• Ketotifen has also been found to have a good safety profile, with few adverse events reported, including burning/stinging and headache 5.

Mechanism of Action

• Ketotifen works by blocking the release of histamine and other mediators from mast cells, which contributes to the inflammatory response in allergic conjunctivitis 3.
• It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce the severity of symptoms 3.

Comparison to Other Treatments

• Ketotifen has been compared to other treatments, such as olopatadine and fluticasone furoate, in several studies 6, 4, 5.
• These studies have found that ketotifen is a effective and well-tolerated treatment for allergic conjunctivitis, with a similar or superior efficacy to other treatments 6, 4, 5.