Claritin® Eye (
ketotifen ophthalmic solution) is a nonprescription eye drop approved to temporarily relieve eye itching due to
allergies. Specifically, it is approved to treat eye allergies (known medically as allergic conjunctivitis) due to pollen, ragweed, animal hair, grass, and dander.
Claritin Eye is manufactured by Schering-Plough HealthCare Products, Inc.
How Does Claritin Eye Work?
The active ingredient of Claritin Eye is ketotifen.
Ketotifen is an H1 receptor antagonist, commonly known as an antihistamine. It blocks a specific type of histamine receptor in the body known as H1 receptors. Since the symptoms of allergic reactions are partly caused by histamine, Claritin Eye can help prevent or relieve
allergy symptoms.
The active ingredient of Claritin Eye is different from
loratadine, the active ingredient in other Claritin products.
General considerations to keep in mind when using
Claritin Eye include the following:
- This medication comes in the form of an eye drop. It is used in each affected eye(s) twice a day, with 8 to 12 hours between doses.
- If you wear contact lenses, you must remove them to use the drops. In order to prevent the lens from absorbing the preservatives in the medication, be sure to wait at least 10 minutes after using the drops before reinserting the lens. Do not wear your contact lenses if your eye is still red.
- In order to prevent contamination of the drops, do not touch the tip of the dropper to any surface, including the surface of the eye.
- For Claritin Eye to work properly, it must be taken as directed.
There is only one standard recommended dose for this product, regardless of your age, weight, or the severity of your eye
allergies. As is always the case, do not adjust your dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you to do so.
Side Effects of Claritin Eye
Just like any medicine, Claritin Eye can cause side effects. However, not everyone who uses the drug will experience problems. Most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Possible side effects of Claritin Eye include but are not limited to:
(Click Claritin Eye Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
Prior to using Claritin Eye, talk to your healthcare provider if you:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Overdose on Claritin Eye?
It is not clear what exactly to expect from an overdose with this medication. If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should This Medication Be Stored?
Claritin Eye should be stored upright between 68° and 77°F. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Claritin Eye as scheduled, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Strengths of Claritin Eye
Claritin Eye comes in one strength -- Claritin Eye 0.025%, available in a 5-mL bottle.
Can I Buy Generic Claritin Eye?
