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Zyrtec Eye Drops Side Effecs
Zyrtec Eye Drops is a nonprescription product, which means there is not much information available on side effects. However, its active ingredient was once available as a prescription drug, and adverse reactions were studied in clinical trials. Based on problems seen with the prescription version, side effects of Zyrtec Eye Drops could include things like dilated pupils, headache, and sun sensitivity of the eyes.
Just like any medicine, Zyrtec® Itchy Eye Drops (ketotifen ophthalmic solution) can cause side effects. However, not everyone who uses the medication will have problems. In fact, 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.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Zyrtec Eye Drops. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)
Zyrtec Eye Drops is a nonprescription medication, and as with most other nonprescription medications, there is very little detailed information about possible side effects. However, there was once a prescription version of the same medication sold under a different name. Since there is much more information available about prescription medications, this article was based on information from the prescription version of ketotifen eye drops.
The most commonly reported side effects of the prescription version of ketotifen (occurring in 10 to 25 percent of people) included:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headaches
- Eye redness.
Other reported side effects (all occurring in less than 5 percent of people) included:
- Burning or stinging
- Eye discharge
- Dry eyes
- Itching
- Dilated pupils
- Sun sensitivity of the eyes
- Eye pain
- Flu-like symptoms, such as a fever or chills
- Sore throat.
It should be noted that many of these side effects are also symptoms of allergies, and it is possible that they are not really Zyrtec Eye Drops side effects at all.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD