What Are Zyrtec Eye Drops?
Zyrtec® Itchy Eye Drops (
ketotifen ophthalmic solution) is an eye drop used to 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 and dander, or grass.
This medication is available without a prescription.
Who Makes Zyrtec Eye Drops?
This product is manufactured by McNeil Consumer Healthcare.
How Does This Medication Work?
Zyrtec Eye Drops contains an antihistamine (ketotifen).
Ketotifen is an H1 receptor antagonist. This means that 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, Zyrtec Eye Drops can help prevent or relieve
allergy symptoms.
The active ingredient of Zyrtec Eye Drops is different from
cetirizine, the active ingredient in other Zyrtec products.
When and How to Take Zyrtec Eye Drops
General considerations to keep in mind when using
Zyrtec Eye Drops include the following:
- This medication comes in the form of an eye drop. It is used in the affected eye(s) twice a day, with 8 to 12 hours between doses.
- 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.
- 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.
- For the medicine to work properly, it must be taken as directed.
There is only one standard recommended dose for this product, regardless of your age, your weight, or the severity of your eye
allergies. As is always the case, do not adjust this amount unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you to do so.
Side Effects of Zyrtec Eye Drops
Just like any medicine, Zyrtec Eye Drops can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes 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 reactions are less common.
Possible side effects of Zyrtec Eye Drops include but are not limited to:
(Click Zyrtec Eye Drops 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?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication 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 Take an Overdose?
It is not clear what exactly to expect from an overdose with Zyrtec Eye Drops. If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Zyrtec Eye Drops Be Stored?
Zyrtec Eye Drops 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 Zyrtec Eye Drops 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.
This product comes in one strength --
Zyrtec Itchy Eye Drops 0.025%, available in a 5-mL bottle.
Can I Buy Generic Zyrtec Eye Drops?
