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Alaway Side Effects

Generic name: ketotifen ophthalmic

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 14, 2024.

Note: This document contains side effect information about ketotifen ophthalmic. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Alaway.

Applies to ketotifen ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

Serious side effects of Alaway

Along with its needed effects, ketotifen ophthalmic (the active ingredient contained in Alaway) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking ketotifen ophthalmic:

More common

Less common

Other side effects of Alaway

Some side effects of ketotifen ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Less common

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to ketotifen ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

Ocular

Common (1% to 10%): Irritation, pain, punctate keratitis, punctate corneal epithelial erosion

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Blurred vision, dry eye, eyelid disorder, conjunctivitis, photophobia, conjunctival hemorrhage

Postmarketing reports: Swelling, eyelid pruritus, edema[Ref]

Ketotifen instillation was associated with mild to moderate burning or stinging in 98% of patients (n=35) in one trial.[Ref]

Nervous system

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Headache, somnolence

Postmarketing reports: Dizziness[Ref]

Respiratory

Postmarketing reports: Exacerbation of asthma[Ref]

General

The most commonly reported adverse effects have included eye irritation, eye pain, punctate keratitis, and punctate corneal epithelial erosion.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash, eczema, urticaria

Postmarketing reports: Contact dermatitis, facial edema, exacerbation of eczema[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dry mouth[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity, allergic reactions

Postmarketing reports: Exacerbation of preexisting allergic conditions[Ref]

References

1. Yanni JM, Stephens DJ, Miller ST, Weimer LK, Graff G, Parnell D, Lang LS, Spellman JM, Brady MT, Gamache DA. The in vitro and in vivo ocular pharmacology of olopatadine (AL- 4943A), an effective anti-allergic/antihistaminic agent. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 1996;12:389-400.

2. Product Information. Zaditor (ketotifen ophthalmic). Ciba Vision Ophthalmics. 2001;PROD.

3. Artal MN, Luna JD, Discepola M. A forced choice comfort study of olopatadine hydrochloride 0.1% versus ketotifen fumarate 0.05%. Acta Ophthalmol Scandinavica. 2000;78:64-5.

4. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.