Claritin Eye Side Effects
Generic name: ketotifen ophthalmic
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 15, 2025.
Note: This document provides detailed information about Claritin Eye Side Effects associated with ketotifen ophthalmic. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Claritin Eye.
Applies to ketotifen ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.
Serious side effects of Claritin Eye
Along with its needed effects, ketotifen ophthalmic (the active ingredient contained in Claritin Eye) 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 side effects
- Eye redness and swelling
Less common side effects
Other side effects of Claritin Eye
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 side effects
- headaches
- stuffy or runny nose
Less common
- burning or stinging of eyes
- dry eyes
- eyelid disorder
- eye sensitivity to light
- fever, tiredness, achiness, and sore throat
- increase in size of pupils
- sore throat
- tearing.
For healthcare professionals
Applies to ketotifen ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.
General adverse events
The most commonly reported adverse effects have included eye irritation, eye pain, punctate keratitis, and punctate corneal epithelial erosion.[Ref]
Nervous system
Respiratory
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]
Dermatologic
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash, eczema, urticaria
- Postmarketing reports: Contact dermatitis, facial edema, exacerbation of eczema[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
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 (1996) "The in vitro and in vivo ocular pharmacology of olopatadine (AL- 4943A), an effective anti-allergic/antihistaminic agent." J Ocul Pharmacol Ther, 12, p. 389-400
2. (2001) "Product Information. Zaditor (ketotifen ophthalmic)." Ciba Vision Ophthalmics
3. Artal MN, Luna JD, Discepola M (2000) "A forced choice comfort study of olopatadine hydrochloride 0.1% versus ketotifen fumarate 0.05%." Acta Ophthalmol Scandinavica, 78, p. 64-5
4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
More about Claritin Eye (ketotifen ophthalmic)
- Compare alternatives
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: ophthalmic antihistamines and decongestants
- Breastfeeding
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Further information
Claritin Eye side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.