Ketotifen Fumarate Eye Drops: Uses, Brands & Dosage

Ketotifen Fumarate is an anti-allergy eye drop used to relieve the itching and irritation caused by allergic conjunctivitis.

Drug class	Dual-Action (Antihistamine + Mast Cell Stabiliser)
Type	Single
Forms	Eye Drop
Common strength	0.025%
Common Indian brands	Zaditen, Ketotifen 0.025% (multiple generics)
Prescription status	Prescription / OTC in some markets

What Ketotifen Fumarate is used for

Ketotifen Fumarate eye drops are primarily used to treat eye conditions caused by allergies. These drops help in reducing the uncomfortable symptoms associated with allergic reactions in the eyes.

Allergic conjunctivitis
Itchy eyes due to allergies

Allergic conjunctivitis, also known as eye allergy, occurs when your eyes react to something that irritates them, like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or certain cosmetics. When these allergens come into contact with your eyes, your body releases substances that cause inflammation and itching. Ketotifen Fumarate helps to calm this reaction, making your eyes feel more comfortable.

If you experience symptoms like redness, itching, watering, or a gritty sensation in your eyes, especially during certain seasons or after exposure to specific triggers, it might be allergic conjunctivitis. Your ophthalmologist will be able to diagnose your condition and recommend the appropriate treatment, which may include Ketotifen Fumarate eye drops.

How it works

Ketotifen Fumarate works in two important ways to relieve eye allergy symptoms. It is known as a ‘dual-action’ medicine because it tackles the problem from two different angles:

Antihistamine Action: When you come into contact with something you’re allergic to (an allergen), your body releases a natural substance called histamine. Histamine is responsible for many allergy symptoms, including the itching and redness in your eyes. Ketotifen Fumarate blocks the action of histamine, which helps to quickly reduce these symptoms.
Mast Cell Stabiliser Action: Mast cells are special cells in your body that store histamine and other chemicals involved in allergic reactions. When these cells are triggered by an allergen, they release these chemicals, leading to allergy symptoms. Ketotifen Fumarate helps to ‘stabilise’ these mast cells, preventing them from releasing these irritating substances in the first place. This helps to prevent future allergic reactions and provides longer-lasting relief.

By combining these two actions, Ketotifen Fumarate provides both quick relief from existing symptoms and helps to prevent new symptoms from developing, making it an effective treatment for allergic eye conditions.

How it’s used

Ketotifen Fumarate is an eye drop and should be used exactly as prescribed by your ophthalmologist. The typical dosing for this medicine is:

1 drop in the affected eye(s) twice a day.

It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the frequency and duration of use. Do not use more drops than prescribed, and do not stop using the drops without consulting your doctor, even if your symptoms improve. Consistent use is key for effective management of your eye allergy symptoms.

Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling eye drops. Avoid touching the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination. If you are using other eye medicines, wait at least 5-10 minutes between applying different drops to allow each medicine to be absorbed properly.

For detailed instructions on how to correctly instil eye drops, please refer to the ‘General Patient Education’ section below.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

Zaditen
Ketotifen 0.025% (multiple generics)

Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.

Good to know

Prescription eye medicine — use only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or a prescription. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.

Precautions & side effects

While Ketotifen Fumarate is a widely used and generally well-tolerated medicine, it is important to be aware of certain precautions:

Prescription Medicine: Ketotifen Fumarate is a prescription eye medicine in many markets, though it may be available over-the-counter in some. Always use it only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or a prescription.
Do Not Self-Medicate: Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription without consulting your doctor. Your eye condition needs proper diagnosis and treatment by an eye specialist.
Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, your doctor will advise you whether you should remove them before applying the drops and how long to wait before reinserting them. Generally, it is recommended to remove contact lenses before using eye drops and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back in.
Temporary Blurring: You might experience temporary blurring of vision immediately after instilling the drops. If this happens, avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision clears.
Storage: Store the eye drops as directed on the packaging, usually at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Consult Your Doctor: If your symptoms do not improve, worsen, or if you experience any new or unusual eye irritation, pain, or vision changes, contact your ophthalmologist immediately.
Economical and Accessible: Ketotifen Fumarate is widely available and economical, making it an accessible treatment option for many patients.

Understanding Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis, often simply called ‘eye allergy’, is a common condition where your eyes become inflamed due to an allergic reaction. It’s not contagious, meaning you can’t catch it from someone else. When your eyes come into contact with certain substances called allergens – like pollen from trees and grasses, dust mites, pet dander, or even certain perfumes and cosmetics – your immune system overreacts. This overreaction releases chemicals, including histamine, which cause the blood vessels in your eyes to swell, leading to symptoms such as:

Itching (the most common and often most bothersome symptom)
Redness in the white part of the eye
Watery eyes or excessive tearing
Swelling of the eyelids
A gritty or burning sensation
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)

These symptoms can range from mild to severe and can significantly impact your daily comfort and activities. Identifying and avoiding your triggers is an important first step in managing eye allergies. Your ophthalmologist can help you understand your condition and recommend the best course of treatment, which might include anti-allergy eye drops like Ketotifen Fumarate.

Correct Way to Use Eye Drops

Using eye drops correctly is crucial for them to work effectively and to prevent contamination. Follow these steps carefully:

Wash Your Hands: Always start by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water and drying them with a clean towel. This prevents germs from entering your eyes.
Prepare the Bottle: If the bottle is new, check the seal and remove the cap. Do not touch the tip of the dropper.
Position Yourself: Tilt your head back slightly or lie down. You can also look up at the ceiling.
Create a Pouch: Gently pull down your lower eyelid with one finger to create a small pouch.
Instil the Drop: Hold the dropper bottle upside down with your other hand, positioning the tip directly over your eye. Without touching your eye or eyelid with the tip, gently squeeze the bottle to release one drop into the pouch you created.
Close Your Eye: Gently close your eye for 1-2 minutes. Avoid blinking or squeezing your eye shut, as this can push the medicine out.
Apply Pressure (Optional): You can gently press your finger against the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) for a minute or two. This helps to keep the medicine in your eye and prevents it from draining into your tear duct.
Wipe Excess: Use a clean tissue to gently wipe away any excess liquid around your eye.
Replace Cap: Replace the cap on the bottle immediately after use.
Wash Hands Again: Wash your hands again to remove any medicine.

If you need to use drops in both eyes, repeat the process for the second eye. If you are using more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5-10 minutes between each type to ensure each medicine has enough time to be absorbed.

General Eye Hygiene and Storage

Maintaining good eye hygiene is essential, especially when dealing with eye conditions and using eye medicines. Here are some general tips:

Do Not Share Eye Drops: Eye drops are prescribed for individual use. Never share your eye drops with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms, as this can spread infections.
Check Expiry Date: Always check the expiry date on the bottle. Do not use expired eye drops.
Discard After Opening: Most eye drop bottles should be discarded a certain period after opening (usually 28 days), even if there is still medicine left. This is because once opened, the sterility of the drops cannot be guaranteed. Check the instructions on your specific bottle or ask your pharmacist.
Proper Storage: Store your eye drops as directed on the packaging. Generally, they should be kept in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Do not freeze eye drops unless specifically instructed.
Avoid Rubbing Eyes: While it’s tempting, rubbing itchy eyes can worsen irritation and potentially introduce germs. Use your prescribed eye drops for relief instead.
Cleanliness: Keep your hands clean, especially before touching your eyes or applying eye drops. Change your pillowcases regularly.
Cosmetics: If you wear eye makeup, consider avoiding it during an active allergy flare-up or while using eye drops, as cosmetics can sometimes irritate sensitive eyes. Ensure your makeup is not expired.

When to Seek Medical Help: It’s important to know when to contact your ophthalmologist. If your symptoms do not improve after a few days of using the drops, or if they worsen, or if you experience severe eye pain, sudden vision changes, or discharge from your eye, seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of a more serious condition that requires different treatment.

Frequently asked questions

What is Ketotifen Fumarate used for?

Ketotifen Fumarate eye drops are used to treat allergic conjunctivitis and relieve itchy eyes caused by allergies. It helps reduce the redness and irritation associated with eye allergies.

How does Ketotifen Fumarate work?

Ketotifen Fumarate works in two ways: as an antihistamine to quickly block the chemicals that cause itching and redness, and as a mast cell stabiliser to prevent these chemicals from being released in the first place, offering both immediate and long-term relief from eye allergy symptoms.

What are the common brands of Ketotifen Fumarate in India?

In India, Ketotifen Fumarate is available under the brand name Zaditen, as well as multiple generic versions labelled as Ketotifen 0.025% eye drops.

How should I use Ketotifen Fumarate eye drops?

The typical dose is one drop in the affected eye(s) twice a day, or as directed by your ophthalmologist. Always wash your hands before and after use, and avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye or any surface.

Do I need a prescription for Ketotifen Fumarate?

Ketotifen Fumarate is a prescription eye medicine in many markets, though it may be available over-the-counter in some. It is crucial to use it only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.

What precautions should I take while using Ketotifen Fumarate?

Use only as prescribed by your doctor. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying the drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them. You might experience temporary blurred vision after use, so avoid driving until your vision clears. Store the drops as directed and discard them after the recommended period post-opening.

References

Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.

This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.