Note: This document contains side effect information about ketotifen ophthalmic. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Refresh Eye Itch Relief.
Applies to ketotifen ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.
Serious side effects
Along with its needed effects, ketotifen ophthalmic (the active ingredient contained in Refresh Eye Itch Relief) 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
- Eye redness and swelling
Less common
- Eye discharge
- eye discomfort
- eye pain
- hives
- increased itching of eyes
- rash.
Other side effects
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
- 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.
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]
