FDA approves ketotifen eye drop

East Hanover, NJ-The FDA has approved the over-the-counter (OTC) use of ketotifen fumarate ophthalmic solution 0.025% (Zaditor) for the temporary prevention of itchy eyes due to allergic conjunctivitis. The drops treat eye itch associated with pollen, ragweed, grass, animal hair, and dander without the potentially negative effects of a decongestant.

"For the first time, patients can get lasting relief over-the-counter without worrying about potential side-effects associated with long-term use of topical decongestants found in other OTC eye itch drops," according to Jane MacEnroe, MD, associate director, medical information and communication, Novartis Ophthalmics.

According to Novartis, one drop provides eye itch relief in minutes, and the relief lasts up to 12 hours.