Alaway
It is the brand name of ketotifen and is a first-generation mast cell stabilizer and noncompetitive H1-antihistamine.
This medicine relieves itchy eyes due to allergies and works by reducing the effects of the natural chemical histamine in the body.
Histamine is an organic compound found in the human body which is most known for its important role in the inflammatory response.
Uses
It is a drug that is typically used for relieving eye itching related to allergies. Allergic conjunctivitis is an eye inflammation that is caused by an allergic reaction to substances, such as – mold spores or pollen.
More than 20 percent of the population suffers from allergic conditions, most frequently environmental allergies. Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis (also called pink eye) may include:
- body aches;
- discharge and tenderness of the eye;
- itchiness;
- swelling of the eyelids;
- discharge may cause eyelids to stick together while sleeping;
- redness of the inner eyelids or the eye;
- discomfort in the eye;
- sensitivity to light.
Note – infection usually starts with one eye, however, it can quickly spread to the other eye in cases of bacterial or viral conjunctivitis.
Dosage
Use this medicine as directed by your healthcare professional or the package instructions. The usual recommended dose is 1 drop on the affected eye(s), two times per day (every 12 hours).
Do not touch the tip of the container to any surface in order to avoid (bacterial or viral) contamination.
Also, you should wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting contact lenses after use or remove contact lenses before use. This medicine is recommended for adults and children 3 years and older.
Ingredients
Ingredients found in this medicine include – Benzalkonium Chloride (0.01 percent), Ketotifen (0.025 percent), Sodium Hydroxide Acid, Glycerin, and Water.
Side Effects And Precautions Of Ketotifen
Common side effects may include:
- a runny nose;
- headaches;
- eyelid problems;
- the burning of the eye;
- sensitivity to light;
- a sore throat;
- flu-like symptoms;
- rash;
- blurred vision;
- problem with tear production;
- dry eyes;
- eye discharge.
Rare side effects may include:
- itching which lasts more than 72 hours;
- redness of the eyes;
- changes in vision;
- eye pain.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Because there are no conclusive clinical studies about the use of this medicine by pregnant or lactating women, it is recommended to tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or plan on getting pregnant.
Drug Interactions
There are no known drug interactions with this medication.
Zaditor
It is the brand name of ketotifen, a drug that belongs to a group of medications called antihistamines. It works by decreasing the release of histamine from cells in the human body and blocking histamine receptors.
In addition to blocking histamine receptors, this drug seems to inhibit other substances produced by the human body in response to an allergen, like – eosinophils or leukotrienes.
Uses
It is used to treat the signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis caused by an allergy to pollen, dust, animals, or other allergens. Furthermore, it can be used to prevent the itching of the eyes caused by allergies.
Dosage
Use this medicine as directed by the package instructions or your healthcare professional. The usual dose is 1 drop to the affected eye(s), two times a day.
Wait at least 15m before putting your lenses back in or remove them before instilling the drops (if you wear soft contact lenses).
You should also wash your hands thoroughly with water and soap before and after the use of this medicine. Do not use this drug in children younger than 3 years.
Side Effects And Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- increased sensitivity to light;
- dryness of the eyes;
- stinging, mild burning, or eye irritation.
Rare side effects may include:
- severe itching of the eyes (considerably worse than before using the drug);
- vision changes;
- eye pain;
- eyelid swelling.
Some people may experience an allergic reaction (very rare). Sings and symptoms include:
- severe dizziness;
- difficulty breathing;
- swelling of the face/tongue/throat;
- skin rash.
To make sure this is the right medicine for you, tell your healthcare provider:
- if you are pregnant or breastfeeding;
- if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other eye product;
- if you wear soft contact lenses.
Alaway vs Zaditor – Which Over-The-Counter Eye Drop Is Better For The Treatment of Ocular Allergy?
Both these medicines have the same active ingredient: ketotifen. Their price is also similar, therefore, you can choose which one is best for you or let your doctor decide.
Note – the active ingredient in these medicines is an antihistamine. Histamine is a compound that can produce symptoms of itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.
However, we require histamine for digestion since it is the trigger for the release of gastric acid. Moreover, histamine plays an important role in brain function, because it is a neurotransmitter.
6 Natural Remedies For Allergic Conjunctivitis (Pinkeye)
#1 Eyebright
Eyebright (scientifical name – Euphrasia Officinalis) is a medicinal herb that belongs to the Figwort family. Eyebright effectively calms swollen mucous membranes and shrinks any irritated tissues because of its potent antiseptic properties.
#2 Turmeric
Turmeric is a plant that has a very long history of medicinal and culinary use, dating back nearly 4000 years.
Also, in the last decade, more than 70 clinical trials have tested curcumin (the main compound in turmeric) against a variety of diseases.
#3 Use A Cold Compress
Application of cold compress around the affected eye(s) will give you relief. Moreover, the moisture will help remove any sticky or crusty discharge, especially in the morning after it has built up overnight.
#4 Green Tea
Green tea has been consumed and renowned for its amazing health benefits for millennia in Asia.
The bioflavonoids present in green tea relieve inflammation and irritation caused by allergic conjunctivitis while fighting viral and bacterial infections.
#5 Saline Eye Drops
It will keep the eyes clean and soothe the itchy pain of allergic conjunctivitis.
#6 Nutrition
If you experience this pink eye regularly, you should increase your intake of food rich in vitamin A and vitamin B2 like:
- spinach;
- kale;
- asparagus;
- flax seeds;
- pistachios;
- nuts;
- mangoes;
- carrots;
- tomatoes;
- papayas;
- almonds;
- pumpkin;
- bananas;
- almond;
- sunflower seeds;
- tamarinds;
- red bell peppers;
- cashews;
- radishes;
- lentils;
- cauliflower;
- grapefruits;
- red grapes;
- sweet potatoes;
- pine nuts;
- beet greens;
- oranges.
Images credit – Shutterstock & Getty
READ THIS NEXT: Meningitis vs Flu – Symptoms
References https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0010839/ http://www.druglib.com/druginfo/zaditor/abstracts/ http://www.alaway.com/benefits.aspx https://www.drugs.com/pro/zaditor.html