Eye Drops · Antihistamine + mast cell stabilizer eye drops
Ketotifen (Alaway / Zaditor): OTC Allergy Eye Drops
Brand names: Alaway, Zaditor, Claritin Eye
Last reviewed June 9, 2026 · Medically reviewed by AllergyCenter
Get Ketotifen
Buy generic — OTC
Generic Ketotifen 0.025% Allergy Eye Drops
5 mL bottle (~50 doses)
- Same active ingredient as the brand
- Free shipping (3–5 business days)
- No prescription needed
Secure checkout by Stripe. HSA/FSA cards accepted.
Need a prescription?
Allergist Review — $49
For prescription strengths, combination products, or higher doses.
- Switch to Pataday (olopatadine) for once-daily dosing
- Add an oral antihistamine for systemic allergy symptoms
- Combination plan for chronic allergic conjunctivitis
Reviewed within 24 hours. Rx sent to your pharmacy or shipped to your door.
Ketotifen is an affordable OTC allergy eye drop that works well for itchy, watery eyes from pollen, pets, dust, or other allergens. It blocks histamine and helps prevent more from being released, so it provides fast relief and lasts up to 12 hours per drop.
Standard use is one drop in each eye twice daily. Generic ketotifen costs significantly less than Pataday and works through the same general mechanism.
Quick Facts
- Generic name
- Ketotifen fumarate
- Brand names
- Alaway, Zaditor, Claritin Eye, Refresh Eye Itch Relief
- Drug class
- H1 antihistamine + mast cell stabilizer (ophthalmic)
- Form
- Eye drops
- OTC or Rx
- OTC
- Typical dose
- One drop in each eye, twice daily (every 8–12 hours)
- Age range
- 3+
- Onset of action
- Within minutes; effects last up to 12 hours per dose
TL;DR — At a Glance
- ·Ketotifen (Alaway, Zaditor) is OTC allergy eye drops for itchy, watery eyes.
- ·Twice-daily dosing (vs Pataday’s once daily).
- ·Cheaper than olopatadine — solid first-line choice for eye allergy symptoms.
- ·Works within minutes; effects last about 12 hours per drop.
- ·Common side effects: mild stinging on instillation.
Switching from ketotifen to longer-lasting drops?
If twice-daily dosing isn’t convenient, Pataday gives once-daily coverage. An allergist can also build a combination plan with oral antihistamines for full coverage.
Medical Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed healthcare provider. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without consulting a qualified provider.