According to Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Zaditor® (ketotifen fumarate ophthalmic solution 0.025%), prescribed for the temporary prevention of itchy eyes due to allergic conjunctivitis has been endorsed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for over-the-counter use. Eye allergies affect around 40 million people in the U.S. This includes allergy due to seasonal allergens like pollen and ragweed, or perennial allergens like animal hair or pet dander.

While most OTC products provide only 3-4 hours of short-term relief, Zaditor's full prescription strength formula offers eye itch relief that works in minutes and lasts up to 12 hours with just one drop. This significantly reduces the number of doses required per day to keep affected eyes itch-free. In addition, Zaditor is the first OTC eye itch medication safe for use in children as young as three.

"Now for the first time, people who suffer from itchy eyes caused by allergens such as pollen or pet dander can get fast, long-acting relief over-the-counter with Zaditor," says Marion Morton, Head of the US Novartis Ophthalmics Business Unit. "Because Zaditor is now available at full prescription strength without a prescription, consumers can save time and money without sacrificing long-lasting symptom relief."

Zaditor is the only OTC drop to treat eye itch associated with pollen, ragweed, grass, animal hair and dander without the potentially negative effects of a decongestant. Many OTC eye drops contain topical decongestants, which constrict the blood vessels to reduce the appearance of redness in the eye. With regular use, these products can interfere with the eye's natural ability to regulate the blood vessels, resulting in a continued redness for a period of time after discontinuation (rebound effect). Zaditor does not contain a decongestant and may be used without risk of rebound redness.