Alaway drug: Uses, indications and notes when using

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Allergic conjunctivitis causes very uncomfortable itchy eyes, so patients need to use drugs to treat symptoms, create a sense of comfort, and make it easier to see. One of the drugs prescribed by the doctor is Alaway. So what is Alaway drug and how to use this drug?

1. What disease does Alaway medicine treat?

Alaway is a medicine for the treatment of itchy eyes due to allergies, has a preventive effect and is one of the medicines for seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. Alaway's active ingredient is Ketotifen, which belongs to the group of antihistamines. Therefore, the antiallergic mechanism of Alaway is to block the effects of histamine, a substance secreted to alert the body when an allergen enters. Besides, Alaway drug helps stabilize mast cells, thereby preventing allergic conditions by limiting the body's release of natural substances that cause hypersensitivity.
SEE ALSO: Allergic conjunctivitis takes medicine but does not go away, what to do?

2.How to use medicine to treat itchy eyes due to allergy Alaway Drops

Carefully read the instructions on the product packaging if the user buys the drug himself without a doctor's prescription. In case the doctor diagnoses and prescribes Alaway allergic conjunctivitis, the patient should follow the doctor's instructions.
Each time you use Alaway, please put 1 drop in the itchy eye, 2-3 times daily (may be every 8 to 12 hours) or according to the instructions on the product package. Dosage of Alaway drug depends on the degree of allergy and the patient's ability to respond to the drug.

Note that you should wash your hands before instilling the medicine. To limit contamination, the patient should not touch the tip of the medicine bottle, do not touch the eyes and any other surface directly.
If the patient is wearing contact lenses, consult a doctor if Alaway is indicated. When the doctor allows the patient to continue wearing contact lenses, remove the lenses before using the eye drops and wait at least 10 minutes after each instillation before putting the lenses back on. Do not use allergy eye drops to treat irritation caused by wearing contact lenses.
Steps to use Alaway:
Tilt your head back, bring your eyes up and pull the lower eyelid down to form a drug compartment; Hold the tube just above the eye and put 1 drop in the lower eyelid; Lower your eyes and close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes; Place a finger in the corner of the eye (near the nose) and gently press to help prevent the medication from leaking out; After instilling the drug, the patient should try not to blink or rub his eyes. Patients who have been prescribed Alaway allergy eye medication by their doctor, use it regularly to get the most benefit from this medication. To avoid forgetting to drop your drops, use them at the same time each day.
In patients using Alaway as seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, continue using it as directed until the allergy season is over for the year, even if allergy symptoms disappear. or improved.
If allergies, itchy eyes do not improve or worsen or appear any other unusual signs while using Alaway, the patient should immediately notify the doctor. If the patient is instilled with over-the-counter ketotifen, contact and consult a physician if eye irritation worsens or persists for more than 72 hours.

3.Alaway drug side effects

Possible side effects of Alaway include:
Burning, stinging or eye irritation; Eyes increased sensitivity to light Dry eyes; Eyesore; Red or swollen eyes; Vision related problems; Headache; stuffy nose, runny nose; The mouth has an unpleasant taste. Rarely, Alaway has caused serious allergic reactions when used for treatment. Patients may have other side effects not mentioned above when using Alaway allergy eye drops, then contact your doctor immediately for timely treatment.

4.Prevention of Alaway drug side effects

Before using Alaway, patients should inform their doctor or pharmacist of an allergy to ketotifen. The product may contain other ingredients (the preservative benzalkonium chloride) that can cause allergies or other problems.
After instilling Alaway, the patient's vision may be temporarily reduced. Therefore, do not drive traffic or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can do such activities safely.

Absolutely do not use Alaway for children under 3 years old unless directed by a doctor. For pregnant women, Alaway eye drops are indicated only in cases of necessity. Patients should discuss with their doctor the possible benefits and risks.
There is no evidence that ketotifen passes into breast milk so consult your doctor before giving the medicine to a nursing mother.

5.Alaway drug interactions

If the patient has been prescribed Alaway, the doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and plan to monitor the patient. Therefore, patients should not arbitrarily start, stop or change the dose of any medicine without consulting their doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor about all products the patient is taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal products.
Alaway may be dangerous when swallowed. If the patient has overdosed and has severe symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing, contact the nearest emergency room immediately. Limit exposure to agents that cause allergic conjunctivitis such as pollen, pet dander... and other irritating factors.
If the patient has scheduled drops every day and forgets one drop, use it as soon as possible as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the usual time, do not double the dose to avoid unwanted side effects.

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Reference source: webmd.com