Allergan expands Refresh line with new formula for eye allergies

Allergan Inc. has expanded its artificial tears and eye drops product offerings with the addition of ketotifen fumarateophthalmic solution (Refresh Eye Itch Relief), an over-the-counter eye drop for patients with itchy eyes due toallergies.

"[This antihistamine eye drop] offers allergy sufferers quick, sustained relief from itchy eyes with the same efficacy as theoriginal prescription formulation of ketotifen fumarate ophthalmic solution," said Joseph Schultz, Allergan's senior vicepresident of sales and marketing, U.S. Eye Care.

The triple-action formula provides a potent antihistamine effect to offer relief in minutes; mast cell stabilization tosustain relief for up to 12 hours; and eosinophil inhibition to prevent late-phase allergic reaction, said the company in aprepared statement. The company has said the product is safe for adults and children ages 3 and older.