Ketotifen is a type of asthma medication which, when taken every day and used along with other antiasthma medications, may reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of asthma symptoms or attacks in children. It may also lead to a reduction in daily requirements of other antiasthma medications.
Indication:
Ketotifen is used for the prophylactic treatment of bronchial asthma, symptomatic treatment of allergic conditions including rhinitis and conjunctivitis.
Ketotifen has antiallergic properties and has been used similarly, to Sodium Chromoglycate in the prophylactic treatment of asthma. It also has the properties of an antihistamine. Ketotifen possesses marked anti-anaphylactic properties and is effective in preventing asthmatic attack. Ketotifen exerts sustained inhibitory effect on histamine reactions, which can be clearly dissociated from its antianaphylactic properties.
Usage:
Adults: 1 mg twice daily with food. If necessary the dose may be increased to 2 mg twice daily in severe cases.
Children above 2 years: 1 mg twice daily with food. Patient’s known to be easily sedated should begin treatment with 0.5 to 1 mg at night for the first few days or as directed by the physician.
Use in elderly: Same as adult dose or as advised by the physician.
Precautions:
It is important to continue the previous treatment for a minimum of two weeks after starting Ketotifen to avoid the possibility of exacerbation of asthma. This applies specially to systemic corticosteroids and ACTH because of the possible existence of adrenocortical insufficiency in steroid dependent patient. If intercurrent infection occurs, Ketotifen treatment must be supplemented by specific antimicrobial therapy. During the first day of treatment with Ketotifen, reactions may be impaired and patients should be warned not to take charge of vehicle or machinery until the effect of Ketotifen treatment on the individual is known. Patient should be advised to avoid alcoholic drinks. Ketotifen may potentiate the effects of sedatives, hypnotic, antihistamines and alcohol.
Side effects:
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
