Generic

Ketotifen Fumarate

Indications

Ketotifen is prescribed for the treatment of bronchial asthma as a preventative measure.

• Allergic disorders such as rhinitis and conjunctivitis are treated symptomatically.
• It’s used to treat the itching, discomfort, and tenderness that come with neurofibroma.
• Allergy symptoms such as hay fever and urticaria are treated symptomatically.

Pharmacology

Ketotifen has anti-allergic characteristics and has been utilized in the preventative treatment of asthma in a similar way to sodium cromoglycate. It has antihistamine characteristics as well. Ketotifen has strong anti-anaphylactic effects and is useful for avoiding asthma attacks. Ketotifen has a long-lasting inhibitory effect on histamine reactions, which is distinct from its anti-anaphylactic effects. Ketotifen is as effective orally as a selective mast cell stabilizer delivered by inhalation in asthmatic individuals, according to research. In such tests, antihistamines were unsuccessful. Long-term clinical trials have been conducted to determine the efficacy of Ketotifen. The number, severity, and length of asthma attacks were reduced, and in some cases, the patients were completely free of attacks. It was also possible to gradually reduce corticosteroids and/or bronchodilators. It may take several weeks for Ketotifen’s prophylactic activity to become fully established. Ketotifen will not stop an asthma episode that has already started.

Dosage and Administration

Adults: 1 mg twice daily with food. If necessary the dose may be increased to 2 mg twice daily in severe cases.

For children above 3 years: 1 mg twice daily with food. Patients 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.

Interaction

Sedatives, hypnotics, antihistamines, and alcohol may be amplified by ketotifen. A reversible decrease in platelet count has been documented in a few patients taking Tifen with oral antidiabetic medications, leading to the recommendation that this combination is avoided.

Contraindications

A reversible drop in platelet count has been noted in a few patients taking Ketotifen with oral antidiabetic medication, leading to the recommendation that this combination is avoided. Despite the lack of evidence of a teratogenic impact, Ketotifen is not recommended during pregnancy or when breastfeeding is not possible.

Side Effects

Drowsiness, dry mouth, and slight dizziness may occur at the start of treatment, although they normally go away on their own after a few days.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Ketotifen is not indicated during pregnancy or lactation, despite the lack of evidence of teratogenic effects.

Precautions & Warnings

To avoid an asthma exacerbation, it is critical to continue the previous medication for at least two weeks after commencing Ketotifen. Because of the possibility of adrenocortical insufficiency in steroid-dependent patients, this is especially true for systemic corticosteroids and ACTH. Ketotifen treatment must be complemented by specialized antibiotic therapy if intercurrent infection occurs. Reactions may be impaired on the first day of Ketotifen medication, and patients should be advised not to drive or operate machinery until the effects of Ketotifen treatment on the person are known. Patients should be encouraged to stay away from alcoholic beverages. Sedatives, hypnotics, antihistamines, and alcohol may be amplified by ketotifen.

Therapeutic Class

Cromoglycate & related drugs.

Storage Conditions

Protect from light and store in a cool, dry location. Keep out of children’s reach.

Pharmaceutical Name

Aristopharma Ltd.