Ketotifen

Indications

Ketotifen is used for: Allergic conjunctivitis, Allergic conditions, Asthma prophylaxis

Adult Dose

Oral Allergic conditions; Asthma prophylaxis Adult: 1 mg bid up to 2 mg bid, as needed. Alternatively, 0.5-1 mg at night for the 1st few days of treatment to minimise drowsiness.

Child Dose

Allergic conditions; Asthma prophylaxis Tablet Child: 6 mth to 3 yr: 0.5 mg bid; >3 yr: 1 mg bid. Syrup: 6 months to 3 years: 0.25 ml / kg body weight, twice daily (Once in the morning & once in the evening).

Renal Dose

Administration

Should be taken with food.

Contra Indications

Acute asthma attack.

Precautions

May impair tasks requring mental alertness e.g. driving or operating machinery. History of epilepsy. Pregnancy and lactation. Children <3 yr. Lactation: secreted into breast milk, do not use if breastfeeding

Pregnancy-Lactation

Pregnancy Category: safety not established; weigh risk/benefit Lactation: secreted into breast milk, do not use if breastfeeding

Interactions

Reduced platelet count with oral antidiabetics. Potentially Fatal: May potentiate CNS effects of sedatives, hypnotics, antihistamines and alcohol.

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Ketotifen : 1-10% Weight gain (5.3%),Rash (4%),Respiratory infection (4%),Abdominal pain (1.3%),Increased appetite (1.3%),Epistaxis (1.3%),Puffy eyelid (1.3%),Sleep disturbance (1.3%)

Mechanism of Action

Ketotifen selectively and noncompetitively inhibits the release of mediators from cells involved in hypersensitivity reactions. It is also a mast cell stabiliser.