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.