Ketotifen Fumarate (Oral)
Therapeutic Class: Cromoglycate & related drugs
Indications:
Ketotifen is indicated in the following conditions-
Ketotifen has anti-allergic properties and has been used similarly, to sodium cromoglycate 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 attacks. Ketotifen exerts a sustained inhibitory effect on histamine reactions, which can be clearly dissociated from its anti-anaphylactic properties. Experimental investigations in asthmatic subjects have shown that Ketotifen is as effective orally as a selective mast cell stabilizer administered by inhalation. Antihistamines were ineffective in those tests. The effectiveness of Ketotifen has been studied in long-term clinical trials. Asthma attacks were reduced in number, severity, and duration, and in some cases, the patients were completely freed from attacks. Progressive reduction of corticosteroids and/or bronchodilators was also possible. The prophylactic activity of Ketotifen may take several weeks to become fully established. Ketotifen will not abort established attacks of asthma.
Dosage & Administration:
Adults: 1 mg twice daily with food. If necessary the dose may be increased to 2 mg twice daily in severe cases.
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:
Ketotifen may potentiate the effects of sedatives, hypnotics, antihistamines, and alcohol. A reversible fall in the platelet count has been observed in a few patients receiving Tifen concomitantly with oral antidiabetic agents and it has been suggested that this combination should therefore be avoided.
Contraindications:
A reversible fall in the platelet count has been observed in a few patients receiving Ketotifen concomitantly with an oral antidiabetic agent and it has been suggested that this combination should therefore be avoided. Although there is no evidence of any teratogenic effect, recommendations for Ketotifen in pregnancy or when breastfeeding can not be given.
Side Effects:
Drowsiness and in isolated cases, dry mouth and slight dizziness may occur at the beginning of treatment but usually disappear spontaneously after a few days.
Pregnancy & Lactation:
Although there is no evidence of any teratogenic effect, Ketotifen in pregnancy and lactation is not recommended.
Precautions & Warnings:
It is important to continue the previous treatment for a minimum of two weeks after starting Ketotifen to avoid exacerbating asthma. This applies especially to systemic corticosteroids and ACTH because of the possible existence of adrenocortical insufficiency in the 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 vehicles or machinery until the effect of Ketotifen treatment on the individual is known. Patients should be advised to avoid alcoholic drinks. Ketotifen may potentiate the effects of sedatives, hypnotics, antihistamines, and alcohol.
Overdose:
The reported features of overdosage include confusion, drowsiness, headache, bradycardia, respiratory depression, etc. should be watched for. Elimination of the drug with gastric lavage or emesis is recommended. Otherwise, general supportive treatment is all that is required shall be instituted.
Storage:
Store in a cool and dry place, protect from light. Keep out of the reach of children.
Indications:
Ketotifen is indicated in the following conditions-
- For the prophylactic treatment of bronchial asthma.
- Symptomatic treatment of allergic conditions including rhinitis and conjunctivitis.
- For alleviating the complications of itching, pain, and tenderness associated with neurofibroma.
- Symptomatic treatment of allergy such as hayfever, urticaria.
Ketotifen has anti-allergic properties and has been used similarly, to sodium cromoglycate 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 attacks. Ketotifen exerts a sustained inhibitory effect on histamine reactions, which can be clearly dissociated from its anti-anaphylactic properties. Experimental investigations in asthmatic subjects have shown that Ketotifen is as effective orally as a selective mast cell stabilizer administered by inhalation. Antihistamines were ineffective in those tests. The effectiveness of Ketotifen has been studied in long-term clinical trials. Asthma attacks were reduced in number, severity, and duration, and in some cases, the patients were completely freed from attacks. Progressive reduction of corticosteroids and/or bronchodilators was also possible. The prophylactic activity of Ketotifen may take several weeks to become fully established. Ketotifen will not abort established attacks of asthma.
Dosage & Administration:
Adults: 1 mg twice daily with food. If necessary the dose may be increased to 2 mg twice daily in severe cases.
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:
Ketotifen may potentiate the effects of sedatives, hypnotics, antihistamines, and alcohol. A reversible fall in the platelet count has been observed in a few patients receiving Tifen concomitantly with oral antidiabetic agents and it has been suggested that this combination should therefore be avoided.
Contraindications:
A reversible fall in the platelet count has been observed in a few patients receiving Ketotifen concomitantly with an oral antidiabetic agent and it has been suggested that this combination should therefore be avoided. Although there is no evidence of any teratogenic effect, recommendations for Ketotifen in pregnancy or when breastfeeding can not be given.
Side Effects:
Drowsiness and in isolated cases, dry mouth and slight dizziness may occur at the beginning of treatment but usually disappear spontaneously after a few days.
Pregnancy & Lactation:
Although there is no evidence of any teratogenic effect, Ketotifen in pregnancy and lactation is not recommended.
Precautions & Warnings:
It is important to continue the previous treatment for a minimum of two weeks after starting Ketotifen to avoid exacerbating asthma. This applies especially to systemic corticosteroids and ACTH because of the possible existence of adrenocortical insufficiency in the 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 vehicles or machinery until the effect of Ketotifen treatment on the individual is known. Patients should be advised to avoid alcoholic drinks. Ketotifen may potentiate the effects of sedatives, hypnotics, antihistamines, and alcohol.
Overdose:
The reported features of overdosage include confusion, drowsiness, headache, bradycardia, respiratory depression, etc. should be watched for. Elimination of the drug with gastric lavage or emesis is recommended. Otherwise, general supportive treatment is all that is required shall be instituted.
Storage:
Store in a cool and dry place, protect from light. Keep out of the reach of children.