Ketotifen is a medicine to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing , runny nose, or nasal congestion. Ketotifen is available in tablet and syrup form which can be purchased with a doctor's prescription.
Ketotifen is an antihistamine that works by stopping the effects of histamine, which are compounds that cause allergy symptoms. Histamine will increase when the body is exposed to allergy-triggering substances (allergens).
In addition to treating the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, ketotifen can also be used as an additional asthma therapy. This drug is useful for reducing the frequency, duration, and severity of asthma. However, keep in mind that ketotifen is not effective when used to prevent or treat acute asthma attacks.
Ketotifen trademarks: Astifen, Ertifen, Intifen, Profilas, Scanditen, Tosma, Zaditen
What is Ketotifen
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Antihistamine |
| Benefit | Relieves symptoms of allergic rhinitis and adjunctive therapy for asthma |
| Consumed by | Children aged ≥6 months to adults |
|
Ketotifen for pregnant and lactating women |
Category C: Studies in experimental animals show an adverse effect on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.
Ketotifen can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medication without consulting your doctor. |
| Drug form | Tablets and syrup |
Warning Before Taking Ketotifen
Ketotifen should only be used according to a doctor's prescription. Before using this drug, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Do not take ketotifen if you have an allergy to this drug. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have had or currently have liver disease, epilepsy , kidney disease, enlarged prostate , intestinal obstruction, glaucoma , diabetes, or porphyria .
- Do not drive or do activities that require alertness after taking ketotifen, because this drug can cause drowsiness and dizziness.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while undergoing treatment with ketotifen, because it can increase the risk of side effects.
- Tell your doctor that you are using ketotifen before having any medical procedure, including allergy testing.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking other medications, including supplements and herbal products, to avoid drug interactions. Ketotifen should not be used in people taking antidiabetic drugs.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are
- Immediately to the doctor if there is an allergic drug reaction or overdose after using ketotifen.
Dosage and Rules for Using Ketotifen
The dose of ketotifen given by the doctor depends on the condition and age of the patient. The following is the general dosage for using ketotifen based on the patient's condition:
Condition: Allergic rhinitis
- Adults and children ≥3 years: 1 mg 2 times a day. If needed, the dose may be increased to 2 mg twice daily.
Condition: Asthma
- Adults and children ≥3 years: 1 mg tablet, 2 times a day, taken in the morning and evening.
- Children aged 6 months to 3 years: 0.05–0.11 mg/kg, 2 times a day, consumed in the morning and evening.
How to Take Ketotifen Properly
Follow the doctor 's recommendations and read the information listed on the drug packaging label before taking ketotifen. Do not reduce or increase your dose without consulting your doctor first.
Tell your doctor if you are on a low-sugar diet, because ketotifen syrup contains carbohydrates. The doctor will determine and adjust the treatment to your condition.
Take ketotifen with food or at meals. Swallow the tablets intact with the help of plain water, without splitting or chewing them first.
For ketotifen syrup, shake the bottle before consuming the drug. If you have one, use the measuring spoon or measuring device that comes with the medicine package.
If you forget to take ketotifen, consume it immediately if it is not yet close to the schedule for taking the next drug. If it is close, ignore the missed dose and do not double the dose at a later time.
In some people, the use of ketotifen can make the skin more prone to sunburn. Therefore, it is better to use sunscreen when doing outdoor activities during the day.
Store ketotifen in a cool place and avoid direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.
Interactions of Ketotifen with Other Drugs
There are several drug interactions that can occur if ketotifen is used simultaneously with other medicines, including:
- Lowering the number of platelets (platelets) if taken with anti-diabetic drugs
- Increase the side effects of sedatives or sleeping pills if used simultaneously or in the near future
Side Effects and Dangers of Ketotifen
Some of the side effects that may arise after consuming ketotifen are:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Dizzy
- Nervous
- Weight gain
- Nosebleed
Consult a doctor if the side effects above do not subside or get worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Fever, chills, sore throat
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes ( jaundice )
- Feeling unwell, such as pain in the joints and muscles
- seizures
- Nystagmus
- Heart rate too fast or too slow
- dazed
- Easy bruising or bleeding