What is ketotifen?
Ketotifen (hydrogen fumarate) is a medication made synthetically, which is classified as an active principle by medical science and belongs to the line of antihistamine medications for systemic use with an effect on some allergic manifestations, produced by factors exogenous to the human body. . (1)
What is ketotifen used for?
- Ketotifen is an antihistamine that inhibits the release of histamines, leukotrienes and other chemical mediators of the immune system, which are involved in different hypersensitivity reactions, because it blocks the transport of calcium in the cell membrane of mast cells. (2) This produces relief on the allergic manifestations that many patients suffer from.
- It is used to treat:
- Allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis .
- Chronic hives.
- Bronchial asthma of any kind. (3)
- Atopic dermatitis.
- Asthmatic symptoms associated with hay fever .
- Allergic bronchitis .
Dosage and routes of administration of ketotifen
The presentation of ketotifen varies according to the manufacturer’s laboratory and can be in 1 mg or 2 mg tablets, oral suspension (syrup) and eye drops. The route of administration is according to the presentation, being oral and ophthalmic and the dose for information may be as follows:
- Tablets: 1 tablet every 12 hours, in adults or children over 4 years of age.
- Syrup: Children over 3 years of age, a dose equivalent to 0.05 mg/kg of body weight every 12 hours.
- Eye drops: In children over four years of age and adults, apply one drop 2 to 4 times a day.
What products contain ketotifen?
Some of the medicines that contain ketotifen are:
- Keraffler®
- Kedrop®
- Zaditen®
- Asmaral-K®
Keraffler®
- Keraffler® is a medicine that contains hydrogenated ketotifen fumarate, equivalent to 20 mg of ketotifen.
- It is indicated as an oral preventative of asthma and antihistamine, in addition to treating bronchial asthma of any type.
Kedrop®
- Kedrop® is a medication that contains ketotifen as the active ingredient, which comes in the form of eye drops.
- It is used in the temporary treatment of inflammation associated with allergic conjunctivitis .
Zaditen®
- Zaditen® contains ketotifen as an active principle, which is an antiallergic substance in a concentration of 0.25 mg/ml.
- It is used to treat the eye symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.
Asmaral-K®
- Asmaral-k® is a synthetic drug that contains 1 mg of ketotifen, which comes as a tablet.
- It is used in the prophylaxis of bronchial asthma, mainly associated with atopic symptoms.
Ketotifen Side Effects
Treatment with ketotifen may cause some of the following adverse reactions in certain patients :
- Possible allergic reactions due to contact with any component of the formula.
- Cystitis.
- Weight gain.
- Multiform erythema and severe skin reaction.
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome .
- States of excitement, irritability, insomnia and nervousness may appear.
- Dizziness, sedation, or dry mouth may occur.
Important: If during treatment with ketotifen any of these symptoms or another not included in the list appear, please discontinue use of this drug and consult your doctor.
Contraindications and warnings of ketotifen
This medicine is contraindicated in the following circumstances:
- Hypersensitivity to any component of the formula.
- In children under 3 years of age,
- In women during the period of pregnancy or lactation .
To highlight: Provide all information about your health history to your doctor, before starting treatment with ketotifen.
Avoid if you have:
- History of hypersensitivity to ketotifen.
- They drive or operate precision machinery.
- Antibiotic therapy.
Warnings:
- Products such as ketotifen must be administered with a prescription or medical prescription.
- During treatment with this drug, avoid alcohol or other central nervous system depressants .
- There must be constant monitoring in special patients such as diabetics, during treatment with ketotifen.
- This medicine should be kept out of the reach of children.
- Store this drug in a cool, dry place.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.