What is ketotifen good for?

Ketotifen is an asthma medication that, if taken consistently, can reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of symptoms in asthma attacks. It may also reduce the need for other anti-asthma medications. In this article, we will introduce you to the uses of ketotifen tablets, how to use them, side effects, drug interactions and everything you need to know about it. Stay with us until the end of this article from the positive green online pharmacy magazine.

What is ketotifen tablet for?

Ketotifen belongs to a class of antihistamine or antiallergic drugs that are commonly used to treat a wide range of allergies. It is also used to help treat asthma by reducing inflammation in the lungs. Ketotifen tablets contain Ketotifen, which is a type of antihistamine that is used to treat allergies. This drug blocks the effects of a chemical messenger called histamine, which is naturally involved in allergic reactions. In addition, KETOTIFEN is also effective in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever. You are allowed to take this medicine only with a doctor’s prescription.

Be aware that ketotifen is to help prevent and treat asthma attacks. Ketotifen works by inhibiting certain substances in the body that cause inflammation and asthma symptoms.

How to take ketotifen

Ketotifen can be used with or without food. Ketotifen tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water; Do not chew or crush it. Ketotifen eye drops should also be used according to the doctor’s prescription and in the amount determined by him. The syrup form of this medicine should be shaken well before use, then use according to the prescribed dose. The dosage of ketotifen is usually as follows:

• Adults: one tablet of ketotifen 1 mg twice a day
• Children over 3 years of age, 5 ml of ketotifen syrup (1 cup) twice a day
• Infants and children from 6 months to 3 years: usually 0.25 ml of syrup per kilogram of body weight twice a day. Of course, the doctor should determine the exact dose based on body weight.

• If you forget to take a dose of this medicine, you should use the next dose according to the previous routine and strictly avoid doubling the dose in one dose.

Side effects of ketotifen tablets

All drugs may cause unwanted side effects in addition to their desired effects. If you experience the following side effects after taking ketotifen tablets, consult your doctor as soon as possible:

• Shivering
• Cough
• Diarrhea, vomiting or nausea
• Fever
• Feeling sick, such as having a runny nose or sore throat
• Headache
• Joint pain and muscle pain
• Loss of appetite
• Sweating
• Sleep disorder
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

The following side effects are rare in relation to ketotifen tablets:

• Stomach pain, blisters, itchy or red skin, bloody urine, clay-colored stools, heartburn, dizziness, frequent urination, muscle spasms, hives, loss of consciousness, unpleasant breathing, vomiting blood, and yellowing of the eyes or skin.

One of the common side effects of ketotifen is weight gain. Nosebleeds, drowsiness, dry mouth, irritability and swelling of the eyelids are some of the side effects that may happen less.

Symptoms of ketotifen overdose

If you use ketotifen more than the dose prescribed for you, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Blurred vision, confusion, seizures, dizziness, extreme sleepiness, fainting, lightheadedness when standing up, fast or irregular heartbeat, excessive irritability, loss of consciousness, palpitations, sweating, feeling unusually tired.

Drug interactions of ketotifen tablets

Before starting to take ketotifen tablets, you should provide the doctor with a list of all the medications you may be using to prevent drug interactions. Ketotifen may interact with the following medications. Therefore, if prescribed, the doctor may change the dose or frequency of use:

• Ami fampridine
• Bupropion
• donepezil
• pitolisant

Ketotifen tablets may also interact with the following drugs:

• Muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), other antihistamines (such as cetirizine or diphenhydramine), cough relievers (such as codeine or hydrocodone), sleep or anxiety medications (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem).

If you have diabetes, epilepsy or glaucoma and are taking medication, be sure to inform your doctor to avoid drug interactions with ketotifen. Also, inform your doctor if you are using herbal medicines or vitamins.

How to store ketotifen tablets

• Store this medicine in a closed container, at room temperature, away from heat, moisture and direct light.
• Prevent the medicine from freezing and keep it out of the reach of children.

Necessary warnings about taking ketotifen tablets

• If your symptoms worsen while taking ketotifen, you must consult your doctor.
• How often should you visit the doctor to check whether you still need to take ketotifen?
• This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness or loss of consciousness in some people. You should avoid driving or working with machines when taking it.
• Ketotifen syrup or tablets may cause nervous irritability or disrupt sleep. These symptoms may occur especially in children.
• In diabetic patients, the syrup form of this drug may affect the blood sugar level. Be sure to consult your doctor if you have diabetes.
• Before starting to take ketotifen, inform your doctor if you are allergic to any other medicine.

Taking ketotifen tablets during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ketotifen is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women because this drug is included in pregnancy category D; That is, it may bring risks for the fetus or infant. In fact, studies in this field are not enough. So, never use this medicine arbitrarily during this period.

Ketotifen syrup for children

This medicine is usually prescribed for children if they have asthma to prevent breathing problems and wheezing. Along with ketotifen syrup, other anti-asthma drugs such as corticosteroids may also be prescribed to make the treatment more effective. For asthma, the dosage of ketotifen syrup for children is as follows:

• 3 years and older: 5 ml 2 times a day
• From 6 months to 3 years: the dose is determined based on weight. 0.25 ml per kilogram of body weight 2 times a day.

Ketotifen eye drops or ketotifen fumarate drops

Ketotifen fumarate drops are used to prevent and treat itchy eyes due to allergies. This drug is an antihistamine that improves allergy symptoms by blocking histamine.

How to use ketotifen fumarate drops

Do not use this drop for contact lens irritation. If you wear contact lenses, take them out before using this drop. After pouring the drops, wait at least 10 minutes and then put the lens back on. Follow the steps below to use this drop:

• Wash your hands first. Bend the head back and place your finger so that the lower eyelid is pulled down.
• Pour the drop. Release the eyelid and close your eyes. Do not blink and keep the eyes closed for 1 to 2 minutes.

The dosage of this eye drop should be determined by the doctor. But usually it is as follows:

• To prevent itchy eyes due to allergic conjunctivitis in adults and children over 3 years old: one drop in each eye every 8 to 12 hours.
• Children up to 3 years: the dose should be determined by the doctor.

final word

Everything you need to know about ketotifen tablets is provided to you in this article. However, if you have any questions, you can post them in the comments section so that our colleagues at the Green Positive Online Pharmacy can answer you. In the following, we will answer some of your frequently asked questions.

Frequently asked questions about ketotifen