Ketotifen
What is Ketotifen?
Ketotifen is a medication used in managing various conditions, such as asthma and allergic conjunctivitis (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6). It is available in different formulations, including oral tablets, syrup, and eye drops (1) (3) (6). Ketotifen functions by blocking specific substances in the body that trigger inflammation and symptoms related to asthma and allergies (1) (2) (3) (4) (5).
Uses of Ketotifen
Ketotifen's potential health benefits have been extensively studied and include:
- Mitigating the frequency, severity, and duration of asthma symptoms or attacks, particularly in children (1) (2).
- Alleviating allergic/seasonal conjunctivitis symptoms, notably eye itching (3) (6).
Dosage
Ketotifen's dosage varies depending on the condition being addressed and the patient's weight (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6). Typically, for asthma treatment, the standard oral dose is 1mg twice daily (2). For allergic conjunctivitis, the usual prescription is one drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily, spaced 8 to 12 hours apart (3) (6). The treatment duration depends on the specific condition but generally extends over a long term (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6).
Side Effects
While Ketotifen is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects. Oral use may lead to drowsiness, dry mouth, increased appetite, weight gain, among other side effects (1) (2). Eye drops may cause irritation, stinging, burning, and itching (3) (6). Notably, the incidence of adverse events usually decreases significantly after the first year of treatment (5).
Interactions
Ketotifen might interact with certain medications. It's advisable to consult a healthcare professional before combining Ketotifen with other drugs or supplements (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6).
Summary:
Ketotifen is a medication for conditions like asthma and allergic conjunctivitis. Available in oral and ophthalmic forms, it works by inhibiting inflammatory substances in the body. Its therapeutic applications include reducing asthma symptoms in children and easing eye itching due to allergic conjunctivitis. The dosage varies based on the condition and individual factors. Side effects, which may decrease over time, include drowsiness and dry mouth for oral forms, and eye irritation for eye drops. Prior medical consultation is recommended due to potential drug interactions.
Citations:
(1) https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ketotifen-oral-route/description/drg-20064435
(2) https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ketotifen-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20064435?p=1
(3) https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-17383/ketotifen-ophthalmic-eye/details
(4) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketotifen
(5) https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00920
(6) https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604033.html