Ketotifen: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What Drug Ketotifen?

What is ketotifen for?

Ketotifen is a drug to relieve allergy symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. Ketotifen is a class of antihistamine drugs, which inhibit the formation of histamine compounds in the body.

Histamine is a compound that can trigger an allergic reaction. Therefore, after taking this medicine allergic reactions such as itchy eyes, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing can slowly subside.

In people with asthma, this drug can help reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of the disease. However, it is important to understand that this drug cannot be used to treat asthma attacks that have already recurred.

Ketotifen is a strong drug. The use of this drug must be prescribed and under the strict supervision of the doctor who treats you. You cannot buy this medication at a pharmacy or drugstore without including a copy of the prescription from your doctor.

How do you use ketotifen?

In order for you to feel the optimal benefits, this drug should not be used carelessly. Make sure you understand the rules for using the following drugs:

Take the drug as a whole

Do not crush, chew, or inhale large capsules or tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.

Also, do not break large tablets unless they have a dividing line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so.

In essence, swallow the drug whole. If you have difficulty swallowing the capsules, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some brands can be opened and the contents sprinkled on a dollop of soft food such as applesauce or pudding.

Don't use a regular tablespoon

Meanwhile, if the doctor gives this drug in liquid form, do not use a regular spoon or glass.

Instead, use a dropper, medicine spoon, or measuring cup that is usually available in the package. If both are not available, do not hesitate to ask the pharmacist or doctor directly.

Time to take medicine

This medicine must be taken after meals. Drink a glass of water afterward to make sure you swallow all the medicine. Try not to lie down for 10 minutes after taking this medicine.

Use this drug regularly to get optimal benefits. So that you don't forget, take this medicine at the same time every day.

If at any time you forget to take this medicine and the next interval for consumption is still far away, it is advisable to do so as soon as you remember. Meanwhile, if the time lag is near, ignore it and don't try to double the dose.

Wash your hands first

This medication is also available as eye drops. Before using this medicine make sure you wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the tip of the dropper or let it touch your eye or other surface.

How to use eye drops

First of all, tilt your head. Look up, and pull down the lower eyelid. Hold the dropper directly over the eye and drop it once on the lower eyelid.

Look down and slowly close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger on the corner of the eye (near the nose) and press gently. This method is done to prevent the drug from flowing out.

Try not to blink and don't rub your eyes.

Make sure the dosage is as recommended

Do not add or reduce doses of medication without your doctor's knowledge. Taking medication that is not according to the rules can increase the risk of side effects.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use it more often than prescribed.

Don't give drugs to other people

Do not give this medicine to other people even if they have symptoms similar to yours. As mentioned earlier, the dosage is adjusted according to the patient's health condition and how their body responds to treatment.

In principle, take this drug exactly as the doctor recommends. Follow all the instructions for using the medicine listed on the prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets carefully. Don't hesitate to ask a doctor if you don't really understand how to use it.

Finally, do not hesitate to seek medical attention immediately if your condition does not improve or is getting worse. If you have any questions, you should also immediately consult a doctor.

How do you store ketotifen?

Ketotifen drugs are best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Ketotifen dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the ketotifen dosage for adults?

• Eye drops: Use 1 drop in the affected eye twice a day.
• Tablet: 1 to 2 milligrams (mg) taken by mouth 2 times a day. Or 0.5 mg to 1 mg at night during the first few days of use to reduce side effects of drowsiness.

What is the ketotifen dosage for children?

• Tablet: children over 2 years 1 mg 2 times a day.
• Syrup: For children 3 years of age or more, the dose is 1 mg (5 mL or 1 teaspoon) 2 times a day. Meanwhile, for children aged 6 months - 3 years the dose is 2 times a day 0.5 mg (2.5 mL or half a teaspoon).

The dosage for each person may be different. The doctor will usually give a dose that is adjusted to the age, health condition, and the patient's response to treatment.

For a more detailed and clearer dose of ketotifen, please consult a doctor directly.

In what dosage is ketotifen available?

This medicine is available in the form of drinking tablets, syrups, and eye drops.

Ketotifen side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to ketotifen?

Each drug has the potential to cause side effects from mild to severe, including this drug.

Some of the most common side effects that people complain about after taking ketotifen include:

• Sleepy
• Dry mouth
• Mild headaches
• Dizzy
• Dry eyes
• Red eye
• A burning sensation in the eyes
• Discharge from the eye (belek)

You should immediately stop treatment and go to a doctor if you experience a severe allergic reaction including:

• Itching all over the body
• Shortness of breath making it difficult to breathe
• Swelling of the face, tongue, lips and throat
• Unusual eye irritation
• The eyes get more itchy even after taking medicine

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you are concerned about the side effects please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Ketotifen Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using ketotifen?

Before using this drug, here are a few things you need to know.

Allergy

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergies. This product may contain active ingredients, which can cause severe allergic reactions or other problems.

Please ask directly to the doctor for more detailed information.

History of certain diseases

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist about your actual condition. This includes if you have or are currently having diseases such as:

• Kidney disease and liver disease
• Diabetes mellitus
• Heart disease
• Gastric or intestinal bleeding
• Blockage in the stomach or intestines
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Glaucoma
• Blood disorders such as porphyria

Certain drugs

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, and herbal products).

You should also tell your doctor if you are currently taking other antihistamines. Because, taking too many antihistamine drugs can cause serious side effects.

Pregnant and breastfeeding

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Use of contact lenses

The drug ketotifen contains benzalkonium chloride, which can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Remove contact lenses before dripping the ketotifen and put them back on again 10 minutes later.

Certain side effects

It is also important to know that this drug can cause drowsiness. Therefore, avoid driving or operating large machinery until the effects of the drug are completely gone.

Is ketotifen safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, or the equivalent of the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) in Indonesia.

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

There are not sufficient studies in women to find out the risk to the baby when the mother takes this drug during breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and potential risks before taking this medication during breastfeeding.

Ketotifen Drug Interactions

What medicines might interact with ketotifen?

Interactions with other drugs can affect how the drug works and increase the risk of dangerous side effects. This article does not list all possible drug interactions.

Record all medicinal products you use (including prescription, non-prescription and herbal medicines) and share them with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor's permission.

Some drugs that can cause interactions include:

• Antidiabetic drugs
• Sedative
• Hypnotic drugs
• Other antihistamine drugs

Can food or alcohol interact with ketotifen?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur.

Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with ketotifen?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Epilepsy
• Kidney illness
• Liver disease
• Glaucoma

There may be other diseases that have not been mentioned above. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all your medical history during the examination.

That way, the doctor can determine other types of drugs that suit your condition.

Ketotifen overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the emergency medical services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.