What is Ketotifen?
Ketotifen is an antihistamine that works by reducing the effects of the body's natural chemical histamine. Sneezing, scratching, watery eyes, and a runny nose are all signs of histamine. Ketotifen ophthalmic (for use in the eyes) relieves scratching caused by allergies to dust, pollen, poultry, or other allergens. Ketotifen is an asthma drug that can be taken every day and in combination with other antiasthma drugs. It can help children with asthma attacks or symptoms by reducing the frequency, severity, and length of their attacks. It can also reduce the need for other antiasthma drugs on a regular basis. It is ineffective in both preventing and treating acute asthma attacks.
Ketotifen Uses
This drug is used to prevent and treat allergic/seasonal conjunctivitis, which causes scratching in the eyes. Ketotifen is an antihistamine for the eyes that works by blocking a natural product that causes allergic symptoms (histamine). It's also a mast cell stabilizers, which helps to avoid allergic reactions by reducing the release of natural compounds that cause them. Also, the drug works by preventing the release of certain chemical messengers that can cause inflammation, airway spasms, and other asthma and allergy symptoms.
Ketotifen is a long-term medication for children with asthma to avoid or reduce wheezing and troubled breathing. It is commonly used in conjunction with other asthma drugs (including corticosteroids such as prednisone, inhaled beta-agonists such as salbutamol).
Ketotifen Side Effects
Some of the common & major side effects of Ketotifen are:
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Burnings or stinging of the eye
- Dry eyes
- Eye pain
- Itching
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Rash
- Sore throat
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
- Hyperactivity
- Irritation
Ketotifen can cause some serious side effects and can lead to some serious health problems. Talk with your doctor if you are having any serious problems
Precautions
Before using Ketotifen talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medication-related to it. The drug may contain some inactive ingredients which will cause serious allergic reactions or some other problems. Before using the medication talk with your doctor if you have any medical history such as eye problems, eye itching, eye irritation and lungs disease.
Your vision can become temporarily distorted after taking this medication. Do not drive, operate machinery, or engage in any other operation that needs clear vision until you are certain that you can do so safely. If your child is under the age of three, do not use this drug until your doctor tells you to.
How to use Ketotifen?
This drug should be taken orally twice a day. The tablets should not be crushed or chewed. To be safe, ketotifen must be taken on a daily basis. Make sure you don't miss any doses. The dosage can be gradually increased over the first week to reduce the drug's drowsiness effect. It can take several weeks for the full effects of this medication to become apparent (usually within 10 weeks). Your doctor may gradually reduce the use of other asthma medications after 2 to 3 months of using this drug.
If you are using ketotifen eye drop then follow your doctor’s advice. Apply 1 drop to the affected eye(s) twice a day (every 8 to 12 hours) or as instructed by your doctor or follow the package instructions. Dosage is determined by your medical condition and treatment reaction. Before applying eye drops, make sure your hands are clean. Do not touch the dropper tip or allow it to come into contact with your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination. Remove your contact lenses before using the eye drop. Apply 1 drop in the lower eyelid and look downward. Gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes.
Missed Dose
As soon as you remember, use the missing dose. If it’s time for the next dose, skip the skipped dose and return to the daily dosing schedule. To make up for a missed dose, do not offer a double dose.
Overdose
Overdose of an eye drop can lead to severe side effects like headache, eye irritation and dry eyes. Talk with your doctor immediately if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Warnings for Serious Health Conditions
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
During pregnancy, if you are using this drug then talk with your doctor immediately. The drug should be used if the benefits outweigh the risks. Ketotifen eye drop doesn’t have any side effects while breastfeeding. But before using any medication talk with your doctor immediately.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Fondaparinux vs Heparin:
Ketotifen |
Olopatadine |
|---|---|
| This drug is used to prevent and treat allergic/seasonal conjunctivitis, which causes scratching in the eyes. | Olopatadine is a prescription drug that comes in the form of ophthalmic solutions. The drug is available in various brand-name drugs called pazeo, patanol and pataday. |
| Ketotifen is an antihistamine for the eyes that works by blocking a natural product that causes allergic symptoms (histamine). | Olopatadine ophthalmic (eye) drops are used to treat allergic conjunctivitis, which causes inflammation in the eyes (pink eye). |
Some of the common & major side effects of Ketotifen are:
|
Some of the common and major side effects of Olopatadine are:
|
