ketotifen

1. Antihistamines effect:

• Blocking of H1 histamine receptors
• Immediate relief from itching, sneezing, tear flow
• Works on eyes, nose and skin

**2. Mast cell stabilization:* *

• inhibits degranulation of mast cells
• Less histamine and other inflammatory mediators are released
• Preventive effect with regular application
• This effect only starts after 2–4 weeks

More properties:

• inhibits phosphodiesterase (inflammatory)
• Reduces the eosinophilic activation
• Works bronchodilatatorically on allergic asthma

Initiation of action:

• Antihistamines effect: within 1–2 hours
• Mast cell stabilization: After 2–4 weeks of regular intake

Oral:

• Prophylaxis and treatment of allergic diseases
• Allergic asthma bronchiale (prophylactic)
• Allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis
• Allergic skin diseases

Augen drop:

• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Seasonal and perennial eye symptoms
• Adults and children from 3 years

Especially recommended at:

• Patients who have both eye and nose symptoms
• Prophylactic treatment before pollen season
• Allergic asthma as an additional therapy

Not suitable:

• Oral form: Not first choice for sedation
• Not for acute treatment of asthma attacks

Oral – Adults:

• initial dose: 1 mg in the evening (slowly dosed)
• Maintenance dose: 1 mg in the morning and 1 mg in the evening
• Maximum dose: 2 mg twice a day

Oral – Children (6 months to 3 years):

• 0.5 mg (0.25 ml syrup) twice a day

Augen drop (Zaditen® ophtha):

• 1 drop twice a day in each affected eye
• Morning and evening

Available dosage forms:

• 1 mg capsules / tablets
• 1 mg/5 ml syrup
• 0.25 mg/ml eye drops

Application duration:

• Oral: minimum 2–3 months for full effect
• Eye drops: throughout the allergy season

Oral intake:

• Start in the evening (due to fatigue in the initial phase)
• Slowly increase over 1–2 weeks to full dose
• With or without food
• Don't suddenly drop (slow)

Augen drop:

• Wash hands before application
• Remove contact lenses before (15 minutes wait for typing)
• Add drops to the conjunctive bag
• Keep an eye close
• Tear point 1 minute easy to press

Important notes:

• The oral form makes especially initial tired – start taking in the evening
• Full mast cell stabilizing effect only after 2–4 weeks
• Not suitable for acute treatment of asthma attacks
• Do not drop existing asthma medication

**Ketotifen may not be taken at:* *

• hypersensitivity to ketotifen or other components
• Acute asthma attacks (oral – not effective in case of acute)

Preview at:

• Epilepsy (oral – ketotifen can lower the cramping threshold)
• Simultaneous intake of antidiabetics (oral form can trigger thrombocyte-like states)
• liver or kidney malfunction

Augen drop:

• Preservant can discolor contact lenses
• Do not apply to eye infections without medical clarification

Oral – Frequently (1–10 %):

• fatigue and sedation (especially at the beginning, often after 1–2 weeks)
• Mouth dryness
• Squeeze
• Weight gain (for long-term use)
• Increased appetite

Oral – Occasionally:

• Headaches
• nausea
• Nervosity (in children)
• Sleep disorders

Augendriving – Frequently:

• Easy to burn when dripping
• Eye irritation
• Obscured vision (surrounding)

Augendriving – Occasionally:

• Condensation
• Eye dryness
• Headaches

Oral intake:

• Alcohol and CNS Damping Substances: Enhanced Sedation
• Oral antidiabetics: Possible reversible thrombocytopenia (same)
• Antihistamines: Additive effect
• Sedativa, sleeping pills: reinforced sedation

Augen drop:

• Hard systemic interactions due to low exposure
• Keep your eye drops 5 minutes away