Ketotifen, tablets 1 mg 30 pcs

Ketotifen has a pronounced antihistamine, weakly antiserotonin action, without anticholinergic effect. In higher doses it has a slightly depressing effect on the central nervous system.

Pharmacodynamics

The mechanism of action of Ketotifen is related to the ability to inhibit the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells due to membrane stabilization and also due to blockade of histamine H1 receptors. Ketotifen inhibits enzyme phosphodiesterase, as a result of which the level of cyclic adenosine monophosphate in mast cells increases.

The drug reduces or suppresses skin and bronchial reactions caused by the antigen, which leads to its use for preventive purposes. When used as monotherapy it does not stop asthma attacks, but leads to reduction of the number, duration and intensity of these attacks, and in some cases they completely disappear. It reduces eosinophilia, reduces the need and frequency of use of anti-asthmatic drugs: corticosteroids, bronchodilators, etc.

Pharmacokinetics

The drug is characterized by good and rapid resorption, without the danger of cumulation in the body. Bioavailability is approximately 50%, which is due to metabolism during “first passage” through the liver.

The time of reaching maximum concentration in plasma is 2-4 hours, and binding to plasma proteins is 75%. Excretion from the body occurs in two phases, and within 48 hours most part of the taken single dose is excreted with urine. Therapeutic effect occurs after 2 weeks of using the drug.

Indications

Active ingredient

Composition

1 tablet contains:

the active ingredient:

ketotifene hydrofumarate 1.38 mg

(corresponds to 1 mg of ketotifen)

excipients:

MCC;

Calcium hydrophosphate;

Wheat starch;

Magnesium stearate

How to take, the dosage

Overly, with meals.

Adults – 1 tablet (1 mg) 2 times a day (morning and evening). For patients with significant sedative effects, a slow increase in dose over the first week is recommended, starting with 0.5 mg in the evening before bedtime, until the therapeutic dose is gradually reached.

In children over 3 years of age, 1 tablet (1 mg) 2 times a day (morning and evening).

The duration of treatment. Treatment is long; therapeutic effect is achieved after several weeks of therapy. Treatment should be carried out for at least 2-3 months, especially in patients who had no effect in the first weeks. Treatment with ketotifen should be discontinued gradually over a period of 2-4 weeks.

Interaction

The use of ketotifen by patients who have been systemically treated with corticosteroids requires a gradual reduction of prior corticosteroid therapy, since there is a risk of adrenal insufficiency.

The combination with oral antidiabetic agents sometimes leads to the development of thrombocytopenia.

The simultaneous use of Ketotifen and sedatives, hypnotics, antihistamines and alcohol may increase their effects.

Special Instructions

Patients taking ketotifen should refrain from potentially dangerous activities involving increased attention (e.g., driving).

The drug may be used during lactation only if necessary, because it passes into breast milk.

Contraindications

There are no absolute contraindications.

Do not take the drug in pregnancy, simultaneously with taking oral antidiabetic drugs, which may lead to thrombocytopenia; with sedatives and alcohol.

Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Side effects

Drowsiness, dry mouth, mild dizziness, fatigue, slowed mental reactions may occur in the first few days, usually disappearing after a few days. A lower dose (5 ml per day) for the first week is recommended. Increased appetite and associated weight gain are less common.

Patients taking ketotifen should refrain from potentially hazardous activities involving increased attention (such as driving).

The drug may only be used during lactation if necessary because it passes into breast milk.

Overdose

Mild limb tremors, restlessness, and tachycardia may occur with increasing doses, but these may go away after decreasing the dose.