How does this medication work? What will it do for me?

Ketotifen belongs to the classes of medications called antiallergics and asthma prophylactics. This medication is used in combination with other medications to treat mild allergic asthma in children.

Ketotifen is an anti-allergy medication that helps to reduce asthma symptoms by reducing the body's response to allergens (substances that cause allergic reactions). These allergens can often trigger an acute asthma attack.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are using this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop giving this medication to your child without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as your child. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

What form(s) does this medication come in?

Tablets

Each scored white tablet embossed with the name "ZADITEN" contains ketotifen fumarate 1 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium hydrogen phosphate, magnesium stearate, and maize starch.

Syrup

Each 5 mL of strawberry-flavoured syrup contains ketotifen fumarate 1 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: alcohol, citric acid, methyl-p-hydroxybenzoate, propyl-p-hydroxybenzoate, sodium phosphate, sorbitol solution, strawberry flavour, sucrose, and water.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Diabetes: If you have diabetes, you should be aware that the syrup form of this medication contains 4 g of carbohydrates per 5 mL of syrup. There have also been rare reports of decreased blood cell counts in people taking antidiabetes medications and ketotifen at the same time. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: This medication may cause drowsiness. Parents and guardians should be aware that children may experience drowsiness in the early stages of therapy. They should not perform potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how this medication affects them.

Other asthma medications: Medications used to treat and prevent asthma (e.g., b2-agonists such as salbutamol; sodium cromoglycate; corticosteroids such as beclomethasone, budesonide, and fluticasone) already in use should not be reduced immediately when treatment with ketotifen is started. Follow your doctor's instructions closely.

Seizure: Ketotifen may increase the risk of seizures, particularly if your child has a history of seizures. If you or your child have seizures or a history of seizures, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect this medical condition, how this medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Ketotifen should not be used by anyone who is pregnant or breast-feeding.