Allergies are very common in the modern world. Signs of this disease are nasal congestion, frequent sneezing, redness of the eyelids and eyes, etc. Now the pharmaceutical market is ready to offer many different allergy medications. One of them is Ketotifen. The drug is available in several forms, so it is suitable for both children and adults.
Instructions for use with Ketotifen will be presented below.
Description and effect of the drug
Available in three versions: eye drops, syrup and tablets. The active substance of the drug is of the same name. Ketotifen also contains adjuvants such as lactose monohydrate.
The drug belongs to the category of antihistamines. This drug reduces the activity of a number of endogenous substances that are the cause of the inflammatory process. Thus, Ketotifen has an anti-inflammatory effect. As a result of clinical studies, a number of properties of ketotifen have been identified, which determine its anti-asthma effect. Among them:
1. Slowing the activity of pathogens of allergies, namely leukotrienes and histamines.
2. Reducing the effect of antigen on eosinophils. This is due to the participation of recombinant human cytokines. Thus, it is possible to avoid the entry of eosinophils into the inflamed area.
3. Prevention of the development of hyperreactivity of the respiratory function, which occurs against the background of platelet activity or is provoked by neurogenic activation as a result of the use of sympathomimetics or direct contact with an allergy-causing object.
According to the instructions for use, "Ketotifen" is an anti-allergic drug with the properties of non-competitive blockade of H 1 - histamine receptors.
Indications for use
The drug is prescribed to patients with the following diseases:
1. Bronchial asthma, which occurs as a result of atopic dermatitis in acute form.
2. Hay fever.
3. Urticaria.
4. Allergies to drugs or certain foods.
5. Rhinitis as a complication of allergies.
6. The inflammatory process in the mucous membrane of the eyes as a result of allergies.
7. Allergic conjunctivitis.
Indications for Ketotifen should be strictly observed.
Contraindications
Before using the drug, you should carefully study the attached instructions, since the drug has a number of contraindications. So, this drug is not prescribed to patients in the following situations:
1. Pregnancy and the lactation period.
2. Children's age up to six years.
3. Individual reaction to the active substance of the drug.
It is necessary to take tablets with caution in patients who have liver problems, in particular organ dysfunction, as well as in the presence of epilepsy.
Dosage of "Ketotifen"
In the form of tablets, the drug is taken after a meal of 1 mg twice daily. If an allergic reaction is in an exacerbated phase, then the daily dosage is doubled.
For children, the dosage regimen is determined individually - most often, pediatricians prescribe Ketotifen in the form of syrup for children under 6 years of age. It should be noted that the drug must be taken for a rather long time, since it does not begin to act immediately. The usual duration of the course of taking "Ketotifen" can reach three months.
The drug should be discontinued gradually, since a sharp refusal to take it can lead to a deterioration in the patient's condition. It is optimal to gradually and systematically reduce the daily dosage to be taken to a minimum within two weeks.
If the patient’s condition does not change for the better after two weeks of taking the Ketotifen medication, you should consult a specialist. Sometimes you may need to adjust the dosage upward. In some cases, it is necessary to choose another drug.
Side effects and overdose
Side effects of the drug are quite rare. However, sometimes negative reactions such as:
1. Drowsiness, lethargy, apathy and lethargy, rapid fatigue and dizziness.
2. Constipation, pain in the stomach, flatulence, dry mouth, nausea and vomiting.
3. The inflammatory process in the bladder, dysuric phenomena and other manifestations of disorders in the urinary system.
4. Allergic reactions, a decrease in platelet levels in the blood.
We examined the side effects of Ketotifen, but what happens with an overdose?
Exceeding the prescribed dosage and instructions by the doctor can lead to the development of certain clinical symptoms of an overdose:
1. Bradycardia.
2. Confusion.
3. Lowering blood pressure.
4. Inhibition of certain reflexes and psychomotor functions.
5. Convulsive syndrome.
6. Blue skin.
7. In especially severe cases, coma.
According to the instructions for use with "Ketotifen", if signs of an overdose are manifested, it is necessary to immediately rinse the stomach, causing vomiting and conduct therapeutic actions using enterosorbents. However, such measures are effective only if the intake of a large number of tablets has occurred recently. If the patient has a convulsive syndrome, then benzodiazepines should be administered and symptomatic therapy should be prescribed.
Special recommendations
As mentioned above, due to the prolonged action, the course of “Ketotifen” is quite long. Visible improvements occur a few weeks after the start of administration.
It is impossible to cancel sharply other taken drugs, especially when it comes to corticosteroids. You should gradually switch to "Ketotifen", as otherwise a sharp change in the drug can lead to adrenal dysfunction. This condition is quite dangerous, and it may take up to a year to restore the connection between the adrenal glands and the pituitary gland. For this reason, doctors recommend gradually reducing the dosage of the previous drug, while adding “Ketotifen”.
If an infectious disease of bacterial origin joins during the administration, antibiotic therapy is prescribed in addition. Abrupt withdrawal of the drug can cause spasm in the bronchi.
During treatment with "Ketotifenum" you should regularly visit your doctor. This is due to the possibility of developing convulsive syndrome while taking the drug. Experts do not recommend prescribing the drug for epilepsy, or use it with the greatest possible care.
Before testing for allergic reactions, the drug should be discontinued in approximately two weeks. Ketotifen is incompatible with alcohol, so these drinks should be discarded.
As for the effect on the intrauterine development of the fetus during pregnancy, it is not proven. Therefore, for pregnant women, the drug is usually not prescribed. The same applies to the period of breastfeeding. If there is an urgent need for the drug, lactation must be canceled for the period of treatment.
“Ketotifen” is able to reduce the reaction and psychomotor functions of a person, therefore it is not recommended to drive a car or perform work that requires a high concentration of attention during the period of treatment with the drug.
Interaction
What else does the application instruction for Ketotifen tell us? With simultaneous administration of sedative and hypnotic drugs, the effect of the latter is enhanced. Taking the drug with drugs containing ethanol, or combining it with alcohol can lead to severe liver damage, as well as have a depressing effect on the central nervous system.
Also, the simultaneous use of Ketotifen with insulin and hypoglycemic drugs is not recommended, as this increases the risk of thrombocytopenia.
Analogs
Among the analogues of "Ketotifen" can be identified:
1. "Astafen."
2. "Gitstaten."
3. "Locked up."
4. "Totifen."
5. "Positive."
6. “Asman”.
7. "Zadit".
Replacing the drug “Ketotifen” with an analogue requires mandatory consultation with the attending physician to clarify the dosage and confirm the correct use.
Reviews
Mostly reviews about the drug, especially when it comes to eye drops, are positive. Many parents also note the convenience of the syrup, as it can be given to children. The drug has proven itself in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in children. Thanks to him, the skin of the child is quickly cleansed. Parents of children who suffered from rhinitis of allergic genesis are also satisfied. Runny nose in their case quickly passed and did not recur.
The disadvantages include the duration of use. For many, the effect occurs only after a few weeks. Some reviews about the drug contain information that after the drug was discontinued, the allergy returned.
Ketotifen is an inexpensive and effective drug. It is available to everyone, and is available in several forms, and even children can give it. It is not worth taking the drug on your own, since first you need to find out the cause of the disease and study the possible complications from taking Ketotifen.