Ketotifen is a non-bronchodilator antiasthmatic drug which inhibits the effects of certain endogenous substances known to be inflammatory mediators such as histamine leukotrienes C4 and D4 (SRS – A) and platelet activating factor (PAF) , and thereby exerts antiallergic activity . Ketotifen possesses a powerful and sustained non – competitive histamine (H1) blocking property.

Oral ketotifen is indicated as an add – on medication in the chronic treatment of mild atopic asthmatic children . Ketotifen is a prophylactic agent to be used on a continuous basis and is not effective in the acute prevention or treatment of acute asthma attacks.

Flu syndrome ; Respiratory infection ; Cystitis ; Erythema multiforme ; Hepatitis ; Seizures ; Weight gain ; Abdominal pain ; CNS stimulation ( excitation , irritability , insomnia , nervousness) – particularly in children ; Dizziness ; Dryness of mouth ; Epistaxis ; Increased appetite ; Sedation ; Skin rash ; Sleep disturbance ; Swelling of eyelids.
Note: Dizziness , dryness of mouth , and sedation may occur at the beginning of ketotifen treatment but usually disappear with continued use .

Hypersensitivity to ketotifen or any other component of the formulation.

Risk – benefit should be considered when the following medical problems exist : Diabetes mellitus (carbohydrate content of the syrup should be taken into consideration ; use ketotifen with caution if taking an oral antidiabetic agent) ; Epilepsy (ketotifen may lower the seizure threshold).

Concomitant use of oral antidiabetic agent with ketotifen may result in reversible thrombocytopenia ; platelet counts are recommended during concurrent use . Concurrent use of alcohol , antihistamines , hypnotics and sedatives with ketotifen may potentiate the CNS depressant effects of these medications.

Platelet count (recommended in patients taking oral antidiabetic agent concomitantly ).