Ketotifen is a fast acting non-competitive histamine antagonist. It inhibits the release of mediators from mast cells. It is a non-bronchodilator antiasthmatic drug (when taken orally). Zaditen (ketotifen) is indicated for the temporary prevention of itching of the eye due to allergic conjunctivitis. Zaditen (Ketotifen) is contraindicated for people with a known hypersensitivity to any component of this product.

USAGE:

Zaditen (Ketotifen) is indicated as an add-on or prophylactic oral medication in the chronic treatment of mild atopic asthmatic children. Also for the temporary prevention of itching of the eye due to allergic conjunctivitis (ophthalmic).
The action mechanism of  Zaditen (Ketotifen) is a relatively selective, non-competitive histamine antagonist (H1-receptor) and mast cell stabilizer. Zaditen (Ketotifen) inhibits the release of mediators from mast cells involved in hypersensitivity reactions. Decreased chemotaxis and activation of eosinophils has also been demonstrated. Zaditen (Ketotifen) also inhibits cAMP phosphodiesterase. Properties of Zaditen (Ketotifen) which may contribute to its antiallergic activity and its ability to affect the underlying pathology of asthma include inhibition of the development of airway hyper-reactivity associated with activation of platelets by PAF (Platelet Activating Factor), inhibition of PAF-induced accumulation of eosinophils and platelets in the airways, suppression of the priming of eosinophils by human recombinant cytokines and antagonism of bronchoconstriction due to leukotrienes. Zaditen (Ketotifen) inhibits of the release of allergic mediators such as histamine, leukotrienes C4 and D4(SRS-A) and PAF.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Ophthalmic: 1% to 10%:

-Ocular: Allergic reactions, burning or stinging, conjunctivitis, discharge, dry eyes, eye pain, eyelid disorder, itching, keratitis, lacrimation disorder, mydriasis, photophobia, rash
Respiratory: Pharyngitis
Miscellaneous: Flu syndrome

Oral: 1% to 10%:

-Central nervous system: Sedation (8%; less than placebo), headache (1%), sleep disturbance (1%)
Dermatologic: Rash (4%), urticaria (1%)
Gastrointestinal: Weight gain (5%), abdominal pain (1%), appetite increased (1%)
Respiratory: Respiratory infection (4%), epistaxis (1%)
Miscellaneous: Flu (3%), puffy eyelid (1%)
 Postmarketing, and/or case reports: Cystitis, dizziness, erythema multiforme, excitation, insomnia, irritability, nervousness, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, thrombocytopenia, transaminases increased, xerostomia , under 1%,