Zaditen (Ketotifen)

Brand name: Zaditen, Zaditor
Generic name: Ketotifen
Used to: Treat allergic conditions such as rhinitis
Availability: Brand Zaditen (Teva, Novartis), 1 mg & 2 mg

How Ketotifen Works

Zaditen Tablets contains the active ingredient, ketotifen which is an antihistamine with anti-allergy properties. It belongs to a group of drugs which have anti-allergic activities and it is used to treat allergic conditions such as rhinitis. In allergic conditions certain substances are released in the body. These trigger inflammatory responses. Zaditen Tablets act to dampen down these responses and can therefore be used to treat various allergic conditions such as rhinitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nose) and conjunctivitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes in the eye). Always take Zaditen with food. Avoid drinking alcohol whilst taking these tablets

Ketotifen Possible side effects

Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience side effects and they are severe and bothersome. Most of the side effect are manageable and may go away on their own. Some of the common side effects include:

• Agitation;
• Irritability;
• Inability to sleep (insomnia);
• Nervousness

Stop taking Zaditen and tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following very rare symptoms:

• If you have a fit (convulsions);

• Skin rash, redness of the skin, blistering of the lips, eyes and mouth accompanied with fever, chills, headache, cough and body aches;

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes, coloured bowel motions, dark coloured urine (signs of jaundice, liver disorder, hepatitis)

Ketotifen Guidelines

Do not take Zaditen if you: are allergic to ketotifen or any of the other ingredients of Zaditen, have epilepsy, are taking any oral medicines for diabetes, are pregnant or are breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Zaditen: Zaditen may increase the effects of sedatives, anti-histamines, medicines used to treat depression or anxiety, anticoagulants to reduce the ability of the blood to clot and alcohol. As Zaditen may lower the seizure threshold it should be used with caution in patients with a history of epilepsy. The simultaneous administration of oral antidiabetic drugs should be avoided as Thrombocytopenia may occur in patients taking Zaditen at the same time. Do not stop taking asthma medications unless your doctor tells you to, however well you feel. Ketotifen is excreted in breast milk; therefore mothers receiving Zaditen should not breast-feed. During the first days of treatment with Zaditen reactions may be impaired. Do not take charge of vehicles or machinery until the effect of Zaditen treatment on the individual is known. Zaditen contains lactose Zaditen contains lactose monohydrate. If you have intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product. The following may counteract with Ketotifen, so make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking.

• Anti-histamines to treat allergic reactions such as itching, rash or runny nose;
• Anticoagulants to reduce the ability of the blood to clot;
• Medicines for asthma;
• Medicines to treat sleeplessness or anxiety or medicines to treat depression;
• Oral medicines for diabetes