Ketasma 1mg (Ketotifen)

Ketasma general information

What is Ketasma used for?

Ketasma tablets 1mg are used to in oral form primarily as prophylaxis for bronchial asthma, in addition to other asthma medications, particularly in children with mild atopic asthma, to prevent asthma attack but not to relieve symptoms of asthma attack.  Ketasma tablets 1mg are also used to treat allergic reactions, including allergic rhinitis, which is inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nose, and conjunctivitis, which is inflammation of the mucous membranes in the eye, to relieve symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny itchy nose, sneezing, tearing, and itchy, red, puffy eyes.

How does Ketasma work?

Ketasma tablets 1mg contain ketotifen, as antihistamine that also has anti-allergy properties and is used for prophylaxis for asthma, as non-bronchodilator anti-asthmatic medication, as well as treatment for some allergies.  Ketotifen in Ketasma tablets 1mg is thought to work by acting as a histamine antagonist and binding to the H1 receptor, which blocks the histamine-mediated early phase of the allergic reaction, in which small blood vessels become leaky causing tissue swelling and irritation, as well as reducing the migration of inflammatory cells (mast cells, eosinophils, basophils and neutrophils).   Ketotifen in Ketasma tablets 1mg inhibits the release of inflammatory chemicals including histamine, leukotrienes and prostaglandins; also platelet activating factor (PAF), an important mediator of bronchoconstriction (narrowing of the airways).  By blocking the histamine H1 receptor, ketotifen in Ketasma tablets 1mg prevents the development of the hyperactive airway that occurs in asthma and reduces the symptoms of allergic rhinitis caused by the actions of histamine.  Ketotifen in Ketasma tablets 1mg is a sedating antihistamine as it binds to H1 receptors in blood vessels and in the central nervous system.

What does Ketasma contain?

Ketasma tablets 1mg contain the active ingredient ketotifen, an antihistamine used to prevent acute asthma and treat allergic reactions.

Treating allergic reactions with Ketasma

Ketasma tablets 1mg contain the active ingredient ketotifen, an antihistamine with anti-allergy properties that is used to treat allergic reactions, including allergic rhinitis, which is inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nose, and conjunctivitis, which is inflammation of the mucous membranes in the eye.  Ketasma tablets 1mg are also used to prevent bronchoconstriction or narrowing of the airways, and are used as prophylaxis for bronchial asthma.  Ketotifen in Ketasma tablets 1mg is thought to work by acting as a histamine antagonist and binding to the H1 receptor, which blocks the histamine-mediated early phase of the allergic reaction, in which small blood vessels become leaky causing tissue swelling and irritation, as well as reducing the migration of inflammatory cells (mast cells, eosinophils, basophils and neutrophils).   Ketotifen in Ketasma tablets 1mg inhibits the release of inflammatory chemicals including histamine, leukotrienes and prostaglandins; also platelet activating factor (PAF), an important mediator of bronchoconstriction (narrowing of the airways).  Ketotifen in Ketasma tablets 1mg prevents the development of the hyperactive airway that occurs in asthma and reduces the symptoms of allergic rhinitis caused by the actions of histamine, including nasal congestion, runny itchy nose, sneezing, tearing, and itchy, red, puffy eyes. 

What are the side effects of Ketasma?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Ketasma tablets 1mg include, dizziness, drowsiness, feeling hyperactive, irritable or nervous, difficulty sleeping, dry mouth, cystitis

When should Ketasma not be used?

You should not use Ketasma tablets 1mg if you:

• are allergic to ketotifen or any ingredients in Ketasma
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have kidney or liver disease
• have epilepsy
• are taking medicines that interact with Ketasma, including  oral antidiabetic medications may cause reversible thrombocytopenia, sedatives or other sedating antihistamines could increase sedating effects

What medications interact with Ketasma?

Several medications interact with Ketasma and should either not be taken while you are taking Ketasma or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that cause a serious reaction with Ketasma: oral antidiabetic medications may cause reversible thrombocytopenia, sedatives or other sedating antihistamines

How should Ketasma be taken?

You should take your Ketasma tablets 1mg swallowed whole with a glass of water twice daily and with food.  The dose you take and for how long will depend on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendations.  It is best not to exceed a dosage of 8mg in a 24 hour period. You should see an improvement within 4-6 weeks and you should continue to take your Ketasma tablets 1mg for at least 2-3 months, depending on your doctor’s recommendations.

How long should you take Ketasma?

You should continue to take your Ketasma tablets 1mg for at least 2-3 months, depending on your doctor’s recommendations.

Missed dose of Ketasma

If you miss a dose of Ketasma tablets 1mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Ketasma be stored?

You should store your Ketasma tablets 1mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.