Ketotifen

About ketotifen

Exposure to pollen, pet fur, house dust, an insect bite or another trigger, can cause the body to produce a chemical called histamine. The release of histamine causes allergic symptoms that can include sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, a running or blocked nose and sometimes skin reactions such as itching, swelling and rashes. Ketotifen stops the effects of histamine and helps to relieve these symptoms.

Before taking ketotifen tablets or oral liquid, or using ketotifen eye drops

Before taking or using ketotifen make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you have diabetes
• If you have liver problems
• If you have a history of epilepsy
• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• If you have been advised to use ketotifen eye drops and you wear contact lenses

How to take or use ketotifen

• Take ketotifen tablets or oral liquid, or use ketotifen eye drops, exactly as directed by your doctor
• Take ketotifen tablets or oral liquid with or immediately after food

Getting the most from your treatment

• Ketotifen may cause drowsiness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Alcohol will increase feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, do so only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
• Ketotifen may cause a dry mouth. If you experience this, try chewing sugar-free gum, sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If your mouth becomes too dry speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored
• Do not stop taking ketotifen without speaking to your doctor first

Can ketotifen cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Other side-effects include excitation, irritability, insomnia, nervousness, weight gain, cystitis, convulsions and skin reactions.

Side-effects associated with using ketotifen eye drops include blurred vision, dry eyes, inflamed or painful eye, pain when looking at bright lights, bleeding under the surface of the eye and headache. If you experience these or any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store ketotifen

• Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light

Important information about all medicines