Apo-Ketotifen

Apo-Ketotifen is used to treat asthma. Ketotifen is an antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer, and it works by causing the airways to widen and suppress substance that causes allergy. Doctors prescribe Ketotifen as an add-on medicine to aid asthma treatment in children and adults. Ketotifen reduces frequency, severity, and duration of asthma attacks. 

Note that Ketotifen does not treat or stop asthma attacks once it starts. Ketotifen only inhibits substances in the body that contribute to asthma. 

Ketotifen requires a prescription. 

Your doctor will inform you of what you need to know before using Apo-Ketotifen.

Do not take Ketotifen if you are allergic to it. 

Ketotifen can be given to children and is relatively safe for small children and elderly. 

Tell the doctor if you consume significant quantities of alcohol before receiving Ketotifen. 

Tell the doctor all your health problems before receiving Ketotifen. The doctor needs to know if you have diabetes or epilepsy before prescribing Ketotifen. 

Before you receive Ketotifen, make sure to tell the doctor all the medications you take. In this way, the doctor can determine any drug interactions. You need to mention if you use these medicines:

• Drugs used for diabetes
• Other drugs for allergies 
• Sleeping pills
• Alcohol

Tell the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before receiving Ketotifen. Ketotifen is an FDA pregnancy category C drug, which means it is not entirely safe for the unborn baby when taken by pregnant patients. 

Before using Apo-Ketotifen, there are some precautions you must take.

The doctor will schedule regular clinic appointments and lab tests while you receive Ketotifen. Make sure to keep up with clinic and lab appointments. Ketotifen may cause drowsiness, which may be dangerous if you drive or perform hazardous tasks.

Ketotifen may cause excitability, irritability, nervousness or insomnia, especially in children.

Ketotifen syrup contains a significant amount of sugar, which may necessitate the need of adjusting diabetic medications in patients with diabetes.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Apo-Ketotifen.

Call the doctor if you experience the following while receiving Ketotifen:

• Severe allergic reaction symptoms such as rash, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth, nose, lips and throat
• Severe skin reaction symptoms such as redness, itching, peeling  and blistering of the skin
• Passing out bloody urine 
• Pain in the stomach
• Blurring of vision
• Confusion or disorientation
• Seizures or convulsions
• Dizziness
• Severe drowsiness
• Fainting or lightheadedness
• Fast, irregular or pounding heartbeat
• Feeling very excited
• Palpitation
• Profuse sweating 
• Unusual tiredness or weakness