Ketotifen fumarate – available under brand name Zaditor posseses marked anti-anaphylactic properties and is effective in preventing asthmatic attacks. But it will not abort established attacks of asthma. Once the attack has happened Ketotifen fumarate will not stop it. In Oral form Ketotifen fumarate is used in the treatment of allergic asthma and in it’s ophthalmic form it is used to treat allergic conjunctivitis, red and itchy eyes caused by allergens. The ophthalmic preparation is available under brand name Alaway.

It is commonly used in Prophylactic treatment of bronchial asthma, symptomatic treatment of allergic conditions including rhinitis and conjunctivitis. The typical dosage of Ketotifen fumarate is 1 mg twice daily with food and a maximum of 2 mg twice daily. For Children 6 months -2 yrs.: 0.5 mg twice daily with food and for those 2 yrs. onwards the dosage is 1 mg twice daily with food.

Contraindications of Ketotifen fumarate include a reversible fall in the thrombocyte count in patients receiving. Special Precautions have o be taken if systemic corticosteroids & ACTH are already taken by patient. They should be continued for a minimum two weeks after starting Ketotifen fumarate. Side effects of Zaditor Ketotifen fumarate include drowsiness, dry mouth and dizziness. Patient should not operate machinery or vehicles and avoid alcoholic drinks . Ketotifen fumarate may potentiate the effects of sedatives, hypnotics, anti-histamines and alcohol. Otherwise Ketotifen fumarate is considered safe in children,elderly and lactating women.