Ketotifen (Systemic)

Brand Names : Apo-Ketotifen, Novo-Ketotifen, Zaditen

Proper Use of This Medicine

Ketotifen is used to help prevent asthma attacks. It will not relieve an asthma attack that has already started .

Ketotifen must be taken continuously in order to be effective.

Continue taking your current asthma medications until instructed otherwise by your doctor.

Ketotifen may be taken with or without food.

Dosing - The dose of ketotifen will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of ketotifen. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For oral dosage form (tablets and syrup):
  • For asthma:
    • Adults and children 3 years of age and older - The usual dose is 1 milligram (mg) (1 tablet or 5 milliliters [mL] of syrup) twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening.
    • Infants and children from 6 months to 3 years of age - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by the doctor. It is usually 0.25 mL (50 mcg or 0.05 mg) of syrup per kilogram (kg) (110 micrograms [mcg] or 0.110 mg per pound) of body weight twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Do not store tablets in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask your health care professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.