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Ketotifen: uses, side effects & brands
Ketotifen is used for allergy prevention and as anti-allergy eye drops. It belongs to the Antihistamine (extra) group. More antihistamines for allergy symptoms, mostly low-drowsiness.
Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor
| Measure | Range |
|---|---|
| Drug class | Antihistamine (extra) |
| Type | Prescription |
| Dose | Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist |
What it is used for
- Long-term prevention of allergic asthma attacks, especially in children (tablets/syrup)
- Itchy allergic eyes (eye drops)
- Allergic rhinitis and chronic hives
Common brand names
- India: Ketasma, Ketof
- Worldwide: Zaditor (eye)
Common side effects
- Drowsiness
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Dry mouth
- Stinging or irritation with eye drops
Before taking it — precautions
- It is a preventer: it does not stop an asthma attack, and other asthma medicines should not be stopped without advice
- Tell your doctor if you take diabetes tablets, as a rare drop in platelet count has been reported
- Tell your doctor about epilepsy; avoid alcohol and take care driving because of drowsiness
When to see a doctor urgently
- Asthma attack not relieved by your reliever inhaler (urgent)
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Fits or seizures (urgent)
Not a prescription — no dose shown. The right dose of ketotifen depends on age, weight, kidney/liver function and the condition, so MedDroid does not show a dose here. Always get your dose from a doctor or pharmacist and the leaflet inside the pack. General educational information only.
Frequently asked questions
Will ketotifen stop an asthma attack?
No. It works slowly to prevent attacks over weeks; use your reliever inhaler for sudden symptoms.
Why is my child eating more?
Increased appetite and weight gain are known side effects. Mention it to your doctor if it is a concern.
Can I use the eye drops with contact lenses?
Remove lenses before using the drops and wait a while before putting them back in.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.