Asmafen
Generic Name
Ketotifen
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| asmafen 1 mg syrup | ৳ 55.00 | N/A |
| asmafen 1 mg tablet | ৳ 2.00 | ৳ 20.00 |
| asmafen 0025 eye drop | ৳ 96.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Ketotifen is an oral antiallergic agent that inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells and reduces airway hyperresponsiveness. It is used for long-term prophylactic treatment of bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, and allergic conjunctivitis.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Adults: 1 mg twice daily with meals. May be increased to 2 mg twice daily in severe cases.
Elderly
Elderly: Same as adults, with caution.
Renal_impairment
Renal impairment: No specific dose adjustment necessary, but caution advised.
How to Take
Oral administration, usually with meals, to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort. The anti-asthmatic effect may take several weeks to become evident.
Mechanism of Action
Ketotifen works primarily as a non-competitive H1-antihistamine and a mast cell stabilizer. It inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators (like histamine, leukotrienes) from mast cells and basophils. It also blocks calcium influx into mast cells, thereby reducing their activation. Additionally, it has some anti-leukotriene activity.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Antihistaminic effects within hours; prophylactic anti-asthmatic effect may take several weeks (e.g., 2-4 weeks) to achieve full therapeutic benefit.
Excretion
Primarily excreted renally (60-70%) as metabolites; small amount excreted in feces.
Half life
Biphasic elimination with an initial half-life of 3-5 hours and a terminal half-life of about 21 hours.
Absorption
Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, but undergoes significant first-pass metabolism. Absolute bioavailability is approximately 50%.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized in the liver, primarily by N-glucuronidation to an inactive metabolite.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Ketotifen or any components of the formulation
- Acute asthma attacks (it is a prophylactic, not for rescue)
Drug Interactions
Oral antidiabetics
Reversible fall in platelet count has been reported rarely, requiring concurrent use to be monitored.
CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, hypnotics, sedatives, other antihistamines)
May potentiate sedative effects.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, confusion, disorientation, tachycardia, hypotension, nystagmus, and convulsions. Management is symptomatic and supportive; gastric lavage may be considered if recent ingestion. Maintain airway, monitor vital signs.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Not recommended during breastfeeding as it is excreted in breast milk.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Ketotifen or any components of the formulation
- Acute asthma attacks (it is a prophylactic, not for rescue)
Drug Interactions
Oral antidiabetics
Reversible fall in platelet count has been reported rarely, requiring concurrent use to be monitored.
CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, hypnotics, sedatives, other antihistamines)
May potentiate sedative effects.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, confusion, disorientation, tachycardia, hypotension, nystagmus, and convulsions. Management is symptomatic and supportive; gastric lavage may be considered if recent ingestion. Maintain airway, monitor vital signs.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Not recommended during breastfeeding as it is excreted in breast milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
24 to 36 months from manufacturing date.
Availability
Available in pharmacies nationwide
Approval Status
DGDA approved
Patent Status
Patent expired
Clinical Trials
Extensively studied since its introduction in the 1970s. Modern trials focus on combination therapies or specific patient populations.
Lab Monitoring
- Liver function tests (periodically with long-term use)
- Blood glucose (if co-administered with oral antidiabetics due to rare reports of reversible fall in platelet count)
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize that Ketotifen is a prophylactic agent and not for acute asthma relief.
- Advise patients about potential drowsiness and to avoid activities requiring high alertness initially.
- Monitor for compliance and effectiveness, especially for asthma prophylaxis.
Patient Guidelines
- Do not stop other asthma medications abruptly when starting Ketotifen.
- It may take several weeks to see the full benefits for asthma.
- May cause drowsiness; avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Caution advised, as Ketotifen may cause drowsiness and reduced alertness, especially at the start of treatment.
Lifestyle Advice
- Identify and avoid known allergens.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Regular follow-up with your doctor.
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Global Brand Names
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