Masfen
Generic Name
Ketotifen
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| masfen 1 mg syrup | ৳ 60.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Masfen 1 mg Syrup contains Ketotifen, an antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer used for the prophylactic treatment of bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, and other allergic conditions. It helps to prevent asthma attacks but is not for acute relief.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
1 mg (5 ml) twice daily, in the morning and evening. For the first few days, a starting dose of 0.5 mg (2.5 ml) twice daily may be advised to minimize drowsiness.
Elderly
Similar to adults, but with caution, especially if renal or hepatic impairment is present.
Renal_impairment
Use with caution. Dosage adjustment may be necessary in severe cases, but no specific guidelines are established.
How to Take
Masfen syrup should be taken orally, with food, twice daily (morning and evening). It is important to continue treatment regularly, even if symptoms improve.
Mechanism of Action
Ketotifen acts as an H1-receptor antagonist and stabilizes mast cells, thereby inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine, leukotrienes, and platelet-activating factor. It also suppresses the accumulation of eosinophils in the airways.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Anti-asthmatic effect develops gradually over several weeks (2-10 weeks).
Excretion
Approximately 60-70% excreted renally (mainly as metabolites) and 30-40% via faeces.
Half life
Biphasic elimination with a short initial half-life (3-5 hours) and a terminal half-life of approximately 21 hours.
Absorption
Well absorbed orally (about 60%), but bioavailability is around 50% due to first-pass metabolism.
Metabolism
Extensive hepatic metabolism via N-demethylation and glucuronidation.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Ketotifen or any components of the syrup
- Epilepsy (due to potential lowering of seizure threshold)
- Concomitant use with oral antidiabetic agents (historically, due to rare reports of reversible thrombocytopenia)
Drug Interactions
Alcohol
Increased sedation and impairment of psychomotor skills.
CNS Depressants
Ketotifen may potentiate the effects of sedatives, hypnotics, antihistamines, and alcohol.
Oral Antidiabetics
There have been very rare, isolated reports of a reversible fall in platelet count in patients receiving ketotifen concomitantly with oral antidiabetic agents. Concomitant use should be avoided.
Storage
Store below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, confusion, disorientation, tachycardia, hypotension, and excitation (especially in children). Management is symptomatic and supportive, including gastric lavage or induced emesis if appropriate.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Use in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Ketotifen is excreted in breast milk; therefore, it should be avoided during lactation or breastfeeding.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Ketotifen or any components of the syrup
- Epilepsy (due to potential lowering of seizure threshold)
- Concomitant use with oral antidiabetic agents (historically, due to rare reports of reversible thrombocytopenia)
Drug Interactions
Alcohol
Increased sedation and impairment of psychomotor skills.
CNS Depressants
Ketotifen may potentiate the effects of sedatives, hypnotics, antihistamines, and alcohol.
Oral Antidiabetics
There have been very rare, isolated reports of a reversible fall in platelet count in patients receiving ketotifen concomitantly with oral antidiabetic agents. Concomitant use should be avoided.
Storage
Store below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, confusion, disorientation, tachycardia, hypotension, and excitation (especially in children). Management is symptomatic and supportive, including gastric lavage or induced emesis if appropriate.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Use in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Ketotifen is excreted in breast milk; therefore, it should be avoided during lactation or breastfeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from manufacturing date
Availability
Available in pharmacies and hospitals
Approval Status
Approved
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Ketotifen has been extensively studied in clinical trials since its introduction in the late 1970s for its efficacy in asthma prophylaxis and allergic conditions.
Lab Monitoring
- If co-administered with oral antidiabetic agents, platelet counts should be monitored regularly.
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize the prophylactic nature of Ketotifen; it is not for acute bronchospasm.
- Counsel patients on potential drowsiness and its impact on driving/operating machinery.
- Advise against abrupt discontinuation, especially in asthma patients.
Patient Guidelines
- Do not stop treatment abruptly, especially for asthma, as symptoms may worsen.
- This medicine is for prevention, not for treating acute asthma attacks.
- Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.
- Be aware of potential drowsiness and impairment of mental alertness.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Driving Precautions
Masfen may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Patients should be warned not to drive or operate machinery until they know how they react to the medication.
Lifestyle Advice
- Identify and avoid known allergens. Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Manage stress effectively, as stress can sometimes trigger asthma symptoms.
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