Masfen
Generic Name
Ketotifen
Manufacturer
Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| masfen 1 mg tablet | ৳ 2.50 | ৳ 25.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Masfen 1 mg Tablet contains Ketotifen, an anti-allergic drug used for the long-term prophylactic treatment of bronchial asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, and other allergic conditions. It acts as a mast cell stabilizer and an H1-antihistamine.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Adults: 1 mg twice daily (morning and evening) with food. May be increased to 2 mg twice daily if necessary.
Elderly
Elderly: No specific dose adjustment required, but caution is advised due to potential for increased sensitivity.
Renal_impairment
Renal impairment: No specific dose adjustment for mild to moderate impairment; caution for severe impairment as metabolites are renally excreted.
How to Take
Take orally with food, usually in the morning and evening. Do not crush or chew the tablet.
Mechanism of Action
Ketotifen works by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators (like histamine, leukotrienes) from mast cells, thereby stabilizing them. It also possesses H1-antihistaminic properties, blocking histamine receptors to reduce allergic symptoms.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Antihistaminic effects within hours; anti-asthmatic effects may take several weeks (2-3 weeks).
Excretion
Excreted mainly in urine (60-70%) as metabolites, with a small amount in feces.
Half life
Terminal half-life is about 21 hours.
Absorption
Well absorbed orally, approximately 60% bioavailable due to first-pass metabolism.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized in the liver, primarily by N-glucuronidation.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to ketotifen or any components of the formulation.
- Patients with epilepsy or history of seizures (use with caution).
Drug Interactions
Oral Antidiabetics
Concomitant use with oral antidiabetics may cause a reversible decrease in platelet count. Monitoring is advised.
Other Antihistamines
Additive sedative effects may occur with concurrent use.
CNS Depressants (e.g., alcohol, hypnotics, sedatives)
May enhance the sedative effects of these drugs. Concurrent use should be approached with caution.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, confusion, disorientation, tachycardia, and potentially convulsions. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic; gastric lavage may be considered in recent ingestions.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use only if clearly needed and the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Limited human data. Avoid during lactation as ketotifen is excreted into breast milk in animals; unknown in humans.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to ketotifen or any components of the formulation.
- Patients with epilepsy or history of seizures (use with caution).
Drug Interactions
Oral Antidiabetics
Concomitant use with oral antidiabetics may cause a reversible decrease in platelet count. Monitoring is advised.
Other Antihistamines
Additive sedative effects may occur with concurrent use.
CNS Depressants (e.g., alcohol, hypnotics, sedatives)
May enhance the sedative effects of these drugs. Concurrent use should be approached with caution.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, confusion, disorientation, tachycardia, and potentially convulsions. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic; gastric lavage may be considered in recent ingestions.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use only if clearly needed and the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Limited human data. Avoid during lactation as ketotifen is excreted into breast milk in animals; unknown in humans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture.
Availability
Available in pharmacies and hospitals
Approval Status
Approved (DGDA)
Patent Status
Patent Expired
Clinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have established the efficacy and safety of ketotifen for asthma prophylaxis and allergic conditions. Ongoing research may explore new applications or formulations.
Lab Monitoring
- Platelet count (especially with oral antidiabetics)
- Liver function tests (if symptoms of liver dysfunction occur)
Doctor Notes
- Educate patients that Ketotifen is for prophylaxis and not for acute asthma attacks.
- Advise patients about initial drowsiness and caution regarding driving or operating machinery.
- Consider potential interactions with oral antidiabetics and other CNS depressants.
Patient Guidelines
- Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly, especially for asthma prophylaxis, as symptoms may recur.
- This medicine is not effective for acute asthma attacks; use a separate rescue inhaler for acute symptoms.
- Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants as they may enhance drowsiness.
- Initial drowsiness or sedation may occur, which usually subsides with continued treatment. Be cautious when driving or operating machinery.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Driving Precautions
May cause drowsiness and dizziness, especially at the start of treatment. Patients should be advised to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until they know how they react to the medication.
Lifestyle Advice
- Identify and avoid known allergens and triggers for your allergic conditions.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, to support overall health.
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