Ketotifen belongs to the classes of medications called antiallergics and Asthma prophylactics. Zaditen is used in combination with other medications to treat mild allergic asthma in children.
Available form
Tablet, Syrup
Dosage
Manufacturer
Apotex, Nu-pharm, Pharmascience, Teva
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For children 6 months to 3 years of age, the usual recommended dose is based on body weight, 0.05 mg per kilogram of weight twice daily, in the morning and evening.
For children over 3 years of age, the usual recommended dose is 1 mg twice daily, in the morning and evening.
To reduce side effects, your child's doctor may suggest you start with a lower dose and increase to the recommended dose after 5 days.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a child needs, such as body weight or other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the one listed here, do not change the way that you are giving the medication to your child without consulting your doctor.
Use an oral syringe to measure each dose of the liquid, as it gives a more accurate measurement than household teaspoons.
Both ketotifen tablets and liquid should be swallowed. It may be taken with or without food.
Ketotifen does not relieve symptoms of an asthma or allergic attack. It must be taken regularly for it to be effective. If it becomes necessary to stop using Zaditen, talk to your doctor. It should not be stopped suddenly, as this may cause an increase in asthma symptoms. It is important to use Zaditen exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss giving your child a dose, give it as soon as possible and continue with the regular dosing schedule. If it is almost time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosing schedule. Do not give your child a double dose to make up for the missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store both forms of ketotifen at room temperature, protect from moisture, and keep out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Zaditen. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Zaditen with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people using Zaditen. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if your child experiences these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Stop giving the medication to your child and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are using Zaditen.
Tablets
Each scored white tablet embossed with the name "ZADITEN" contains ketotifen fumarate 1 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, magnesium stearate, and lactose monohydrate.
Syrup
Each 5 mL of strawberry-flavoured syrup contains ketotifen fumarate 1 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: alcohol, citric acid, methyl-p-hydroxybenzoate, propyl-p-hydroxybenzoate, sodium phosphate, sorbitol solution, strawberry flavour, sucrose, and water.
Zaditen should not be given to anyone who:
There may be an interaction between ketotifen and any of the following:
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with Zaditen. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Zaditen.
Diabetes: If you have diabetes, you should be aware that the syrup form of Zaditen contains 4 g of carbohydrates per 5 mL of syrup. There have also been rare reports of decreased blood cell counts for people taking antidiabetes medications and ketotifen at the same time. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Zaditen may cause drowsiness. Parents and guardians should be aware that children may experience drowsiness when they first start using Zaditen. They should not perform potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how Zaditen affects them.
Other asthma medications: Medications used to treat and prevent asthma (e.g., b2-agonists such as salbutamol; sodium cromoglycate; corticosteroids such as beclomethasone, budesonide, and fluticasone) already in use should not be reduced immediately when treatment with ketotifen is started. Follow your doctor's instructions closely.
Seizure: Ketotifen may increase the risk of seizures, particularly if your child has a history of seizures. If you or your child have seizures or a history of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Zaditen may affect this medical condition, how this medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zaditen, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: Zaditen should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Zaditen, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Zaditen may pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking ketotifen, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
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