What is Ketotifen?
Ketotifen is an antiallergic drug used for treating a variety of conditions including asthma, food allergies, allergic rhinitis (nose inflammation), chronic urticaria (skin reaction), and more. Ketotifen is prescribed the most for mast cell activation system (MCAS). MCAS is the immediate allergic reactions most individuals think of when being allergic. The anaphylaxis symptoms can include hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and more.
Ketotifen is most commonly used in Canada, Europe, and Mexico, but is becoming more popular in the United States. Since it is only commercially available in the US for eye and ear use, prescriptions for allergy use are by compounding pharmacy.
How does Ketotifen work?
Ketotifen inhibits certain substances in the body that are known to cause inflammation and symptoms of allergies. This medication demonstrates a reduction in frequency, severity, and duration of asthma and allergy symptoms or attacks. Also, when taking Ketotifen, there is a reduction of daily requirements of other asthma medications. Always talk to your doctor before taking or changing doses of Ketotifen, as it can interact with other medications or cause unwanted side effects.
Side effects:
- weight gain
- bloody noise
- fatigue/drowsiness
- cotton mouth
- headache
- cough
- muscle/joint pain
- trouble sleeping
Compounding Ketotifen
As Preston’s Pharmacy, we can work with your trusted healthcare provider to formulate and compound Ketotifen that is right for you. This medication does need a prescription from a doctor, but if you need referrals to healthcare providers we work closely with, feel free to give our pharmacists a call. Ketotifen is typically prescribed in 0.5mg and 1mg capsules, taken twice daily.
