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Ketotifen

Ketotifen may cause drowsiness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
Alcohol will increase feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, do so only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
Do not stop taking ketotifen without speaking to your doctor first.

About ketotifen

Type of medicine Antihistamine
Used for Allergic conditions including rhinitis (inflammation of the lining of the nose) and conjunctivitis (inflammation, itching and soreness of the eye)
Also called Zaditen
Available as Tablets
Oral liquid
Eye drops

Exposure to pollen, pet fur, house dust, an insect bite or another trigger, can cause the body to produce a chemical called histamine. The release of histamine causes allergic symptoms that can include sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, a running or blocked nose and sometimes skin reactions such as itching, swelling and rashes. Ketotifen stops the effects of histamine and helps to relieve these symptoms.

Before taking ketotifen tablets or oral liquid, or using ketotifen eye drops

Before taking or using ketotifen make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you have diabetes If you have liver problems If you have a history of epilepsy If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding If you have been advised to use ketotifen eye drops and you wear contact lenses

How to take or use ketotifen

Take ketotifen tablets or oral liquid, or use ketotifen eye drops, exactly as directed by your doctor Take ketotifen tablets or oral liquid with or immediately after food

Getting the most from your treatment

Ketotifen may cause drowsiness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Alcohol will increase feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, do so only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you. Ketotifen may cause a dry mouth. If you experience this, try chewing sugar-free gum, sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If your mouth becomes too dry speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored Do not stop taking ketotifen without speaking to your doctor first

Can ketotifen cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Possible side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Drowsiness, dizziness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
Alcohol will increase feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, do so only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
Dry mouth Try chewing sugar-free gum, sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If your mouth becomes too dry speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Other side-effects include excitation, irritability, insomnia, nervousness, weight gain, cystitis, convulsions and skin reactions.

Side-effects associated with using ketotifen eye drops include blurred vision, dry eyes, inflamed or painful eye, pain when looking at bright lights, bleeding under the surface of the eye and headache. If you experience these or any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store ketotifen

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light

Important information about all medicines


Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
EMIS 2007 DocID:999 DocRef: dils3254 Last Updated: 17 Jul 2007 Date of Next Review:16 Jul 2009 Version:22

Author:EMIS
Copyright 2006 EMIS, HTML generated by EMIS Knowledge Source Editor