Ketotifen

What is ketotifen?

Ketotifen is a medicine that helps prevent the warning signs and the danger signs of asthma. This medicine keeps the airways of your child's lungs healthy when your child uses it regularly.

But if your child has the warning signs of asthma, make sure they use their reliever medicine. Ketotifen does not get rid of the warning signs of asthma.

Your child may also take ketotifen if they have allergies.

You may hear ketotifen called a preventer medicine. You also may hear ketotifen called by its brand name Zaditen.

How should you give your child ketotifen?

Follow these instructions when you give your child ketotifen:

• Give your child ketotifen exactly as your doctor or your pharmacist tells you, even if your child seems better. Stop giving your child ketotifen only if your doctor or pharmacist tells you to stop. It may take about 10 weeks after your child starts taking ketotifen before you see that your child's asthma is getting better.
• Give your child ketotifen at the same time every day. Pick a time that is easy for you so that you do not miss doses.
• Shake the bottle well before you give your child ketotifen if they are taking the liquid form of the medicine.
• Give your child the ketotifen with the special spoon or syringe the pharmacist gave you, if your child is taking the liquid form of the medicine. A syringe is a hollow tube that has a plunger and holds medicines.
• Make sure you have enough ketotifen for weekends and holidays.

What should you do if your child misses a dose of ketotifen?

If your child misses a dose of ketotifen:

• Give your child the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose.
• Give your child the next dose at the regular time.

What are some side effects of ketotifen?

Your child may have some of these side effects while they take ketotifen. But usually your child will not need to see a doctor about them. These side effects may go away as your child's body gets used to the ketotifen.

Check with your child's doctor if your child has any of these signs or symptoms and they do not go away or they bother your child:

• headaches or dizziness
• a dry mouth
• an upset stomach or throwing up
• weight gain
• sleepiness, which should go away over time

Most of the following side effects are not common, but they may be a sign of a serious problem. Call your child's doctor right away or take your child to the Emergency Department if your child has any of these side effects:

• tightness in the chest, wheezing, or trouble breathing that none of their medicines help
• a rash or hives, which are raised, red, itchy areas on the skin

What other important information should you know about ketotifen?

• Check with your child's doctor or pharmacist before you give your child any other medicines (prescription, non-prescription, herbal, or natural products).
• Tell your child's doctor and pharmacist if your child has had any unusual or allergic reaction to ketotifen or any other medicines.
• Keep ketotifen at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
• Keep all medicines out of your child's sight and reach.
  

Keep ketotifen out of your child’s sight and reach and locked up in a safe place. If your child takes too much ketotifen, call your local Poison Information Centre at one of these numbers. These calls are free. 

• Call 1-844 POISON-X, or 1-844-764-7669, from anywhere in Canada except Quebec.
• Call 1-800-463-5060 if you live in Quebec.