Ketotiphen for children. Reviews, instructions, dosage, price

• February 23, 2020
• Allergology
• Fedor Bunin

Allergic diseases in children are not uncommon. They can be triggered by food, pet hair, pollen and even toys. As a result, the child develops lacrimation, runny nose, itchy skin, and swelling. Various antihistamines are used to combat allergies. In the article we will dwell in detail on Ketotifen syrup for children. Instructions for use will also be provided.

Release form and composition of the drug

The drug is manufactured by several domestic pharmaceutical companies and foreign manufacturers. In pharmacies you can find a Bulgarian drug under the trade name “Ketotifen Sopharma”.

The medication is presented in 4 dosage forms for children of different ages:

• Pills contain 1 mg of active ingredient. They are round and flat in shape with a barely noticeable pleasant aroma. They are delivered to pharmacies in cardboard packs, inside of which there are blisters made of purified medical polymer and foil. Each contains 10 tablets. In total, the pack contains up to 60 units of medication.
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• Syrup for oral administration. This is a yellowish or transparent (depending on the manufacturer) liquid of a viscous consistency with a strawberry or vanilla aroma. The bottle with a capacity of 50, 100 or 150 ml is made of impact-resistant plastic. The kit includes a measuring spoon or glass with graduations. The concentration of the active ingredient is 2 mg/1 ml.
• Oblong capsules They contain the same amount of active ingredient as tablets - ketotifen.
• Eye drops used to treat allergic conjunctivitis. The content of pharmacologically active chemical compound is 0.25 mg/1 ml.

Ketotifen for children reviews are collected in large quantities. In them, parents note the pleasant taste of the medicine and the rapid onset of the therapeutic effect. The active ingredient of the drug is ketotifen hydrofumarate.

This organic compound antagonistically affects H1 histamine receptors, inhibits mastocytes and other cells that provoke allergic reactions. Hydrofumarate suppresses inflammation in the bronchial trunk, eliminates asthmatic symptoms, and increases the resistance of muscle fibers to convulsive reactions of acetylcholine origin.

Auxiliary components of Ketotifen:

The eye drops contain distilled water, and the tablets and syrup contain natural flavoring, which gives them a pleasant smell and taste. The balanced formula of Ketotifen ensures the complex effect of the drug.

Description of the drug

"Ketotifen" is a stabilizer of mast cell membranes, in other words, an anti-allergenic drug. It prevents the occurrence of bronchospasms, inflammatory reactions, and has a depressant effect on the central nervous system.

The active ingredient is ketotifen hydrofumarate. Produced by several domestic companies. Ketotifen itself is presented in several dosage forms:

1. Syrup. It is a viscous yellowish liquid with the smell of strawberries or vanillin. Excipients are citric acid, purified ethanol, water, sucrose. One bottle may contain 50 or 100 ml of such liquid. The bottle comes with a 5 ml measuring spoon or cup.
2. Pills. They have a round shape, white color and a slight specific odor. Excipients are starch, magnesium stearate, lactose monohydrate. Packed in blisters of 10 units and in cardboard packs of 10-60 tablets.
3. Eye drops. Packaged in 5 ml bottles. Used in ophthalmology for allergic conjunctivitis. Use is permitted for children over 12 years of age.

In pediatrics, Ketotifen syrup is most often used. It is on this that we will dwell in more detail.

Pharmacological properties

The active component of the drug reduces bronchial hyperactivity of anaphylactic etiology by stopping histamine H1 receptors and suppressing the synthesis of acetylcholine, an organic neuromuscular neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic part of the NS.

Mechanism of action of Ketotifen for children

During normal functioning of the endocrine and immune systems, this biochemical compound is quickly decomposed under the influence of a specific enzyme - acetylcholinesterase. In conditions of physiological disruptions caused by the invasion of allergens, this function is assumed by ketotifen hydrofumarate.

The active substance stabilizes the membrane membrane of granulocyte mast cells, built into the biochemical structure of the immune system. They secrete tryptase, histamine and other protective substances that suppress allergenic agents.

Ketotifen for children reviews are characterized as a drug with high preventive activity against respiratory dysfunctions of anaphylactic origin. When the membrane membrane of granulocyte cells is disrupted, a decrease in their antiallergic activity is observed.

Hydrofumarate quickly restores the damaged structure. Clear signs of mast cell membrane rupture are tissue swelling (including the walls of the airways), severe itching, and redness. The pharmacological properties of Ketotifen are aimed at eliminating these painful symptoms.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Hydrofumarate prevents the release of histamine and other immunocompetent biochemical substances into the blood, thereby reducing the body's protective response to the invasion of foreign proteins. This determines the pharmacodynamic properties of the drug.

The active substance of the drug prevents the accumulation of eosinophils in the tissues of the walls of the respiratory canals - blood elements that are the basis of the leukocyte formula and perform a number of protective functions - in particular, they suppress the activity of pathogenic microflora.

They invade the site of inflammation and trigger cellular receptors that are responsible for antiparasitic immunity. However, in doing so, eosinophils release specific enzymes known as inflammatory mediators.

By suppressing their activity, hydrofumarate eliminates the cause of the pathological process. The active component of Ketotifen has almost 100% resorption (absorption, absorption) from the gastrointestinal tract.

The maximum level of concentration in the plasma fraction of blood is observed 2-4 hours after taking a tablet, capsule or portion of syrup. An equilibrium state occurs when taking a minimum daily dose of 2 mg. Hydrofumarate binds to the protein components of blood plasma by 75%.

The drug is 60% metabolized in the liver organ in the following ways:

• demethylation;
• n-oxidation;
• glycuroconjugation.

Metabolism in a child's body differs from a similar process in adults only in the fastest clearance - the speed of purification of biological fluids and tissues from pharmacologically active substances.

Ketotifen is removed from the body according to a biphasic pattern corresponding to the circadian cycle. The short half-life is 3-5 hours, the long half-life is 21 hours. Approximately 1% of the chemical formula of the drug is found in urine, 60-70% is excreted during metabolism in the form of metabolic products.

How to take the drops

In this form, the drug "Ketotifen" for allergies in children can be prescribed only from three years of age. Doctors usually prescribe 1 drop of this medicine into the conjunctival sac twice a day. In this case, the course of treatment with Ketotifen most often lasts 2-3 months. In this case, any noticeable effect in children is observed after approximately 2-3 weeks of therapy. Doctors reduce the dosage of drops, as when taking tablets or syrup, gradually over several weeks. Patients should not take it sharply in any form, as this can lead to a relapse of the asthmatic syndrome.

Indications for use

Ketotifen for children has a clinical effect for anaphylaxis of various etiologies and symptoms.

In reviews of the drug, parents note its positive effect on:

• allergic dermatitis;
• hay fever;
• rhinitis;
• atopic and other forms of bronchial asthma:
• small skin rash;
• hives;

• anaphylactic conjunctivitis;
• allergic reactions caused by pathologies of internal organs;

Ketotifen is used for microbial infections that cause an acute immune response of the body, as well as for invasions with toxic secretions. It is often used as part of combination drug therapy for inflammation of the respiratory system and mucous membranes.

Can Ketotifen help a child: reviews

In Russia, this drug is actually very popular. According to many parents, this remedy often helps children with allergies better than other medications for the same purpose. Some Internet users consider this drug somewhat outdated. However, in most cases, parents still note that for allergies it is almost always effective.

For example, it is believed that taking Ketotifen for children with dermatitis can be very useful. This medicine has also earned good reviews from those parents whose children suffer from allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, etc. The only thing is that users advise parents to give this medicine to their children exclusively in the manner recommended by the doctor. Otherwise, there will most likely be no benefit from it.

In addition to its effectiveness, parents also include its low cost as an advantage of Ketotifen. The price of one package of such tablets, for example, usually does not exceed 50 rubles.

Contraindications

The drug has a number of absolute medical prohibitions and relative restrictions on use.

Ketotifen is not prescribed for:

• individual intolerance to the active substance or auxiliary components of the drug;
• thrombocytopenia, when the level of these blood cells is below 150⋅109/l;
• epileptic seizures;
• severe functional disorders of the kidneys;
• chronic liver pathologies.

The drug is able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier into breast milk. Other contraindications are related to age restrictions and forms of release of Ketotifen.

At what age can the drug be used?

Antihistamine medications are not prescribed to children under 6 months of age. For patients under 3 years of age, Ketotifen is used exclusively in the form of syrup with strawberry or vanilla flavor.

The tablet drug is used to eliminate anaphylactic symptoms in older children. This also applies to eye drops for treating manifestations of allergic conjunctivitis. This form of the medicine is a colorless liquid. It is instilled into the conjunctival sac.

Indications: why is it prescribed for children?

The medicine is prescribed to children for prophylactic purposes to prevent or reduce the manifestations of such diseases:

• bronchial asthma;
• allergic bronchitis;
• hay fever;
• allergic inflammation of the nasal mucosa;
• dermatitis, urticaria;
• conjunctivitis.

According to the instructions, the drug is also indicated for the symptomatic treatment of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis in children. But Ketotifen is not used to relieve an attack of bronchial asthma.

Instructions for use, dosage

Ketotifen is prescribed to children by a doctor of appropriate specialization.

It could be:

• pediatrician;
• pulmonologist;
• Family doctor;
• neurologist;
• allergist.

He also selects the appropriate dosage form of the drug and calculates the dosage. The duration of the therapeutic course and the intensity of taking the medication is determined individually depending on the nature of the pathological manifestations and the severity of the symptoms.

A stable clinical effect is observed after 1.5-2 months of regular use of the drug according to the regimen developed by the doctor.

Typical treatment tactics:

• children are given medicine 2 times a day;
• The drug must be taken with meals;
• standard one-time dose of syrup - 1 measuring spoon containing 2.5 ml of liquid medicine;
• children from 3 to 10 years old are given no more than 1.5 mg of the active substance at one time;

Tablets, capsules and syrup are taken only orally, eye drops - conjunctivally. Therapy must be completed by gradually reducing the dose. This will avoid allergic and asthmatic relapses.

Reviews

Among the positive aspects, almost all users note the cost-effectiveness and effectiveness of treatment. Among the negative ones is drowsiness as an individual reaction of the body in some cases.

For example, Alina is satisfied with the effect of Ketotifen, and although the instructions for use recommend tablets for children from three years of age, the woman believes that syrup is still the best form for preschoolers. A single dosage is placed in a 5 ml measuring spoon. It was with syrup that Alina treated her two children – four and six years old.

But Katya, on the contrary, likes the dosage form of tablets. Katya has been treating her daughter with them since she was 1.5 years old. The tablets were prescribed by a pulmonologist due to the girl’s tendency to obstructive bronchitis. The baby took a month-long preventive course at the beginning of spring and autumn: half a tablet twice a day. The treatment was inexpensive for the family budget, one package was enough for a course, and the small size of the tablets did not cause difficulty in swallowing.

Christina likes that Ketotifen has fewer contraindications than Diazolin, which they were prescribed before. And although the instructions for using Diazolin emphasize the absence of a sedative effect, even while using Ketotifen, Christina did not notice any changes in the child’s behavior and habits.

Natasha treated her son’s cough for almost two months, tried several antibiotics and various folk remedies. The whole family was exhausted, and then, after taking antibiotics, the cough turned into an allergic form. The new pediatrician reviewed the medical history and recommended Ketotifen. The drug relieved irritation in the larynx and dry spells, and my son began to sleep peacefully at night. On the advice of the doctor, even after the symptoms had eased, Natasha continued to give the medicine for another month. And although the woman noticed that her son was drowsy, overall the boy tolerated the treatment very well.

Alexandra, an allergist with 10 years of experience, considers the drug indispensable in preparing for the expected seasonal exacerbations. Alexandra is confident that the product has a unique mechanism of action on the body and can be used effectively at any age.

Side effects

Ketotifen for children has collected reviews of different content. Some parents claim that taking the drug makes the child drowsy and slows down emotional reactions.

Sometimes the medicine causes mild dizziness. Such adverse reactions occur at the beginning of the therapeutic course. The child’s body adapts quickly.

After a few days of course use, the negative effects disappear. In some cases, the child’s body reacts to the active substance and auxiliary components of Ketotifen with a sharp improvement in appetite and symptoms of dyspeptic disorder.

Rarely, the medicine provokes a rapid increase in body weight, the appearance of urological complications, and a decrease in platelet levels in the blood. The nervous system in some cases reacts with increased excitability and irritability.

On the part of digestion, vomiting and defecation disorders are possible. During the adaptation period, drying of the oral mucosa and dysfunction of the salivary glands occur. Dysuria cannot be excluded from the urinary system.

Parents' opinions

Reviews of Ketotifen syrup are found with both positive and negative connotations. Many parents confirm the effectiveness of the drug. It really helps with the main manifestations of an allergic reaction: skin rash and itching, watery eyes, sneezing, etc. Another important advantage is the price. The product can be purchased at almost every pharmacy, but this will require a prescription from a doctor. Moms and dads like that the liquid form of the medication has a pleasant aftertaste. Therefore, there are no difficulties with its use.

Negative opinions also exist. Some parents talk about the lack of the expected effect from Ketotifen syrup. What is it prescribed for? First of all, these are various manifestations of allergies, from which young patients suffer greatly. However, moms and dads say that the product helps only after a single dose. Subsequently, it stops “working”. Therefore, the treatment prescribed by the doctor is ineffective.

Some parents speak negatively about the drug due to the large number of side effects. We are talking about the appearance of drowsiness, lethargy, and nervousness in the child. This negatively affects the quality of life of the little patient. Another disadvantage is the long-term use of the medication. Sometimes it needs to be taken for 2 months or more.

Overdose

If the prescribed daily dose of the drug is significantly exceeded, typical signs of drug intoxication are possible. Cases of overdose of eye drops have not been recorded.

If the daily intake of tablets or capsules is significantly exceeded, the following negative signs are likely:

• psycho-emotional inhibition;
• confusion;
• disorientation in space;
• nausea;
• vomit;
• loose stools;
• complicated sedation;
• convulsive syndrome.

If signs of drug intoxication appear, it is necessary to rinse the child’s stomach, give activated charcoal, and observe indicators of cardiovascular activity.

If excessive psychomotor agitation occurs, mild barbiturates with a short duration of action and drugs of the benzodiazeline group are prescribed.

Parents' reviews of Ketotifen for children characterize it as a safe medicine. They state that the child often tolerates increased doses of the medication well. Signs of drug intoxication do not occur.

special instructions

Ketotifen is ineffective for eliminating acute anaphylactic reactions and facilitating breathing in chronic bronchial asthma. It only affects the visible signs of allergies and dysfunction of the respiratory system.

Against the background of an active inflammatory process in the body, it is allowed to combine Ketotifen with potent corticosteroid drugs. When treating allergic conjunctivitis with eye drops, flexible contact lenses cannot be used due to the content of benzalkonium chloride in their chemical formula.

Rigid lenses must be removed from the eye sockets immediately before the instillation procedure and reinserted for at least 15 minutes. after its completion. The wheat starch included in the tablets is subjected to special medical purification and contains gluten in negligible concentrations.

It does not pose a threat to the condition of patients with celium - a special disorder of digestive function caused by damage to the receptors of the small intestine by certain types of food.

Drug interactions

When Ketotifen is used in parallel with other antihistamines, a potentiation effect may occur, which can lead to an overdose and unpredictable reactions of the body.

Concomitant use with antidiabetic medications increases the risk of developing thrombocytopenia. Ketotifen should not be used with sedatives and sleeping pills.

When taken simultaneously with medications to expand the bronchial cavity, their dosage is reduced to the minimum clinically appropriate limit. Ketotifen enhances the effect of sedative and antipsychotic medications. Interaction with other drugs has not been established.

Interaction with other medications

Allergy syrup for children "Ketotifen" should be taken with caution and only as prescribed by a doctor. It may enhance the effect of other medications. Among them, sedatives, hypnotics and antihistamines should be highlighted. When, for asthma or bronchitis of an allergic nature, Ketotifen syrup is used together with bronchodilators, it is better to reduce their dosage. Simultaneous use in therapy of the product described in the article with hypoglycemic drugs in oral form leads to reversible thrombocytopenia.

Analogs

There are several drugs with an antihistamine effect identical to Ketotifen.

Hydrofumarate forms the basis of the chemical formula:

• Zaditen SRO - eye drops in which the active substance is contained in a concentration of 375 mcg/1 ml versus 250 for Ketotifen.

• Ketofa is a capsulated antihistamine.
• Frenasma is a stabilizer of the mast cell membrane.
• Positan is a drug with moderate histamine inhibitory activity.
• Staphena is a medicine that suppresses the release of leukotrienes and other immunocompetent compounds that provoke allergic reactions.

Successful substitutes for Ketotifen will be drugs based on desloratadine, which has a pharmacological effect similar to hydrofumarate. These include Allergomax. This drug is indicated for use only in children over 10 years of age.

To eliminate the symptoms of seasonal anaphylaxis and allergic destruction of the skin, Zyrtec oral drops are used. From the age of 2, you can give your child Claritin, available in the form of a sweet syrup.

Its chemical formula is based on the antiallergic properties of loratadine. A proven remedy for combating anaphylactic rhinitis and dermatitis is Suprastin.

Effectively relieves inflammation of the respiratory tract and swelling of the nasopharyngeal tissues, Erius syrup, indicated for children from 6 months. It reduces itching and eliminates allergic rashes.

Terms, conditions of sale and storage

Ketotifen is a prescription drug. Dispensing in pharmacies is possible only if you have the appropriate medical document filled out in accordance with all the rules. The shelf life of hermetically sealed syrup in original packaging is 4 years from the date of production.

Tablets and capsules in the same form can be stored for 36 months. The shelf life of a similar Bulgarian drug with the trade name Sopharma is 4 years. Ketotifen should be stored in a dry place, out of reach of children, at a temperature not exceeding +25°C.

Price

The cost of the drug depends on the form of release, the number of tablets or capsules in the pack, the volume of the bottle with syrup or eye drops. The concentration of the active substance also affects the price. Pack of tablets of 30 pcs. It costs about 80 rubles in Russian pharmacies.

Ketotifen syrup for children under 3 years of age comes in 50, 100, 150 ml. Reviews from parents note that buying the most spacious one is the most profitable. Its approximate price is 100 rubles. Eye drops for conjunctivitis cost 50 rubles. per bottle with a capacity of 5 ml.