Indications

Fenat (Ketotifen) is indicated for the following conditions:

• Prophylactic treatment of bronchial asthma.
• Symptomatic treatment of allergic conditions including rhinitis and conjunctivitis.
• Alleviating complications of itching, pain, and tenderness associated with neurofibroma.
• Symptomatic treatment of allergies like hay fever and urticaria.

Pharmacology

Ketotifen is an anti-allergic medication with antihistamine properties. It works by preventing asthmatic attacks and has a sustained inhibitory effect on histamine reactions. Clinical trials have shown that it can reduce the number, severity, and duration of asthma attacks. Its full prophylactic effect may take several weeks to become established, and it will not stop an ongoing asthma attack.

Dosage & Administration

• Adults: 1 mg twice daily with food. The dose can be increased to 2 mg twice daily in severe cases.
• Children (above 3 years): 1 mg twice daily with food. For children who are easily sedated, treatment should begin with 0.5 to 1 mg at night for the first few days.
• Elderly: Same as the adult dose.

Interaction

Fenat may intensify the effects of sedatives, hypnotics, antihistamines, and alcohol. A reversible decrease in platelet count has been observed in some patients taking Ketotifen with oral antidiabetic agents, so this combination should be avoided.

Contraindications

The combination of Ketotifen with oral antidiabetic agents should be avoided due to a reported reversible fall in platelet count. Additionally, because there is no evidence of a teratogenic effect, its use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not recommended.

Side Effects

Drowsiness, dry mouth, and slight dizziness may occur at the beginning of treatment, but these symptoms usually disappear on their own after a few days.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Although there is no evidence of a teratogenic effect, the use of Ketotifen is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation.

Precautions & Warnings

It is important to continue any previous asthma treatment for at least two weeks after starting Fenat to avoid an exacerbation of asthma. Patients who are dependent on systemic corticosteroids or ACTH should be monitored carefully due to the risk of adrenal insufficiency. Fenat will not abort an established asthma attack. During the first few days of treatment, a patient's reactions may be impaired, so they should be advised not to drive or operate machinery until they know how the drug affects them. Patients should also avoid alcoholic drinks.

Overdose Effects

Symptoms of overdose may include confusion, drowsiness, headache, bradycardia, and respiratory depression. In case of overdose, it is recommended to empty the stomach through gastric lavage or emesis. Otherwise, general supportive treatment is all that is required.

Therapeutic Class

Fenat is classified under the Cromoglycate & related drugs therapeutic class.

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light. Keep out of the reach of children.