Prosma (Ketotifen): An Anti-allergic and Prophylactic Asthma Treatment

Prosma contains Ketotifen, an anti-allergic agent with properties similar to sodium cromoglycate. It is indicated for the prophylactic treatment of bronchial asthma and the symptomatic treatment of various allergic conditions. It belongs to the therapeutic class of Cromoglycate & related drugs.

How Prosma Works (Pharmacology)

Ketotifen exhibits its effects through multiple mechanisms:

• Anti-allergic Properties: It has marked anti-anaphylactic properties, preventing allergic reactions.
• Mast Cell Stabilization (Indirect): Experimental investigations suggest it acts similarly to a selective mast cell stabilizer administered by inhalation, effectively preventing asthmatic attacks. It may exert an inhibitory effect on histamine release from mast cells.
• Antihistamine Properties: It also possesses antihistamine properties, exerting a sustained inhibitory effect on histamine reactions.
• Reduced Asthma Attacks: In long-term clinical trials, Ketotifen has been shown to reduce the number, severity, and duration of asthma attacks, with some patients becoming completely free from attacks.
• Corticosteroid/Bronchodilator Reduction: It may allow for progressive reduction of corticosteroids and/or bronchodilators in some patients.

Note: The prophylactic activity of Ketotifen may take several weeks to become fully established, and it will not abort established attacks of asthma.

Key Indications & Benefits

Prosma is indicated for:

• Prophylactic treatment of bronchial asthma.
• Symptomatic treatment of allergic conditions, including rhinitis (hayfever) and conjunctivitis.
• Alleviating complications of itching, pain, and tenderness associated with neurofibroma.
• Symptomatic treatment of allergy such as hayfever, urticaria.

Dosage & Administration

Prosma should be taken with food. Always consult a registered physician for medication use.

• Adults: 1 mg twice daily. If necessary, the dose may be increased to 2 mg twice daily in severe cases.
• Children above 3 years: 1 mg twice daily with food.
• Patients known to be easily sedated: Should begin treatment with 0.5 to 1 mg at night for the first few days, or as directed by the physician.
• Use in elderly: Same as adult dose or as advised by the physician.

Important Considerations & Warnings

It is crucial to discuss your full medical history with your doctor before taking Prosma.

Contraindications:

• Concomitant use with oral antidiabetic agents: A reversible fall in platelet count has been observed in some patients, so this combination should be avoided.
• Pregnancy and Lactation: Not recommended.

Side Effects:

• Common (especially at the beginning of treatment): Drowsiness, dry mouth, and slight dizziness. These usually disappear spontaneously after a few days.
• Generally, adverse effects are mild.

Pregnancy & Lactation:

• Although there is no evidence of any teratogenic effect, Ketotifen is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation.

Precautions & Warnings:

• Discontinuation of Previous Asthma Treatment: It is important to continue previous asthma treatment for a minimum of two weeks after starting Prosma to avoid potential exacerbation of asthma. This is especially true for systemic corticosteroids and ACTH, due to the risk of adrenocortical insufficiency in steroid-dependent patients.
• Acute Asthma Attacks: Prosma will not abort established attacks of asthma.
• Intercurrent Infection: If an intercurrent infection occurs, Prosma treatment must be supplemented by specific antimicrobial therapy.
• Impaired Reactions: During the first few days of treatment, reactions may be impaired. Patients should be warned not to drive or operate machinery until the individual effect of Prosma is known.
• Alcohol: Patients should be advised to avoid alcoholic drinks.
• Potentiation of Other Drugs: Prosma may potentiate the effects of sedatives, hypnotics, antihistamines, and alcohol.

Drug Interactions:

• Sedatives, Hypnotics, Antihistamines, and Alcohols: Prosma may potentiate their effects.
• Oral Antidiabetic Agents: Concurrent use should be avoided due to observed reversible fall in platelet count in some patients.

Overdose Effects

• Reported features of overdosage: Confusion, drowsiness, headache, bradycardia, respiratory depression.
• Management: Elimination of the drug with gastric lavage or emesis is recommended. Otherwise, general supportive treatment should be instituted.

Storage Conditions

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