How does Asthafen (Ketotifen Fumarate) work:

Asthafen (Ketotifen Fumarate) is an antihistamine used to treat rhinitis and conjunctivitis. Asthafen works to relieve allergic symptoms such as watery and itchy eyes, sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, and rashes and itching of the skin. It works by blocking the histamine released from the mast cells and blocks the H1 receptors so if histamine is released, Asthafen prevents it from having an effect on you.

Dosage & Administration:

Take Asthafen (Ketotifen Fumarate) twice daily by mouth. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Do not stop using other asthma medications unless your physician tells you to. To lessen the drowsiness effect of this drug, the dosage may be slowly increased during the first week. It may take several weeks before the full benefits of this drug are clearly noticed (usually within 10 weeks). After 2 to 3 months of using this drug, your physician may slowly decrease the use of other asthma medicines. Follow your physician's directions carefully.

Side Effects:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• trouble sleeping
• flu-like symptoms
• weight gain
• stomach pain
• rash
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• irritability
• unusual excitability
• nervousness

Precautions:

Do not take Asthafen if you are allergic to it or any other ingredients in the medication. Tell your physician if you have a history of kidney, heart or liver disease, blood disorders, diabetes, or epilepsy before you take Asthafen. Make sure your physician knows if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Do not operate heavy equipment or drive a motor vehicle until you know how this medication affects you. Avoid drinking alcohol as it may make you drowsier.