Ketasma

Overview Ketasma

Ketasma is a medication primarily used to treat various allergic conditions and symptoms of mild atopic asthma. Its active ingredient is Ketotifen, which is an antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer.

Uses of Ketasma

It’s effective in treating symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy skin rash, and watery eyes caused by allergies, including hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) and allergic conjunctivitis.

It helps in the prophylactic management of bronchial asthma by decreasing lung inflammation and preventing asthma symptoms like chest tightness, wheezing, breathlessness, and coughing.

Mechanism of Action

It blocks the effects of histamine, a chemical messenger naturally involved in allergic reactions. By blocking histamine at its H1 receptors, it reduces allergic symptoms like itching, redness, and swelling.

Ketotifen stabilizes these mast cells, preventing them from releasing these substances and thus reducing inflammation and controlling symptoms. It also has some anti-inflammatory properties and may interfere with leukotriene pathways.

Important points

• It’s generally taken orally (tablet or syrup).
• It may take a few weeks for Ketasma to show its full effects in preventing asthma symptoms, so consistent use as prescribed is important.
• It is not meant to stop an asthma attack that has already started.

Side Effects

• Drowsiness/Sedation
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Weight gain and increased appetite

Precautions

Avoid alcohol consumption as it can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Generally not recommended. Consult your doctor. It can cause drowsiness, so exercise caution. Ketasma should be used with caution or avoided in patients with epilepsy as it might decrease seizure control.

Always take the tablet as prescribed by your doctor and consult them if you experience any concerning side effects or have underlying medical conditions.