Alarid Tablet

Indication:

Alarid Tablet is indicated for the treatment of-

• Prophylaxis of Bronchial Asthma: To decrease the frequency and severity of asthma attacks over time.
• Allergic Rhinitis: Symptomatic treatment of hay fever and year-round nasal allergies.
• Allergic Skin Conditions: Management of atopic dermatitis, eczema, and chronic urticaria (hives).
• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Relief of itchy and red eyes (via ophthalmic drops).

Dogase & Adminstration:

Adults Doses:

• 1 mg (one tablet) twice daily with food.
• In patients prone to sedation, the dose may be started at 0.5 mg to 1 mg at night for the first few days.
• Maximum Dose: Up to 2 mg twice daily if required.

Children (Based on BNFC 2022-2023):

• 6 months to 3 years: 0.5 mg (2.5 ml syrup) twice daily.
• Above 3 years: 1 mg (5 ml syrup or 1 tablet) twice daily.

Administration: It must be taken regularly to be effective; it may take 4 to 12 weeks to achieve the full prophylactic effect in asthma.

Note on Injection/Suppository: Ketotifen is not available in injection or suppository forms in the provided clinical references.

”রেজিস্ট্রার চিকিৎসকের পরামর্শ অনুযায়ী ঔষধ সেবন করুন”

Pharmacology:

• Mechanism of Action: Ketotifen is a potent H1-receptor antagonist and a mast-cell stabilizer. It works by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine, leukotrienes, and slow-reacting substances of anaphylaxis (SRS-A) from mast cells and basophils.
• Pharmacodynamics: It suppresses the movement of eosinophils into the airways and inhibits the activation of platelets by PAF (Platelet Activating Factor), which significantly reduces airway hyper-responsiveness. Unlike standard antihistamines, its ability to stabilize mast cell membranes makes it effective for prophylaxis rather than just acute symptom relief.
• Pharmacokinetics: After oral administration, it is almost completely absorbed from the GI tract. It undergoes significant first-pass metabolism in the liver. Peak plasma concentrations are reached in 2 to 4 hours, and it is excreted primarily as metabolites in the urine.

Side Effects:

• Common: Drowsiness, dry mouth, and slight dizziness at the start of treatment.
• Others: Weight gain due to increased appetite.

Drug Interaction:

• Oral Antidiabetics: May cause a reversible fall in thrombocyte count; avoid concurrent use.
• Sedatives/Alcohol: May enhance the effects of CNS depressants and alcohol.

Pregnancy & Lactation:

• Pregnancy: Use is not recommended unless the benefits outweigh potential risks.
• Lactation: Ketotifen is excreted in breast milk; mothers taking it should not breastfeed.

Over Dosage:

Symptoms: Drowsiness, confusion, tachycardia, and hypotension. Management involves gastric lavage and symptomatic treatment.

Therapeutic Class:

Mast-cell Stabilizer; Antihistamine.

Storage Conditions:

Store below at 30°C  temperature in a dry place. Away from light and out of reach of children. Do not use the medication after its expiration date.