Asthafen
✅ Allergy symptom relief
✅ Non-drowsy formula
✅ Rapid symptom control
✅ Enhanced comfort
Contains Ketotifen Fumarate
✓ Medically reviewed by Morgan Ellis — Pharmacy Researcher · 8 years experience · Last reviewed: May 2026
⚡ Quick Answer — What is Asthafen?
Asthafen contains ketotifen — an oral mast-cell stabiliser and H1 antihistamine. Used as a long-term preventer for allergic asthma (especially in children), atopic dermatitis flares, and chronic allergic rhinitis. Onset of preventer benefit takes 4–8 weeks of consistent twice-daily dosing. Modern asthma guidelines have largely moved away from ketotifen in favour of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), but it remains useful in young children and in atopic patients with multiple allergic comorbidities. Manufactured by Cipla; international brand Zaditen.
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What Is Asthafen?
Asthafen contains ketotifen 1 mg per tablet (also available as 1 mg/5 ml syrup). Ketotifen has dual action: it stabilises mast-cell membranes (preventing IgE-driven degranulation and histamine release) and blocks H1 receptors. Internationally sold as Zaditen.
How Does Ketotifen Work?
- Mast-cell membrane stabilisation — prevents IgE-mediated release of histamine, leukotrienes, and tryptase.
- H1 receptor antagonism — blocks histamine-mediated itch, sneeze, runny nose, and (mild) bronchoconstriction.
- Reduces airway hyperreactivity over 4–8 weeks of consistent dosing.
Uses and Indications
- Allergic asthma in children — preventer adjunct (especially when ICS adherence is poor)
- Allergic rhinitis — chronic perennial form
- Atopic dermatitis — adjunct
- Chronic urticaria — alternative to second-generation antihistamine
- Allergic conjunctivitis
Asthafen Dosage
| Patient | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Adults & children >3 yr | 1 mg | Twice daily with food |
| Children 6 mo – 3 yr | 0.5 mg | Twice daily with food |
| Sedation-prone patients | Start at 0.5 mg evening dose | Titrate up over 1 week |
Side Effects of Asthafen
- Drowsiness (commonest — usually settles within 1–2 weeks)
- Mild weight gain (appetite stimulation)
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Headache
Serious — stop and seek help:
- Severe allergic reaction
- Severe drowsiness preventing daily function
- Mood change, agitation in children
Warnings and Precautions
- Drowsiness: avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
- Not a rescue medication. Use SABA (Asthalin, Levolin) for acute bronchospasm.
- Continue ICS if previously prescribed; ketotifen does not replace inhaled corticosteroids.
- Slow onset: 4–8 weeks of consistent dosing required for full effect.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: use only when benefits outweigh risks; second-generation antihistamines (loratadine, levocetirizine) preferred.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to ketotifen
- Concomitant oral antidiabetics (rare reports of reversible thrombocytopenia in combination)
Drug Interactions
- Sedatives, alcohol, hypnotics — additive sedation
- Oral antidiabetics — reversible thrombocytopenia (rare)
- CNS depressants — additive sedation
Storage
- Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Keep in original packaging until use to protect from moisture and light.
- Do not use after the expiry date printed on the strip.
- Keep out of reach of children.
Related Alternatives on MedsBase
- Asthalin Inhaler — salbutamol reliever
- Budecort Inhaler — budesonide ICS preventer
- Foracort Inhaler — budesonide + formoterol ICS-LABA
- Montair — montelukast LTRA tablet
- Tiova Inhaler — tiotropium LAMA for COPD
Frequently Asked Questions
How is ketotifen different from cetirizine or loratadine?
Ketotifen has dual action (mast-cell stabilisation + H1 block) and longer-term preventer effect on allergic disease. Modern second-generation antihistamines (loratadine, cetirizine, levocetirizine) are non-sedating but lack the mast-cell stabilisation. For acute allergy: a non-sedating antihistamine. For chronic preventer effect in allergic asthma/rhinitis: ketotifen.
Why is ketotifen still used in children?
It is well-tolerated, available as a syrup, and the mild sedation can be helpful with bedtime dosing in atopic children with sleep disturbance from itch.
Will Asthafen replace my inhaler?
No — it is an add-on preventer, not a replacement for ICS or reliever therapy.
How long until I feel better?
4–8 weeks for full preventer effect on asthma and rhinitis. Antihistamine effect (itch, sneeze) starts within hours.
Is Asthafen safe in pregnancy?
Limited data; generally avoided in favour of better-studied second-generation antihistamines.
Can I drink alcohol on Asthafen?
Alcohol amplifies the drowsiness — avoid or minimise.
How long can children take Asthafen?
Indefinite use is acceptable while symptoms persist; reassess every 6–12 months.
Why must I take it with food?
Reduces stomach upset; bioavailability is unaffected.
Can I stop Asthafen suddenly?
No taper needed for ketotifen specifically, but allergic symptoms will return — discuss long-term plan with your prescriber.
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| Strength | 1 mg |
|---|---|
| Quantity | 30 Tablet/s, 60 Tablet/s, 90 Tablet/s |
| Pharma Form | Tablet/s |
| Manufacturer | Torrent Pharma |
| Treatment | Asthma |
| Generic Brand | Salbutamol |
Asthafen
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