Orotifen

Aerofen is indicated in the following conditions-
For the prophylactic treatment of bronchial asthma.
Symptomatic treatment of allergic conditions including rhinitis and conjunctivitis.
For alleviating the complications of itching, pain and tenderness associated with neurofibroma.
Symptomatic treatment of allergy such as hayfever, urticaria.

Adults
: 1 mg twice daily with food. 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.

Drowsiness and in isolated cases, dry mouth and slight dizziness may occur at the beginning of treatment but usually disappear spontaneously after a few days.

It is important to continue the previous treatment for a minimum of two weeks after starting Aerofen to avoid the possibility of exacerbation of asthma. This applies specially to systemic corticosteroids and ACTH because of the possible existence of adrenocortical insufficiency in steroid dependent patient. If inter current infection occurs, Aerofen treatment must be supplemented by specific antimicrobial therapy. During the first day of treatment with Aerofen, reactions may be impaired and patients should be warned not to take charge of vehicle or machinery until the effect of Aerofen treatment on the individual is known. Patients should be advised to avoid alcoholic drinks. Aerofen may potentiate the effects of sedatives, hypnotics, antihistamines and alcohol.

Ketotifen has anti-allergic properties and has been used similarly, to sodium chromoglycate in the prophylactic treatment of asthma. It also has the properties of an antihistamine. Ketotifen possesses marked anti-anaphylactic properties and is effective in preventing an asthmatic attacks. Ketotifen exerts as sustained inhibitory effect on histamine reactions, which can be clearly dissociated from its anti-anaphylactic properties. Experimental investigations in asthmatic subjects have shown that Ketotifen is as effective orally as a selective mast cell stabilizer administered by inhalation. Antihistamines were ineffective in those tests. The effectiveness of Ketotifen has been studied in long-term clinical trials. Asthma attacks were reduced in number, severity and duration and in some cases, the patients were completely freed from attacks. Progressive reduction of corticosteroids and/or bronchodilators was also possible. The prophylactic activity of Ketotifen may take several weeks to become fully established. Ketotifen will not abort established attacks of asthma.