Name:  Ketotifen fumarate 

Synonyms:  4-(1-Methyl-4-piperidylidene)-4H-benzo[4,5]cyclohepta[1,2-b]thiophen-10(9H)-one hydrogen fumarate

Molecular Structure:  

Molecular Formula:  C₁₉H₁₉NOS.C₄H₄O₄;C₂₃H₂₃NO₅S

Molecular Weight:  425.50

CAS Number:  34580-14-8

EINECS:  252-100-0

 

Ketotifen fumarate (ophthalmic solutions marketed under the brand name Zaditor (Novartis) and Alaway (Bausch and Lomb)) is an H1-antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer available in two forms. In its ophthalmic form, Ketotifen fumarate is used to treat allergic conjunctivitis, or the itchy red eyes caused by allergies. In its oral form, Ketotifen fumarate is used to prevent asthma attacks. Side effects include drowsiness, weight gain, dry mouth, irritability, and increased nosebleeds.

Ketotifen relieves and prevents eye itchiness and/or irritation associated with most seasonal allergies. Ketotifen  starts working within minutes after administering the drops. The drug has not been studied in children under 3. The mean elimination half life is 12 hours. Ketotifen is used to up-regulate Beta-2 adrenergic receptors down-regulated by Beta-2 adrenergic agonists such as the drug Clenbuterol (often used in body-building communities).