Question:
Does anyone have any information on the value of this medicine for asthma
or respiratory problems in a child??
Answer:
This medication (Zaditen [Ketotifen]), has antihistamine and relaxative
properties. Also has weak calcium antagonistic properties.
Claims have been made that it decreases intrabronchial inflammation in the
airways, inhibits activity of phosphodiesterase and increases reduced
sensitivity of beta-2 receptors to catecholamines. Although NO studies have
been carried out to make solid grounds about those claims. Those effects are
not scientifically proven.
Treatment with Zaditen is supposed to last for several weeks because the
medication doesn't start acting its full potential until the third week of
administration.
The main side effect is fatigue. There are two conflicting opinions about treatment with Zaditen. European, especially French pulmonologists and asthma specialists consider
that this medication to be a favorable addition to the regimen because of
its multi-properties. It is also considered that children respond much
better than adults and then link has been attached to the beta-2 receptors.
US colleagues and FDA doubt the efficacy of Zaditen because no major trials
have been carried out comparing Zaditen when its included into regimen of
asthmatics versus not included. Same thing with bronchitis, asthmatic
bronchitis and emphysema.
So the question still stands open for Zaditen. There have been debates going
on in literature about Zaditen but they have calmed down. It has also be
taken into consideration that Europe and US have different guidelines on
managing asthmatics, different opinions about steroids, theophylline.
