Retrospective study of ketotifen protective action in different allergopathies.

There is no doubt that ketotifen has continued to be an effective prophylactic anti-allergic drug throughout the years since its discovery. Therefore, we decided to perform a retrospective study of this pharmacologic agent to evaluate its efficacy, duration of treatment, as well as its tolerance in different allergic processes. A total of 1,000 histories of allergic patients were reviewed and 450 were selected by chance from 1981 through 1984. The patients were divided as to their diagnostic etiology, whether affected by pollen or house dust. Ketotifen efficacy was graded from 0-3 (bad, regular, good and excellent), according to its clinical evaluation. In general, children responded better to ketotifen treatment than adults (reduction in other symptomatic drug intake), although statistical significance was found in both populations. However, drug efficacy was better in pollen than house dust. Induced asthma and rhinitis in the children population. On the other hand, no statistical difference was found between sensitization to house dust or pollens in the adult population. To be truly effective, ketotifen should be taken for at least 3 months or more. We only found 12 (2.66%) patients who presented somnolence: the rest tolerated the drug well, with no secondary side effects.