Abstract
In order to investigate the efficacy, safety and usefulness of ketotifen-MR in patients with allergic rhinitis, we administered ketotifen-MR to 32 patients once daily for 4 to 6 weeks. 1) The overall improvement ratings found at the end of the study were 40.6% when cases rated as “markedly improved” were included, 65.6% when cases rated as “moderately improved or better” were included, and 81.3% when cases rated as “slightly improved” were included. In most cases, the improvements appeared within 2 weeks. 2) No adverse reactions or abnormal changes in laboratory values were observed, indicating that ketotifen-MR is highly safe. These results suggest that ketotifen-MR is safe and clinically as effective as, or more effective than other antiallergic agents. In conclusion, owing to its once-daily administration, ketotifen-MR is expected to be easy to take and will be very useful in treating allergic rhinitis.
