Ketotifen versus Inhaled Budesonide for Controlling Childhood Asthma
Pavana Tantichaiyakul MD*, Aroonwan Preutthipan MD, FCCP**
Affiliation : * Division of Pediatrics, Banpong Hospital, Ratchaburi, Thailand ** Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Background : International asthma guideline recommends inhaled corticosteroids therapy for children of all ages as the first
controller. However, in some less developed parts of the world, ketotifen, an old inexpensive medicine with antihistaminic and
anti-allergic reactions, has been found to be the most favored prophylactic agents.
Objective : To compare the efficacy and safety of ketotifen and inhaled budesonide in asthmatic children aged 8 months to 14
years at Banpong Hospital, located 80km south from Bangkok.
Material and Method: Children who had been admitted with acute asthmatic attack in 2008 at Banpong Hospital and had
> 3 episodes of wheeze with good response to nebulized bronchodilators were randomized into two groups. Ketotifen group
(n = 16) were given oral ketotifen 0.5 mg or 1 mg twice daily depending on age. Budesonide group (n = 14) were given as
inhaled budesonide 200 μg (MDI) twice daily. Caregivers recorded children’s asthmatic symptoms and nebulized treatments
in diaries every day. The enrolled children received these two treatment regimens and were followed up for 26 weeks.
Results : Number of ER visits decreased significantly after both treatments (p < 0.005). The percentage of children with
reduction in ER visits was comparable between ketotifen and budesonide (p = 0.16). Ketotifen group also demonstrated a
reduction in days of hospital stay (p < 0.05). Budesonide treatment resulted in more symptom-free days (p < 0.05). Both
medications were well tolerated and safe. The only demonstrated side effect of ketotifen was weight gain. The growth rate in
height for both groups did not differ.
Conclusion : Both ketotifen and inhaled budesonide are effective, safe, and well-tolerated in the prevention of asthma
exacerbation in children particularly in the country with limited resource.
Keywords : Budesonide, Ketotifen, Asthma, Children, Randomized control trial
