Methods of treating a patient suffering from a TNFα associated arthritic disorder with the cytokine release inhibitor norketotifen include orally or topically administering to the subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of norketotifen, an isomeric mixture, a prodrug, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Also included are methods of intra-articular injection of norketotifen, such as into a joint of a subject in need thereof.