What is Montelukast?
Montelukast is a medication that reduces inflammation. It can also be used to help prevent asthma attacks. attacks for adults as well as children whose age is at least 2 years old. Montelukast can also be used to help prevent the bronchoconstriction caused by exercise (a narrowing of the airways of the lungs caused by exercise, which is also referred to as exercise-induced asthma) in children and adults who are at least 6 years old.
For adults and children aged two years or older with symptoms of year-round or seasonal (perennial) allergies, Montelukast can be considered after other treatment options haven't been effective. If you are already taking montelukast frequently to avoid allergies or asthma, don't add a dose to treat bronchoconstriction caused by exercise. Montelukast isn't a rapid-acting medication to help with asthma attacks. It must be taken regularly to function efficiently. Montelukast was FDA-approved in 1998.
Warnings
Stop taking montelukast and contact your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual changes in your mood or behavior (such as anxiety or disorientation, depression, insomnia, compulsive behavior such as hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors). Inform your doctor immediately if you are experiencing symptoms of blood vessel inflammation such as flu-like symptoms, severe sinus pain, redness on the skin and numbness, or a "pins and needles" feeling in your legs or arms.
Before Taking this Medicine
Montelukast should not be used if you have an allergy to it. Speak to your doctor if you are ever diagnosed with:
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Psychosis or mental illness; or
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Asthma or the history of an allergic reaction (sneezing or runny nose, wheezing, or s hortness of breath) following the use of aspirin or a different NSAID.
The montelukast chewable tablet could contain phenylalanine, which can be dangerous in the case of Phenylketonuria (PKU). Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or pregnant. Don't give the medication to an infant without a physician's guidance.
How to Take Montelukast?
Follow the exact dosage as recommended by your physician. Read all the medication manuals or information sheets on montelukast. Montelukast does not provide rapid-acting treatment to treat asthma-related attacks. Seek medical attention in the event that your breathing issues get worse rapidly or you believe the medications you are taking aren't functioning. Montelukast can be taken one time each evening, either in combination with food or not. To treat bronchoconstriction caused by exercise, you should take one dose for at least 2 hours prior to exercise. Don't take another dose for at least 24 hours. Drink the normal tablet in its entirety, along with an ice-cold glass. You should chew the tablet thoroughly before you swallow it.
Put the granules of oral suspension directly into your mouth and swallow them, or mix them in with the applesauce, mashed carrots, rice, and ice- cream.hey can be mixed with breastmilk. Make sure not to mix it with any other kind of liquid. Utilise it within fifteen minutes. Do not store the mixture to use later. If you are also using an oral steroid medication, you shouldn't stop taking it abruptly when you begin taking montelukast. Follow your doctor's advice on the dosage you should be tapering. Don't alter the dose or stop taking your asthma medication without consulting your doctor. Keep montelukast in a cool, dry place far from heat and moisture. Don't open a package of oral granules made from montelukast until you are prepared to utilise them.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
If you have missed the dose of montelukast, take the missed dose off and then take the next dose at your regular time. Don't take two doses at once.
What Happens If I Overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What Should be Avoided?
Avoid activities or situations that could trigger an asthma attack. In the event that your asthma-related symptoms become worse after taking aspirin, do not take aspirin or any other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, Meloxicam, and many others.
Side Effects of Montelukast:
Get immediate medical attention. If you show symptoms that you are experiencing an allergic reaction due to montelukast, such as Hives or blisters, extreme itching, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue, Contact your physician immediately when you are experiencing signs of inflammation in your blood vessels, such as flu-like symptoms, severe sinus discomfort, a rash on your skin, numbness, or a "pins and needles" feeling in your legs or arms. Some patients who are taking montelukast are experiencing recent or more severe mental health issues. Stop taking montelukast immediately and contact your physician immediately if you experience abnormal changes in the way you behave or mood, for example:
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Anger and aggression, feeling agitated or annoyed;
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Anxiety, depression, confusion, issues with attention, or memory
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Uncontrolled tremors, stuttering, or uncontrolled muscle movements
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Suicidal ideas or actions;
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Hallucinations, sleep issues, vivid, vivid, or dreamlike sleepwalking, or
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Compulsive or repetitive behaviour.
Common adverse effects of montelukast could be:
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Stomach pain, diarrhoea;
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Flu symptoms, fever, or other;
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Ear pain or fullness; difficulty hearing;
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Headache or
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Cold symptoms like a runny nose or nasal stuffiness, nasal discomfort, coughing, and a sore throat.
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could be present. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can call 1-800-FDA-1088 to tell the FDA about any side effects.
Interaction with Other Drugs
Other medications can affect montelukast as well, such as prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about any other medicines you are taking.
