Montelukast is consumed by millions of asthmatic or allergic people worldwide. from them, about a third are minors.
This drug is used in the treatment of various symptoms of asthma and seasonal allergic rhinitis. It is considered quite effective. However, it does have some negative side effects, such as headaches, earaches, tiredness and weakness.
In this article we will learn what montelukast is, what it is for, how it is administered, its risks and contraindications. This is done for informational purposes. Therefore, its use is not intended to be recommended, nor is it intended to replace medical treatment.
What is montelukast and what is it used for?
Montelukast is required in pharmacies, by prescription and with a prescriptionunder any of its trade names: Singulair ®, Senovital ®, Sansibast ®, Airón ®, Airal ® or Everest ®.
This is a medicine used to treat asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, bronchospasm or chest tightness. It also helps prevent breathing difficulties caused by exercise in people with this disease.
said drug it is also used in the treatment of hay fever symptomsknown as seasonal allergy OR seasonal allergic rhinitis. The picture comes with sneezing, congestion, and a runny nose and itchy nose.
In general, montelukast blocks the action of leukotrienes. These substances, produced by white blood cells and derived from arachidonic acid, have a more powerful bronchoconstrictor effect than histamine, leading to narrowing and inflammation of the airways.
Montelukast has been approved since Food and pharmaceutical administration (FDA). It is used in the treatment of asthma for adults and children over 6 years of age; and allergic rhinitis in adults and children 2 years of age and older.
It is believed that it is effective and has positive results in reducing symptomssecond research. However, it does not cure these conditions.
How to take montelukast
Montelukast is available in several forms: tablets, chewables and granules.. In all cases it is administered orally. It is not recommended in case of acute or sudden attacks of asthma, as it should only be taken once a day.
When treating asthma, this intake should be at night. Although to prevent breathing difficulties associated with this disease it is preferable two hours before exercise. The ideal is to keep a schedule.
In case of allergic rhinitis it can be taken at any time: Even if under the same conditions: once every 24 hours.
If you are giving this medicine in granules to children, the granules can be poured into a teaspoon for them to feed or given directly from the sachet into their mouth. The child can drink liquids after swallowing them.
It can also be mixed with a little milk, puree or porridge.. Ideally, this blend should be prepared for immediate consumption. Therefore, if 15 minutes pass after making the preparation, it should not be stored.
Do not change the dose or stop it unless your doctor tells you to or there is a reaction. Montelukast takes a day to start working.
If you forget a dose by mistake, take it as soon as you remember. But if almost 24 hours have passed and it is almost time for the usual time, it is good to wait and take only one.
Risks and precautions with montelukast
Either before you start taking it or during treatment, some precautions should be taken into consideration to avoid risks and problems related to the consumption, storage or disposal of the drug. We see.
Before you start taking it
Tell your doctor if you are allergic to this drug, any of its ingredients, or any other medications. In this sense, take note of what components of the montelukast presentation you are consuming.
You should also tell your doctor what medications or supplements you are taking or plan to start taking. Montelukast can interact with other drugs.such as phenobarbital, rifampicin and gemfibrozil.
In other situations, such as having liver disease, being pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or if you’re breastfeeding, it’s a good idea to see your doctor. No studies have been conducted in people with renal insufficiency so far.
Warehousing
As with many other medicines, montelukast must be stored in a cool, dry place, at room temperature. Wet places (such as the bathroom) or hot places (the kitchen) are excluded.
Likewise, it should be kept out of the sight and reach of children as far as possible. Preferably locked, in a high place. This precaution also applies to children taking montelukast on medical recommendation.
Duration, deadline and discard
Observe and note the expiration date on the container label. In general, the duration is usually one year. The recommendation is that expired medications should be avoided.
Once they are expired or when treatment is finished, if the medicines are to be discarded, it must be done safely. Medicines are among those things that you shouldn’t flush down the drain.
Side effects of montelukast
Despite the montekulast positive results, negative side effects have also been reported. Even though they are said to be rare, some become serious.
Possible side effects of montelukast include:
- Signs of allergic skin reaction: rash, redness, itching, blisters, peeling.
- Throat Disorders: hoarseness, difficulty swallowing or speaking.
- respiratory problem: worsening cough, wheezing and tightness in the chest.
- pain or ear infection.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: nausea, abdominal pain, watery stools.
- Signs of liver problems: yellowing of the eyes and skin.
- Heachache and dizziness.
- Sleep disorders: nightmares, sleepwalking or drowsiness.
- Depression: In Clinical studies Adverse behavior experiences were found after the use of montelukast with a prevalence of 2.73%. In the research There have been no reports of a completed suicide being directly attributed to drugs.
- Other behavioral disorders: has associated the Alice in Wonderland Syndrome with risperidone and montelukast.
Recommendations for treatment with montelukast
The FDA has reviewed the benefits and risks of montelukast based on reports of adverse neuropsychiatric events related to the use of montelukast. In this regard, he determined that Pharmaceuticals must have a canned warning on the packaging.
If anyone notices any adverse reactions to its use, whether physical or behavioral (agitation, aggression, anxiety, irritability), they should call their doctor immediately and stop using the drug. Even if there has never been any prior mental health issues.
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