VERIFIED CONTENTAuthor: Karolina Porowska

Montelukast - it is an organic chemical compound. It is a substance classified as anti-asthma medications. The drug was introduced to the market in 1998 by the Food and Drug Administration under the trade name Singulair. Montelukast can be purchased in various prescription doses as granules, chewable tablets, or chewable tablets.

Montelukast composition

The duplicated tablet (Bluefish, 10 mg) contains the active substance montelukast as montelukast sodium; excipients: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, black iron oxide (E 172), hypromellose, red iron oxide (E 172), macrogol, titanium dioxide (E 171), yellow iron oxide (E 172), macrogol 6000.

Montelukast operation

Montelukast works mainly:

  • anti-asthma,
  • anti-inflammatory
  • and preventing bronchospasm.

The mechanism of action is based on blocking the CysLT1 type leukotriene receptors located in the airways and other pro-inflammatory cells. As a result, there is no association with the cysteinyl leukotrienes.

This results in the inhibition of the inflammatory effect of cysteinyl leukotrienes, which are released by mast cells (mast cells) and eosinophils and are responsible for the development of local inflammation, asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Montelukast contributes primarily to the reduction of bronchial hyperreactivity, the permeability of blood vessels, the amount of secreted mucus and prevents the reconstruction of the respiratory tract.

Using montelukast

Montelukast has been used in people with mild to moderate persistent asthma as an adjunct to treatment when basic treatment with inhaled glucocorticosteroids or short-acting beta-agonists does not have the intended effect.

In addition, the drug can be used to prevent asthma caused by too much exercise and symptomatic seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Indications tousing montelukast

It is recommended to use the drug in asthma of various origins (bronchial, stress-related) and during intense rhinitis.

Contraindications to the use of montelukast

Do not use the drug if you are allergic to montelukast or if you are allergic to any of the modules listed in the formulation.

Montelukast dosage

The drug should be used as described in the patient information leaflet or according to specific guidelines and recommendations of a doctor or pharmacist. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Precautions

Caution should be exercised in the event of an acute asthma attack while taking the drug. It is not recommended to replace montelukast with other drugs (corticosteroids) without consulting your doctor first.

Side effects

Montelukast can cause nervous system disorders (headache) and digestive system disorders (stomach pain, abdominal pain).

Interaction with other drugs and diseases

In order to avoid undesirable ailments, inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications that are currently or recently used, as well as about medications that the patient is going to use.

You should also inform your doctor about your current he alth condition, about any diseases or additional ailments you are struggling with.

It is not recommended to combine montelakast with NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), acetylsalicylic acid, enobarbital, phenytoin, rifampicin, gemfibrozil as they may affect the effect of the drug.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Before using the drug, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Storing medicine

The drug should be stored in a suitable place that is invisible and inaccessible to children. Store in a dry place, below 30 ° C, in the original packaging.

The drug should not be used after the expiry date stated on the package. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

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He alth