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Phoebe Wen

Montelukast (Singulair)


Image Source: Drugwatch.com

Montelukast 5 mg

(pink/tablet/ imprint: SINGULAIR, MRK, 275)






Overview

Montelukast is a prescription medication used to treat the symptoms of asthma and itchy, stuffy, or runny nose caused by allergies. It is also used to prevent bronchospasm (difficulty breathing) during exercise. It is a leukotriene inhibitor. Leukotrienes, are natural substances responsible for swelling in the airways, and tightening of muscles of airways, as well as nasal symptoms caused by allergies , your body releases when you breathe in an allergen.


Medical Uses

  • as a treatment for chronic asthma

  • to prevent exercise-induced asthma

  • to relieve the symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis

  • to traet itchy, stuffy, or runny nose caused by allergies

Side-effects

Common:

  • upper respiratory infection

  • fever, headache

  • sore throat, cough

  • stomach pain, diarrhea

  • earache or ear infection

  • flu

  • runny nose

  • sinus infection

Rare:

  • increased bleeding tendency, low blood platelet count

  • palpitations

  • hepatitis

Drug Interactions

  • Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol)

  • Fosphenytoin (Cerebyx)

  • Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)

  • Phenobarbital (Luminal)

  • Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

  • Phenytoin (Dilantin)

  • Primidone (Mysoline)

  • Rifabutin (Mycobutin)

  • Rifampin (Rifadin)

  • Rifapentine (Priftin)

In case you are using these medications, consult your healthcare provider of pharmacist or doctors. It also can potentially interact with alcohol, caffeine, and some street drugs.


Dosing

Chronic asthma

  • 15 years or older: 10 milligrams (mg)

  • 6–14 years: 5 mg

  • 12 months–5 years: 4 mg

Exercise-induced asthma

*It should take the drug 2 hours before exercise!

  • 15 years or older: 10 milligrams (mg)

  • 6–14 years: 5 mg

Seasonal allergic rhinitis

  • 15 years or older: 10 mg

  • 6–14 years: 5 mg

  • 2–5 years: 4 mg

Perennial allergic rhinitis

  • 15 years or older: 10 mg

  • 6–14 years: 5 mg

  • 6 months–5 years: 4 mg

Notes

If you already take Montelukast to prevent asthma or allergy symptoms, do not use an extra dose to treat exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

Some people using Montekulast have had new or worsening mental problems or signs of blood vessel inflammation. Stop taking montelukast and call your doctor right away if you have any unusual changes.

 

Citation:

RxWiki. (2015, October 19). Montelukast | RXWiki. Rxwiki. https://www.rxwiki.com/montelukast#uses


Singulair Uses, Dosage & Side Effects. (n.d.-b). Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/singulair.html#:


Felman, A. (2023, January 5). What is Singulair (montelukast) and what is it used for? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248209#dosage


Parker, C. (n.d.). Singulair Drug Interactions (Montelukast) - Drugsdb.com. Drugsdb.com. https://www.drugsdb.com/rx/singulair/singulair-drug-interactions/#:







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