Montelukast SODIUM – Uses, Side Effects, and More

What is montelukast used for?Is montelukast a steroid drug?Why is montelukast taken at night?What are montelukast side effects?Is montelukast good for cough?Will montelukast make you sleepy?Who should not take montelukast?How quickly does montelukast work?Does montelukast help with phlegm?montelukast side effects,montelukast 10 mg,montelukast sodium,montelukast uses,montelukast tablets,montelukast levocetirizine,montelukast for cough,montelukast dosage,montelukast sodium,montelukast tablets,montelukast class,montelukast 10 mg,montelukast uses,montelukast side effects

Uses

Montelukast is a medication that is employed for the control and prevention of asthma-related symptoms (such as wheezing and shortness of breath). Additionally, it is taken prior to exercise in order to prevent breathing issues throughout the activity (bronchospasm). This drug may help reduce the number of times you need to use the fast-relief inhaler that you carry with you.

The symptoms of hay fever and allergic rhinitis (such as sneezing, stuffy/runny/itchy nose) can be alleviated with montelukast as well. Because there are alternative allergy treatments that may be safer (see also the Warning section), you should only use this medication for this condition if you are unable to take other allergy medications or if those medications do not function as effectively as this one does. In order for this drug to work well, it must be taken on a consistent basis.

Because of this, it should not be used to treat sudden attacks of asthma or other respiratory issues because it does not function immediately. In the event that you experience a sudden bout of shortness of breath or an asthma attack, use your quick-relief inhaler as directed. This medication is effective because it blocks certain natural molecules called leukotrienes, which are thought to be responsible for the development of asthma and allergies or their worsening. It does this by lowering the swelling (inflammation) in the airways, which in turn makes breathing easier.

DO NOT MISS: Furosemide Oral Tablet: Dosage, Side Effects, Uses, and More

Instructions for taking montelukast by mouth

Before beginning treatment with montelukast and whenever you get a refill on your prescription, make sure you carefully read the Medication Guide issued by your pharmacist. If you have any questions, you should consult with either your physician or your pharmacist.

Take this drug by mouth as advised by your doctor, either with or without meals. Your age and current health condition will determine the appropriate dosage for you.

It is important to properly chew the chewable pills before taking them if you are using them. Seek the counsel of a paediatrician or a pharmacist if you feel as though your child is unable to chew and swallow them securely.

Always remember to take your medication at the same time every day. Your evening dose of this medication should be taken if you are taking it for asthma, or if you are taking it for both asthma and allergies. If the only reason you are taking montelukast is to prevent allergic reactions, you can choose to take your dose in the morning or in the evening.

If you are using this medication to avoid breathing issues during exercise, make sure that you take your dose at least two hours before you plan to start exercising. It is not recommended to take more than one dose in a period of 24 hours. If you already use this medication on a daily basis for asthma or allergies, you should avoid taking a dose right before you exercise. It is possible that doing so will enhance the chance of adverse effects.

It is imperative that you speak with your healthcare provider before altering the dosage of this drug in any way, including increasing, decreasing, or discontinuing use. Even during unexpected asthma attacks or times when you are not experiencing any asthma symptoms, you should continue taking this medication on a consistent basis in order to keep your asthma under control.

You should keep taking the other asthma drugs that your doctor has prescribed for you as well. This drug is not intended to alleviate abrupt attacks of asthma and works over the course of several weeks. Utilize your quick-relief inhaler as directed in the event that you experience an asthma attack or any other breathing problem. Always remember to bring a quick-relief inhaler with you wherever you go. For further information, please speak with either your physician or pharmacist.

If your asthma symptoms are getting worse and your quick-relief inhaler is not helping, you should seek immediate medical attention. Notify your primary care physician as soon as possible if any of your asthma symptoms, breathing issues, allergy symptoms, or the number of times you’ve used your rescue inhaler continue or get worse.

YOU MAY LIKE THIS: Seborrheic Dermatitis: On Scalp, Treatment, Crib Cap, and More

Side Effects

Keep in mind that the reason your doctor has recommended that you take this medication is that he or she believes that the potential benefits to you outweigh the potential risks of doing so. The majority of persons who take this medicine do not report experiencing any severe adverse effects.

Notify your physician as soon as possible if you experience any serious side effects, such as stuttering, muscle weakness, tingling or shooting pain in the arms or legs, discomfort or swelling in the sinuses, or numbness, tingling, or shooting pain in the arms or legs.

It is quite unusual for this medicine to cause an extremely severe allergic reaction. However, you should seek immediate medical attention if you detect any symptoms of a significant allergic reaction, such as a rash, itching/swelling (particularly of the face/tongue/throat), extreme dizziness, or difficulty breathing. These symptoms may indicate anaphylaxis.

This list of potential adverse effects is not exhaustive in any way. Please consult your physician or pharmacist if you have any side effects that are not listed above.

In the United States, if you are experiencing any adverse effects, please consult your primary care physician. You can call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit their website at www.fda.gov/medwatch to report any adverse effects.

In Canada, if you are experiencing any adverse effects, please consult your primary care physician. You can call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345 to report any adverse effects you experience.

Precautions

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to montelukast, or if you have any other allergies before beginning treatment with this medication. There is a possibility that this product contains inactive substances, which, if present, could result in allergic responses or other complications. Discuss the matter further with your pharmacist for further information.

Before you start taking this medication, it is important that you discuss your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have a history of liver illness or mental or mood problems (such as anxiety, depression, or thoughts of suicide).

Before undergoing surgery, it is important to discuss all of the products you use with your dentist or doctor (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

There is a possibility that chewable pills have aspartame. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how to use this medication safely if you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to limit or avoid aspartame (or phenylalanine) in your diet.

During pregnancy, it is important to only use this drug when it is absolutely necessary. Talk to your healthcare provider about the potential drawbacks and advantages.

This drug is found in breast milk after being taken. Before starting to breastfeed, you should talk to your healthcare provider.

HERE MORE: Fluocinonide Topical: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions & more

Interactions

Drug interactions can alter the way in which your prescriptions work or raise the likelihood that you will have major adverse effects. This document does not contain all possible medication interactions. Maintain a list of all the goods you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as herbal remedies, and give it to both your primary care physician and your pharmacist. Without first consulting your physician, you should never alter the dosage of any medication, stop taking any medication, or start taking any new medication.

Overdose

In the event that someone has overdosed and is exhibiting dangerous symptoms like as passing out or having difficulties breathing, dial 911 immediately. In any other case, you should contact a poison control centre right soon. Residents of the United States can reach their regional poison control centre by dialling 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control centre. Symptoms of an overdose may include dry mouth, sleepiness, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, or severe abdominal discomfort.

Warnings

You should not give this medication to anybody else.

Tests in the laboratory and/or examinations by a doctor (including tests of your lungs and breathing, for example) should be carried out on a regular basis in order to track your improvement and identify any potential adverse reactions. Consult your doctor for additional details.

Absence of a Dose

If you forget a dose, you should just skip that dose. You should take your next dose at the usual time. Do not attempt to catch up by doubling the dose. Do not take more than one dose within a period of 24 hours.

Storage

Keep at room temperature and out of the reach of light and moisture. Never keep anything in the bathroom. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and animals.

Unless otherwise directed, you should not pour drugs down the drain or flush them down the toilet. When the product’s expiration date has passed or it is no longer required, dispose of it in the appropriate manner. Talk to your local pharmacist or the waste management firm in your area.