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Montelukast |
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What is Montelukast and why is it prescribed? Montelukast is used for long-term prevention of asthma. It reduces the swelling and inflammation that tend to close up the airways, and relaxes the walls of the bronchial tubes, expanding the airways and permitting more air to pass through. Montelukast alleviates the on-going symptoms of asthma, but it won't stop an acute asthma attack. For that you need a fast-acting, orally inhaled airway opener such as Alupent or Proventil. How should you take Montelukast? Follow your doctors directions for taking Montelukast. Take a Montelukast tablet regularly every evening, whether or not you have any symptoms. The tablet can be taken with or without food. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Montelukast at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Are there any Montelukast side effects? Montelukast side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Montelukast side effects may include abdominal pain, abnormal dreams, allergic reaction, bronchitis, bruising, cough, dental pain, diarrhea, difficulty breathing or swallowing, dizziness, drowsiness, ear infection, ear pain, eczema, eye inflammation, fatigue, fever, flu, hallucinations, headache, hives, indigestion and other digestive problems, infection, insomnia, irritability, itching, laryngitis, leg pain, muscle aches and cramps, nasal congestion, nausea, pancreatitis, pneumonia, rash, restlessness, runny nose, seizures, sinus pain, skin inflammation, sneezing, sore throat, swelling due to fluid retention, swelling of the mouth or throat, tendency to bleed easily, thirst, viral infection, and vomiting. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Montelukast? If Montelukast is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Montelukast with Phenobarbital or Rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rimactane). Are there any special warnings about Montelukast? After you begin taking Montelukast, your doctor may be able to slowly reduce the dosage of other asthma medications such as inhaled steroids. However, Montelukast is not a complete replacement for such drugs, so you should not abruptly stop using them unless your doctor recommends it. If your asthma symptoms get worse or you develop a rash, numbness, or heart problems as you reduce your dose of steroids, check with your doctor. Such reactions usually result from a reduction in oral steroid therapy. If your asthma gets worse after exercise, you'll need to continue using a short-acting inhaled airway opener to prevent the problem and relieve attacks. If you are allergic to aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), you should continue to avoid them. Montelukast does not remedy this problem. If you have difficulty breathing while taking Montelukast, or find that you need your orally inhaled bronchodilator more often than usual, notify your doctor. If you have a child with phenylketonuria you should be aware that Montelukast chewable tablets contains this substance. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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