Do you or your child have asthma ? Or are you tired of frequent allergies ? In such cases, a doctor may prescribe a small chewable tablet. It is a medicine called Montelukast . Many people know it by the brand name Singulair . So, today we will talk about this medicine, how to use it, and what you need to be careful about.
What exactly is this medicine called Montelukast?
Simply put, this is a medicine that is given to prevent and control the symptoms of asthma and allergies . What this medicine does is to reduce the inflammation in our airways, that is, the airways that carry air. When this inflammation is reduced, it becomes easier to breathe.
However, there is one very important thing to remember. This medicine is used to prevent symptoms before they occur. It is of no use for a sudden asthma attack . In such cases, you should only use the ``rescue inhaler`` prescribed by your doctor.
Doctors sometimes prescribe this medication for other conditions, so if you have any questions, talk to your doctor about it.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
It is very important for your doctor to know your complete health history before prescribing this medication. Be sure to tell your doctor if any of the following apply to you.
| Health condition or opportunity | Why do you need to tell the doctor ? |
|---|---|
| Liver disease | Since this medication is eliminated from the body through the liver, people with liver disease may need to adjust their dosage. |
| Phenylketonuria | This is a rare genetic condition. Some chewable tablets may contain aspartame. Therefore, it is essential to inform your doctor if you have this condition. |
| Allergic to Montelukast or any other substance | Be sure to tell us if you have had an allergy to this medicine, another medicine, food, or preservative in the past. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | You should ask your doctor before using any medication during pregnancy. |
| Breast-feeding | Ask your doctor to confirm whether the medication passes to your baby through breast milk and to find out if it is safe. |
The correct way to use this medicine
To get the most out of a medication, it is very important to use it correctly.
- Chew: This is a chewable tablet. Chew thoroughly before swallowing. Do not swallow the tablet whole with water.
- Take it at the right time: As your doctor tells you, get into the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day . Usually, for asthma, you are told to take it at night.
- With or without food: This medicine can be taken with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with a meal.
- Don't stop: Even if you think you have no symptoms, continue taking the medicine as long as your doctor tells you to.
- If you miss a dose: If you forget to take a dose, skip it. Take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two pills at once to make up for a missed dose.
- Overdose: If you think you have accidentally taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, as some medicines can interact with Montelukast. For example:
- Some medications given for fits – `(phenytoin)`, `(phenobarbital)`, `(carbamazepine)`
- Antibiotics like `(Rifampin)`, `(Rifabutin)`
This list is not exhaustive. Tell your doctor about any Western medications you are taking, as well as any vitamins, traditional herbs, Ayurvedic medicines, and supplements you are taking. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
While using this medicine, it is important to pay attention to changes in your body.
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Mental and behavioral changes | This is very important! – Anxiety, restlessness, irritability, depression, negative thoughts about life, insomnia, strange dreams, hallucinations, etc. |
| Other serious symptoms | Flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, and cough. Numbness or pain in the limbs. Sinus pain in the face. |
| Minor inconveniences | Cough, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, sore throat, runny nose . |
Be especially vigilant about changes in your mood and behavior . If you or your child notice any unusual changes in their behavior or thinking, such as agitation, anger, or sadness, do not ignore it. Stop taking the medication immediately and talk to your doctor immediately. This is very important.
How do you keep medicine safe?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius), away from light and moisture, and in an airtight container.
- Do not use expired medicine.
- Before throwing unused medicine in the trash, crush it and mix it with something like coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, put it in a bag or container, close it tightly, and discard it.
Take-Home Message
- Montelukast is a medicine used to prevent asthma and allergies, not a medicine for sudden onset of hives.
- Always keep your rescue inhaler nearby to use in case of an asthma emergency.
- This is a chewable tablet. Chew it well and crush it before swallowing.
- If you experience any changes in mood or behavior (anxiety, anger, depression) while taking the medication, inform your doctor immediately.
- Even if your symptoms improve, do not stop taking the medication without your doctor's advice.
- If you have any questions about this medication, talk to your doctor about it openly.
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