Does your little one often get asthma-like symptoms? Or does he get allergic to one thing after another, causing skin rashes and runny noses? It's very sad when that happens, isn't it? So, one of the medicines that doctors use to control asthma and various allergies is this medicine called Montelukast. It also comes in the form of small granules (Oral Granules). Let's talk about this in more detail today, okay?
What is this medicine? (Montelukast Oral Granules) What does it actually do?
Simply put, Montelukast is a medicine that reduces inflammation in your airways. Think of it this way: When you have asthma, your airways swell up. This medicine works by reducing that swelling, or inflammation, and making it easier to breathe. This helps prevent asthma symptoms and reduce the discomfort caused by allergies.
The most important thing to remember: This medicine is used to prevent and control asthma attacks before they occur, not as a medicine to be given when an asthma attack suddenly occurs. Your doctor may have prescribed a separate ``Rescue inhaler'' for that.
You may have seen this medicine under the brand name ``Singulair.`` That is one of the most common names for it. But it can also come under other names.
What should you tell your doctor before using this medicine?
Before giving this medicine to you or your child, the doctor should clearly explain the following:
- If you have any liver disease.
- If you have previously had an unusual allergic reaction to Montelukast, any other medicine, food, dyes or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
This information is very important for the doctor to determine the right treatment for you.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This is a medicine you take by mouth. Take it at the same time every day , exactly as directed on the prescription label. Continue taking it until your doctor tells you to stop.
There are two ways to get these small pellets:
1. If taking without food: Put all the medicine powder in the packet directly into your mouth. Swallow it whole without chewing. You can then drink some water.
2. If taking with food: Mix the contents of the packet of this medicine with a bland, soft food (for example, pudding, mashed potatoes, or ice cream). The most important thing is to give it within 15 minutes of mixing. Even then, it should be swallowed without chewing.
When you get this medicine from the pharmacy, you will be given a special instruction leaflet called ``MedGuide`` with each refill and with each refill. It should always be read carefully. It contains very important information about this medicine.
When giving this medicine to children:
Doctors recommend this medicine for children as young as 6 months for certain conditions. However, there are some things to be careful about when giving it. Therefore, it is best to talk to your doctor about any medicine you give your child.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, call a poison control center or the nearest hospital emergency room immediately.
Remember, this medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give this medicine to anyone else.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
Oh, sometimes you miss a dose, right? If that happens, don't worry. Skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Is it okay to take an extra dose (2 doses) to make up for the missed dose?
What other interactions can occur with this medicine?
Some medications can interact with montelukast, so you should tell your doctor about everything you're taking. For example:
- Medicines given for conditions like seizures: Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, and Carbamazepine.
- `Rifabutin`
- `Rifampin`
This list is not exhaustive. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including over-the-counter medications), herbs, vitamins, and dietary supplements, as well as if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs. Some of these may not work properly with this medicine.
What are the things to be careful about when using this medicine?
It's a good idea to be a little careful about these things when taking this medicine:
- See your doctor regularly to check on your condition.
- If your allergy or asthma symptoms are getting worse, tell your doctor about it.
- Even if you have no symptoms, continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to.
- If you have asthma, talk to your doctor and have a clear plan for what to do in the event of an acute asthma attack. Always keep your rescue inhaler with you.
What if your thoughts change?
This is very important. Some people may experience some changes in their mental health while taking this medication. Therefore, the patient and family should be aware of this.
- If you have new or severe suicidal thoughts.
- If you feel like your depression is increasing.
- If you feel very anxious.
- If you often feel agitated or panicky.
- If you are easily angered (Irritable), if you appear hostile (Hostile) or aggressive (Aggressive).
- If you act impulsively.
- If you are severely restless, fidgety, or overly excited and hyperactive.
- If you can't sleep.
If you experience any worsening of your mental state or thoughts, especially thoughts of suicide, you should inform your doctor immediately. This is very important.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, montelukast can cause side effects in some people. Not everyone gets them, but it's good to be aware of them.
Side effects that you should tell your doctor about immediately:
If any of these occur, seek medical advice immediately.
- Allergic reactions: Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat (this is dangerous because it can cause difficulty breathing).
- Flu-like symptoms: Fever, chills, muscle pain, cough, headache, fatigue.
- Mental and behavioral changes: As mentioned earlier, anxiety, agitation, confusion, seeing or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations), irritability, hostility, suicidal thoughts, and increased depression.
- Pain, tingling, or loss of sensation in the limbs.
- Sinus pain or a feeling of pressure in the face or around the forehead.
- Insomnia.
- Vivid dreams or nightmares.
Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist:
These usually subside within a few days, but if they persist or bother you, tell your doctor .
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Stomach pain
This list does not include all side effects. If you experience anything else, please ask your doctor about it.
How do you store medicine?
It is also very important to store your medication properly.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius - 59 to 86 degrees F).
- Protect from light and moisture.
- Keep in the original package until use.
- Discard any medicine left after the expiration date.
How do you dispose of unused, expired medicine?
It's not always a good idea to just throw medicine in the trash or flush it down the toilet.
- Ask your pharmacy, or perhaps the police, if they have a medication take-back program. It's best to ask the pharmacy to see how widespread these are in Sri Lanka.
- If there is no way to return it, check the medicine label or packet to see if it is advised to throw it in the trash or flush it down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- If it says it's safe to throw in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix it with something that's not a good idea, like cat litter, soil, or used coffee grounds. Put the mixture in a bag or container, seal it well, and throw it in the trash.
The Most Important Thing - Take-Home Message
Okay, so here are some things you need to remember from what we've talked about:
- Montelukast is a medicine used to control asthma and allergic conditions. It is not effective for an asthma attack.
- Take the prescribed amount, at the prescribed time, as prescribed by the doctor.
- Tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have, medications you take, and allergies.
- Be especially vigilant for changes in mental health (such as anxiety, sadness, suicidal thoughts). If you notice anything like this, tell your doctor right away.
- Be aware of side effects, and tell your doctor if you notice anything serious.
- Store medication properly and dispose of it properly when it expires.
I hope this information is helpful to you. Always remember, if you have any questions about this medicine or your condition, don't hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist. They are there to help you.
` Montelukast, asthma, allergies, children's health, medications, side effects, Singulair
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