Asthma - Leukast (Brand name: singulair)

Product Description

Common use

Singulair is a leukotriene (loo-koe-TRY-een) inhibitor which used for the treatment of asthma, the prevention of exercise-induced asthma, and allergic rhinitis (sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, itching of the nose, and outdoor and indoor allergies). Singulair blocks substances in the body called leukotrienes, which cause asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Dosage and directions

You will get best result using it every day. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water/milk. If you are taking the chewable tablet, the tablet must be chewed before swallowed.
The recommended dose for adults and children 15 years and over is 10 mg a day. For children ages 6 to 14 years old, the recommended dose is 5 mg, taken once daily. For young children 2 to 5 years old, the recommended dose is 4 mg, taken once daily. For children age 6 to 23 months old, the recommended dose is one packet of oral granules (4 mg), taken once daily. This drug should be taken once daily in the evening. Also we would like to inform that safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients less than 12 months of age have not been established.
Note: this instruction presented here just for review. It's very necessary to consult with your doctor before using. It help you to get best results.

Precautions

Singulair Should not be used for treatment of acute asthma attacks. Singulair Should not be abrupt substituted for inhaled for inhaled or oral corticosteroids. Pregnancy & lactation. Children greater than/above 6 years. Warning that if you have asthma and if your asthma is made worse by aspirin, continue to avoid aspirin or other medicines called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs while taking Singulair.

Contraindications

Not allowed in patients with known hypersensitivity to any component of this product.

Possible side effect

They may include an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Also the most possible side effects include:
skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
mood or behavior changes, anxiety, depression, or thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself;
tremors or shaking;
severe sinus pain, swelling, or irritation; or
worsening asthma symptoms.
Less serious include:
headache;
stomach pain, heartburn, upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea;
tooth pain;
tired feeling;
fever, stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, hoarseness; or
mild rash.
If you experience one of them stop using Singulair and tell your doctor as soon as possible. Also consult your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual.

Drug interactions

Singulair interacts with the following medicines: cisapride; methscopolamine nitrate; nitrates like amyl nitrite, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, nitroglycerin; nitroprusside; other sildenafil products. Also this medicine interacts with: certain drugs for high blood pressure; certain drugs for the treatment of HIV infection or AIDS; certain drugs used for fungal or yeast infections, like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, and voriconazole; cimetidine; erythromycin; rifampin. Also note that an interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. As usual it affects the effect of drugs, so consult your doctor about its interactions.

Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or almost time for your next dose. Do not increase your recommended dose. Take your usual dose next day at the same time regularly.

Overdose

If you take more dose you need in long period of time it can lead to such symptoms as thirst, drowsiness, dilated pupils, increased muscle movements, or severe stomach pain. If you experience one of them call your doctor immediately.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture, kids and pets. Do not use after expiration term.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Please find the full description of Singulair at Drugs.com and general information at Wikipedia