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What is the most important information I should know about
montelukast?
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Montelukast will not stop an asthma attack that has already begun.
It is used to prevent asthmatic attacks. |
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Use montelukast on a regular basis for best results. It may take
several weeks to get the maximum effect of this medication. |
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Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your
usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a
24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign
of a serious asthma attack. |
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Montelukast is a leukotriene (loo-koe-try-een) inhibitor.
Leukotrienes are substances in the body that are associated with the
inflammation and constriction of airway muscles and the accumulation of
fluid in the lungs, all of which occur during an asthma attack. |
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Montelukast is used to prevent asthma attacks. Montelukast is also
used in the treatment of allergies. |
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Montelukast may also be used for purposes other than those listed in
this medication guide. |
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
montelukast?
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Before taking montelukast, tell your doctor if you have liver
disease. You may not be able to take montelukast, or you may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have
liver disease. |
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The 4 mg chewable Singulair tablets contain 0.674 mg phenylalanine
and the 5 mg chewable Singulair tablets contain 0.842 mg phenylalanine.
Individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) may need to monitor their intake
of this additive. |
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Montelukast is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it
is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not, however, take
this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. |
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It is not known whether montelukast passes into breast milk. Do not
take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. |
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How should I take montelukast?
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Take montelukast exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not
understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to
explain them to you. |
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Montelukast is usually taken in the evening. Follow your doctor's
instructions. |
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Swallow the regular tablets with a glass of water. |
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Chew the chewable tablets thoroughly before swallowing. |
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The granules can be given either directly into the mouth or mixed
with a spoonful of cold or room temperature applesauce, mashed carrots,
rice, or ice cream. The packet should not be opened until ready to use.
After opening the packet, the full dose must be administered within 15
minutes. Never store any mixed or unmixed granules for use after 15
minutes. The granules are not intended to be dissolved in liquid however,
liquids may be taken after administration of the medication. |
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Montelukast can be taken with or without food. |
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Do not stop taking montelukast without first talking to your doctor.
It may be some time before you begin to notice effects from this
medication. |
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Continue taking any other asthma medications, as directed by your
doctor. |
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Montelukast will not stop an asthma attack that has already begun.
Keep another medication on hand to treat attacks. |
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Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your
usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a
24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign
of a serious asthma attack. |
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Store montelukast at room temperature away from moisture and heat. |
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What happens if I miss a dose?
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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is
almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next
regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not take a double dose
of this medication. |
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What happens if I overdose?
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Seek emergency medical attention. |
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The symptoms of an overdose of montelukast are unknown. |
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What should I avoid while taking montelukast?
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Avoid items or activities that may trigger an asthma attack. |
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What are the possible side effects of montelukast?
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If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop
taking montelukast and seek emergency medical attention or notify your
doctor immediately: |
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); |
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numbness, tingling, or pain; |
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a rash or unexplained open sores or bruising; |
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severe inflammation (pain and swelling) of the sinuses; or |
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worsening respiratory symptoms. |
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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur.
Continue to take montelukast and talk to your doctor if you experience |
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upset stomach, stomach pain, or heartburn; |
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sore throat or cough, or |
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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to
your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is
especially bothersome. |
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What other drugs will affect montelukast?
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Before taking montelukast, tell your doctor if you are taking
rifampin (Rimactane, Rifadin) or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton). You
may not be able to take montelukast, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment. |
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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with
montelukast. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any
prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products. |
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Where can I get more information?
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Your pharmacist has additional information about montelukast written
for health professionals that you may read. |
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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of
children, never share your medicines with others, and use this
medication only for the indication prescribed. |
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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided
by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete,
but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained
herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for
use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and
therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States
are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug
information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend
therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed
to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients
and/ or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and
not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of
healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug
or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given
patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of
healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The
information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses,
directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions,
or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking,
check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. |
Copyright 1996-2005 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 6.04. Revision date: 8/
23/ 05. |
