|
| Pronunciation |
|
 (mon
te LOO
kast) |
|
|
| Brand Names |
|
| Singulair® |
|
|
| Therapeutic
Categories |
|
|
Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist |
|
|
| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
- If you have an allergy to montelukast or any other part of the
medicine.
|
|
|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
- This medicine is used in the prevention and long-term treatment of
asthma. This is not for the immediate (urgent) treatment of an asthma
attack.
|
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
- Montelukast decreases the body's production of a group of chemicals
called leukotrienes. These may worsen
asthma.
|
|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
- Take this medicine in the evening.
- Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.
- Chew the chewable tablet well. Do not swallow whole. These are for
children.
- Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit
juice.
|
|
|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
- Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with
healthcare provider.
|
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
- Wear disease medical alert identification for asthma.
- Continue to carry and use inhaler for acute attacks.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
|
|
|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
The side effects are similar to those from a placebo (a pill without any
medicine).
- Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
- Feeling tired, dizzy, irritable or restless
- Upset stomach, heartburn, or belly pain.
- Fever, cough, stuffy nose or flu.
- Rash.
|
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
- Watch for improvement in asthma symptoms.
- Follow up with healthcare
provider.
|
|
|
| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Any rash.
- No improvement in condition or feeling
worse.
|
|
|
| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
- Store in the original container at room temperature. Protect from
light and moisture.
|
|
|
| General statements |
|
|
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
|
|
|
Copyright © 1978-2001 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved
|
