HealthCare

MONTELUKAST SODIUM brand name Singulair is a competitive leukotriene antagonist. It binds with high affinity to the LTD4 receptor, inhibiting bronchoconstriction. Cysteinyl leukotrienes (UTC4, LTD4, LTE4) are important proinflammatory mediators in asthma and also they have been correlated with the pathophysiology of asthma, including airway edema, smooth muscle contraction, and altered cellular activity associated with the inflammatory Process. All these are the signs and symptoms of asthma. Cysteinyl leukotrienes also play an important role in aspirin induced asthma.

Montelukast  is indicated  for the prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma in adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older. Dosage for children 6 to 14 years of age is  5mg chewable tablet daily in the evening. For patients > 15 years of age: usual dosage in 10 mg daily in the evening. The maximum daily dose of montelukast is 10mg, although doses as high as 250mg have been found to be safe in clinical trials. Contraindications include hypersensitivity, pregnancy and lactation.

Special Precautions to be taken as Montelukast is not indicated for use in the reversal of bronchospasm in acute asthma attacks, including status asthma. So Montelukast should not be abruptly substituted for inhaled or oral corticosteroids. Patients with known aspirin sensitivity should continue avoidance of aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Side effects of Montelukast include gastrointestinal disturbances, hypersensitivity reactions, sleep disturbances and increased bleeding/hemorrhage tendency. Montelukast has also been associated with unnatural death of living cells and tissues. The United States FDA has announced that it is investigating whether mood changes and suicidal thoughts are possible side effects of Montelukast.

www.healasthma.com