Montelukast is one effective drug that can treat a variety of nasal and breathing problems. Find out the right ways to take it to maximize efficacy and get rid of chronic symptoms for good.
Montelukast is the generic name of the leukotriene receptor antagonist or LTRA and anti-asthma drug. It also comes under the brand name Singulair and Montair and appears in chewable tablet form taken orally. It is primarily used to treat and prevent symptoms of asthma such as chest tightness, difficulty breathing, wheezing and coughing as well as allergies and bronchospasms during strenuous activities. It treats both seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. The medication acts by blocking substances and their relative functions in the body that trigger allergic and asthmatic reactions.
The effect towards bronchospasm caused specifically by leukotriene D4 would be reduced inflammation. The mechanism of action of Montelukast does not make it very effective against acute asthma attacks. Merck & Co. markets the drug in the United States and other countries. It also comes in oral tablets and granules. As leukotrienes are inhibited, patients will most like improve their condition of hay fever or chronic asthma.
Montelukast can cause different side effects at varying degrees such as gastrointestinal disturbances, hypersensitivity or allergic reactions, sleep disorders, bleeding problems, risk for Churg-Strauss syndrome, body malaise or weakness, stomach upset, diarrhea, cough, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, mouth pain, flu-like symptoms, fever, sore throat, hallucinations, muscle pain or cramps, irregular heartbeat, jaundice, numbness or tingling sensation in the extremities, dull sense of touch, bruising, swelling, seizures, rash, itchiness, difficulty breathing, earache, fatigability, heartburn, hives and hoarseness of voice. Patients should immediately report severe symptoms to their physician.
Contraindications for Montelukast include hypersensitivity to the drug and current consumption of certain herbal medicines, drugs or supplements such as Phenobarbitals and rifampin. Patients should inform their doctor about underlying or past illnesses and conditions such as liver disease, phenylketonuria or PKT, kidney disease, pregnancy or lactation. Women should inform their doctor if they’re pregnant or plan to get pregnant. The drug is not recommended to children less than 15 years of age.
Montelukast sodium is the active ingredient in the drug which is highly selective in inhibiting the action of leukotriene D4 on CysLT1, a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor. It binds to the receptor located in the lungs and bronchi thereby blocking any possible interaction that causes asthmatic symptoms.
30 patients ages 16 to 24 years old diagnosed of seasonal rhinitis or hay fever were included in a clinical trial. 15 patients were given 10 mg of Montelukast daily for a span of 18 days while the rest were provided with a placebo. At the end of the study, results showed that those who took the drug improved in their condition significantly by presenting reduced or absent symptoms of nasal congestion, sneezing and breathing difficulty. 12 out of 15 presented improved conditions while only 4 in the placebo group showed slight signs of progress.
Montelukast is ready available in most doctors’ clinics, online drugstores and pharmacies. Make sure that you verify the source, manufacturer and expiry date to get the freshest and safest products. Check the legitimacy of online pharmacies by looking up their accreditation and address.
If the drug is used to prevent breathing difficulty during exercise, it should be taken 2 hours prior to activity. For asthma, it is best taken in the evening with or without food. For allergic rhinitis, Montelukast can safely be taken at any time. Take only as prescribed and store properly away from heat and moisture.
Montelukast has the following structural formula:
• Molecular formula of montelukast is C35H36ClNO3S
• Chemical IUPAC Name is 2-[1-[[1-[3-[2-(7-chloroquinolin-2-yl)ethenyl]phenyl]-3-[2-(1-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl)phenyl]- propyl]sulfanylmethyl]cyclopropyl]ethanoic acid
• Molecular weight is 586.184 g/mol
• Montelukast available : 4mg tablets, 5mg tablets, 10mg tablets
Brand name(s): Singulair, Singular
Review published on: 29 June 2008
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