Montelukast Sodium
It is a competitive leukotriene antagonist. It binds with high affinity to the LTD4 receptor, inhibiting bronchoconstriction. Cysteinyl leukotrienes (LTC4, LTD4, LTE4) are important proinflammatory mediators in asthama 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, which contribute to the signs and symptoms of asthma. They 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 6years of age and older.
Children 6 to 14 years of age : 5mg chewable tablet daily in the evening. Patients ³ 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.
Hypersensitivity, Pregnancy and lactation.
Montelukast is not indicated for use in the reversal of bronchospasm in acute asthma attacks, including status asthamaticus. Montelukast should not be abruptly substitued for inhaled or oral corticosteroids. Patients with known aspirin sensitivity should continue avoidance of aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
Headache, rash, dyspepsia, dizziness, and abdominal pain, diarrhea, sinusitis, and otitis media.
Montelukast Sodium can interact with: -Phenobarbital: May reduce the plasma concentration of Montelukast. -Rifampin: Can decrease the effectiveness of Montelukast by enhancing its metabolism. -Gemfibrozil: Increases the systemic exposure to Montelukast.
