Montelukast sodium
Montelukast sodium (Singulair)
Montelukast sodium
(mon-teh- LOO-kast)
Pregnancy Category: B Singulair (Rx)

Classification: Antiasthmatic

Action/Kinetics: Cysteinyl leukotrienes and leukotriene receptor occupation are associated with symptoms of asthma, including airway edema, smooth muscle contraction, and inflammation. Montelukast binds with cysteinyl leukotriene receptors thus preventing the action of cysteinyl leukotrienes. Rapidly absorbed after PO use. Time to peak levels: 3-4 hr for 10 mg tablet and 2-2.5 hr for 5 mg tablet. Metabolized in liver and mainly excreted in feces. t 1/2: 2.7-5.5 hr.

Uses: Prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma in adults and children aged 6 years of age and older. Investigational: With loratidine for hayfever.

Contraindications: Use to reverse bronchospasm in acute asthma attacks, including status asthmaticus. Use to abruptly substitute for inhaled or oral corticosteroids. Use as monotherapy to treat and manage exercise-induced bronchospasm. Use with known aspirin or NSAID sensitivity.

Special Concerns: Use with caution during lactation. Safety and efficacy have not been determined for children less than 6 years of age.

Side Effects: Adolescents and adults aged 15 and older. GI: Dyspepsia, infectious gastroenteritis, abdominal pain, dental pain. CNS: Headache, dizziness. Body as a whole: Asthenia, fatigue, trauma. Respiratory: Influenza, cough, nasal congestion. Dermatologic: Rash. Miscellaneous: Pyuria.
Children, aged 6 to 14 years. GI: Nausea, diarrhea. Respiratory: Pharyngitis, laryngitis, otitis, sinusitus. Miscellaneous: Viral infection, eosinophilic conditions consistent with Churg-Strauss syndrome.

Laboratory Test Alterations: ALT, AST.

How Supplied: Tablets: 10 mg. Chewable Tablets: 5 mg.

Dosage
?Tablets Asthma.
Adolescents and adults age 15 years and older: 10 mg once daily taken in evening.
?Chewable tablets Asthma.
Pediatric clients aged 6 to 14 years: 5 mg chewable tablet once daily taken in evening.