Singulair 10 – how does it work on the body? When can Singulair 10 be used?

Singulair 10 is a preparation with anti-inflammatory effects known as leukotriene receptor antagonists. It is an anti-inflammatory drug that prevents bronchospasm and is useful in the treatment of asthma. The active substance in this medicine is montelukast, which works by blocking the action of the leukotriene receptors in the airways. Singulair is a film-coated tablet and can only be obtained with a prescription.

Singulair 10, Producer: MSD Polska

Action

Singulair 10 is an oral medicine with an anti-inflammatory effect to prevent bronchospasm. It may be an alternative to other medications used to treat asthma.

Singulair 10 indications and dosage

Singulair 10 is a medicine intended for:

1. treat persistent asthma (moderate if inhaled corticosteroids and beta-blockers are not working);
2. relieving seasonal allergic rhinitis;
3. the prevention of exercise-induced (exercise-induced) asthma.

Dosage

Singulair 10 should be taken orally, regardless of meals.

1. Adults and adolescents over 15 years of age
2. Children 6 to 14 years of age:
3. Children 2 to 5 years of age:
4. For children from 6 months to 2 years of age

Singulair 10 and contraindications

Contraindication to taking Singulair 10 tablets is:

1. allergy to any component of the drug.

Singulair 10 with other medications

When taking Singulair 10 mg, there are the following interactions with other medicines:

1. with enhenytoin, phenobarbital and rifampicin (as well as other drugs metabolized with the participation of the cytochrome P 3 isoenzyme 4A450) – especially in children, caution should be exercised,
2. montelukast can be used in parallel with other drugs usually used in the prophylaxis and long-term treatment of asthma,
3. the use of the drug in therapeutic doses does not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of the following drugs: theophylline, prednisone, prednisolone, oral contraceptives (ethinylestradiol and norethindrone), terfenadine, digoxin and warfarin,
4. Montelukast has no significant effect on the metabolism of drugs such as, e.g., paclitaxel, rosiglitazone, and repaglinide.

Singulair 10 – be careful

1. An acute attack of asthma should not be stopped with Singulair (in this case you should use a beta-agonist inhaler, e.g. salbutamol). Always have an inhaler with you! If you find that you need to use larger than usual doses of inhaled beta-agonists, you should seek medical help as soon as possible.
2. Remember that the drug is not a substitute for inhaled corticosteroids. Do not stop or reduce the doses of inhaled drugs or corticosteroids in the form of tablets during the treatment.
3. Some people (rarely) taking montelukast may develop high levels of eosinophils, or eosinophils in the blood, sometimes with clinical signs of vasculitis, which corresponds to the diagnosis of Churg-Strauss syndrome, allergic granulomatous vasculitis. It is likely that the intake of montelukast is associated with the occurrence of Churga and Strauss.
4. When eosinophilia appears (rash, inflammatory infiltration within the skin, respiratory system and heart disorders, tingling, burning and weakness in the limbs), a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible, who will decide on further treatment.
5. Asthma patients allergic to acetylsalicylic acid should avoid the use of this acid and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs despite treatment with the drug.
6. The drug is quickly absorbed after oral administration, and its effect becomes active in the first day after use.
7. The treatment should be used both during the milder symptoms of asthma and during the exacerbation of asthma.
8. Other medicines containing montelukast should not be taken concomitantly with Singulair Pediatric.
9. You should have regular medical appointments to assess the degree of control of your asthma symptoms.
10. In the case of treating asthma caused by exercise, see a doctor 2-5 weeks after starting the treatment. He will assess whether the treatment is satisfactory and change the medication.
11. Inhaled corticosteroids should not be replaced by 10 mg film-coated tablets. At this dose, the preparation can be used as an adjuvant in people whose asthma is not adequately controlled by other medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids.
12. The drug can be used in people whose asthma is not controlled with reliever beta-mimetics.
13. Inhaled corticosteroids should not be stopped and replaced with Singulair 10.
14. There are no data on the effect of montelukast on the ability to drive a motor vehicle. However, it should be remembered that side effects such as drowsiness or dizziness may affect your concentration on the road and when operating machinery.
15. Use of the drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding is only possible if your doctor deems it necessary. There is no data on the penetration of the drug into human milk.

Singulair 10 – side effects of using the drug

Singulair can cause side effects:

1. the following may occur: headache, drowsiness, abdominal pain, increased thirst,
2. Rare side effects / side effects include dizziness, sleep disturbances, weakness, fatigue, malaise, paraesthesia, irritability, hallucinations, agitation, aggressive behavior, restlessness, convulsions, palpitations, diarrhea, dry mouth, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, joint and muscle pain, muscle spasms, increased bleeding tendency, hypersensitivity reactions (rash, itching, hives), eosinophilic infiltrates in the liver,
3. Rare but serious side effects include: anaphylactic-type hypersensitivity reactions (severe urticaria, angioedema of the mouth, tongue, throat that may obstruct breathing and / or swallowing, etc.). If you notice the symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction, you should immediately stop using the preparation and seek medical help immediately,
4. rarely: increase in serum transaminases (ALT, AST), cholestatic hepatitis. systemic eosinophilia, sometimes with clinical signs of vasculitis, which corresponds to the diagnosis of Churg-Strauss syndrome
5. very rarely, the use of montelukast may cause: mood changes, as well as the onset of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts.