Montelukast for children. Reviews, instructions for use, dosage, price

Montelukast is a drug used for children of different ages in order to eliminate irritating and prolonged cough. The tool is also used as part of the complex treatment of many diseases. Reviews of parents who gave the child the medication confirm that, provided it is used correctly, it is beneficial and really helps to improve the patient's condition.

Release form and composition of the drug

The pharmacological agent contains montelukast sodium as the main active ingredient. This ingredient is in the form of a yellowish or white powder, which is included in the composition of the tablets. Oral tablets and chewable tablets are available from pharmaceutical companies.

The additional ingredients in the composition may vary, but in most cases the following components are present in the tablets:

• Talc.
• Corn or potato starch.
• Macrogol.
• Magnesium stearate.
• Lactose.
• Titanium dioxide.
• Povidone.

  

The amount of the main ingredient in the composition can be 10 or 5 mg. The tablets are packaged in blisters of 14 pieces. The cardboard box contains instructions explaining the rules for using the medicine, as well as 1 or 2 plates of tablets.

Pharmacological properties

Montelukast for children (reviews of the remedy are mostly positive) and adults belongs to the group of bronchodilator drugs.

Its active component helps to make the lumen of the bronchi wider, which facilitates the excretion of sputum and promotes restoration of the affected tissues, the structure of which changes as a result of the negative effects of microorganisms, multiplying in phlegm.

Additionally, the medication has an antispasmodic effect on the bronchi, that is, eliminates spasm and helps to cure a paroxysmal unproductive cough that provokes respiratory failure, up to choking. As a result, the patient's condition improves significantly, and the risk of relapse is reduced.

Another property of the remedy is the ability to relieve swelling of the bronchial tissues and slow down the reproduction process on the walls of the organ of pathogens. The drug not only eliminates edema, but also improves the production of mucus, along with which germs are excreted when sputum is coughing up.

Thanks to the complex effect of the agent, it is possible to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect after a few days of active treatment.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

The drug begins to act immediately after entering the digestive tract or resorption of the tablet. The active ingredient is released and enters the bloodstream, after which it is concentrated in large quantities in the tissues of the bronchi, providing an expansion of their lumen and stimulation of mucus.

The substance helps to eliminate tissue edema, which facilitates breathing and the general condition of the patient, reduces the frequency of coughing attacks, if such happened before the start of treatment. It should be noted that montelukast sodium affects the smooth muscles of the bronchi and epithelium, which also stimulates the patient's recovery.

As a result, there is a fairly rapid evacuation of microorganisms from the organ, as well as the restoration of the affected tissues, and the normalization of air exchange. Improving mucus production while simultaneously thinning it is considered the most important property for treatment of paroxysmal dry cough, which often bothers young children and patients of mature age.

Additionally, this property can be used in the treatment of patients suffering from chronic obstructive bronchial pathologies.

When ingested, the active substance of the agent is almost completely and rather quickly absorbed in the digestive tract. It should be noted that its maximum concentration is detected after 2.5 hours. after taking or dissolving tablets.

The therapeutic effect after taking occurs after 2 hours, while it lasts throughout the day, which allows you to reduce the dosage of the drug. The component of the drug binds well to blood proteins, which explains the rather high bioavailability, reaching 70%. The processing of the active ingredient is carried out in the liver, where it breaks down into metabolites.

The evacuation of the decay products of the active substance occurs within 5-10 hours, depending on the characteristics of the organism. Most of them are excreted in the bile, a small part in the urine. It is worth noting that during the metabolism of a component, special enzymes are involved in the process, which help to divide the substance into several metabolites.

The withdrawal period in elderly patients is somewhat extended. Despite this, no dosage adjustment is required. With pathologies of the gallbladder and liver of a severe form, there is a significant slowdown in the processing and excretion of the drug.

Despite this, the therapeutic effect is weakened slightly, and the doctor carries out an increase in dosage only in exceptional cases.

Indications for use

Montelukast is used to treat children and adults with various pathologies of the bronchi. Patient reviews confirm the effectiveness of the medication even at an advanced stage of the pathological condition.

The main indications for the use of the drug:

• Bronchitis of a neglected form, when the patient is worried about an unproductive dry cough for a long period.
• Obstructive chronic bronchitis with frequent relapses.
• Bronchial asthma at any stage. In this case, the remedy is used to stop acute attacks and reduce the likelihood of their re-development.
• Allergic rhinitis, which acts as a seasonal exacerbation during the flowering of certain plant species.

In addition, the agent is used to prevent various bronchial diseases that occur during intense physical activity in children and adults. Additionally, the medication is indicated as a remedy for bronchial asthma in the case when a patient is diagnosed with an allergy to drugs containing acetylsalicylic acid.

In treatment and prevention, in most cases, the same dosages are used. As a rule, they are determined at the diagnostic stage.

Contraindications

The medication has contraindications, which are an obstacle to the appointment. Do not use the medicine for allergies to the active ingredient, since the risk of developing complications from the respiratory system increases. In addition, the remedy is not used for severe hepatic failure, as well as end-stage kidney pathologies.

It is contraindicated to prescribe the medicine to patients who are in the acute period of myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke. The drug is not used during the rehabilitation period after severe injuries or surgical interventions on the abdominal organs.

Contraindications include the period of pregnancy, breastfeeding, since the effect of the drug on the body of the mother and the unborn child is unpredictable. The medication is used with caution in the treatment of elderly patients, as well as young children.

In case of blood diseases or dysfunction of the red bone marrow, medication should be treated with caution and only after examination by a doctor.

At what age can the drug be used for children

Montelukast for children (reviews of the medication should be studied before starting treatment) is used with caution and only after the child reaches the age of 2 years. Despite the instructions in the instructions, the medication is actively used only in the therapy of patients over 6 years old. For patients from 2 to 6 years old, the drug is rarely prescribed and only after examination.

Instructions for use, dosage

The medication can be taken orally or chewable tablets that usually dissolve. Adults are usually given oral tablets. The dosage in each case is determined individually, but the standard regimen assumes taking 10 mg of the drug in the evening.

Taking before bed helps to reduce the number of coughing fits at night, which normalizes the patient's sleep and stimulates recovery. The tablets should not be combined with food, it is better to take them 2 hours after a meal, drink plenty of liquid.

The duration of the therapeutic course is 2-4 weeks, depending on the severity of symptoms and associated complications. It is worth noting that when the medication is combined with other agents aimed at treating the disease, the recovery period is significantly reduced.

Children are usually prescribed chewable tablets in the amount of 1 piece per day. It must be taken before bedtime. Treatment lasts no more than 3 weeks. Experts consider it inappropriate to take high dosages of the drug, therefore, children are prescribed only tablets, the dosage of which is 5 mg.

Adults are rarely prescribed more than 10 mg of the drug per day, since an increase in the dose does not lead to an increase in the therapeutic effect. In each case, the duration of the course can be adjusted taking into account the patient's condition.

Side effects

The medicine often provokes side reactions from organs and systems. Moreover, they do not always develop when the instructions are violated, but also when they are followed.

Organs and systems	The most common manifestations
Nervous system	Headache and dizziness appear when taking the drug quite often. Additionally, the patient speaks of rapid fatigue, drowsiness and decreased performance. In some cases, damage to the nervous system leads to the development of seizures, as well as a depressive state. Some adults develop suicidal tendencies, which are life-threatening.
Respiratory system	Bronchospasm, severe cough and difficulty breathing appear in patients even when using the recommended dosage of the drug. As a rule, this indicates an intolerance to the components of the composition or an incorrect combination of the drug with other agents during therapy.
Heart and blood vessels	Tachycardia and sternum pain appear in adults even in the absence of chronic heart disease. In some patients, there is an increase in blood pressure indicators or a decrease to critical levels. Such symptoms are considered rare and occur in most cases in patients with chronic vascular and cardiac pathologies.
Digestive system	Most often, patients are worried about nausea and bouts of vomiting, which are accompanied by pain in the stomach and intestines, flatulence and stool disorder. Some patients develop persistent constipation, while others develop diarrhea. In rare cases, the development of hepatitis, pancreatitis and other pathologies is noted.
Hematopoietic system	With prolonged use of the drug, a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood is noted, which leads to a violation of the processes of coagulation.
Musculoskeletal system	Muscle and joint pains appear almost always in adults, but if instructions are violated. Compliance with all recommendations almost completely eliminates the likelihood of developing negative reactions from the musculoskeletal system.
Skin	A rash and itching of the skin worries patients with an allergy to a medication, the development of edema, urticaria, allergic rhinitis or conjunctivitis is possible. In some cases, hematomas appear on the patient's body. They can be single or multiple.

The appearance of adverse reactions is considered a reason for discontinuing the drug and undergoing symptomatic treatment.

Overdose

Montelukast for children (reviews of the remedy are negative, which is more often associated with an allergy to the medication) rarely provokes an overdose when used correctly. However, with prolonged use of high dosages of the drug, there is an aggravation of all negative reactions, as well as a significant deterioration in the patient's condition.

Patients report intense thirst and dryness of the mucous membranes of the mouth, nausea and bouts of vomiting. The patient has no appetite, he develops diarrhea, which provokes dehydration and deterioration. Additionally, drowsiness and severe weakness are noted, forcing a person to adhere to bed rest.

In many patients, overdose is accompanied by involuntary twitching of the eyeball, as well as headaches. In some cases, the patient is not worried about drowsiness, but psychomotor agitation. A person cannot be in one position for a long time, constantly moves, but concentration is reduced, and coordination is impaired, which leads to injuries.

If symptoms of an overdose appear, you should immediately visit a doctor. There is no special antidote to the drug, therefore, drugs are used to eliminate manifestations and normalize the patient's condition.

special instructions

When treating with a remedy in order to eliminate a dry cough, more warm liquid should be consumed. This will allow the bronchi to produce more mucus and also make it less viscous. As a result, sputum removal will be facilitated, and the treatment period will be shortened.

It should be noted that the use of a medication for the relief of attacks of bronchial asthma is not always advisable, since it does not have the same effect as glucocorticosteroids or other therapies pathology.

In addition, the agent should not be used as the only method for treating allergic reactions. Despite blocking some reactions to allergens, the drug cannot become a full-fledged substitute for antihistamines.

Drug interactions

Monteluxt for children (reviews of the medication help to assess its effectiveness even before starting therapy) and adults allowed to be combined with hormonal medications, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and antihistamines means. In addition, the drug combines well with other drugs aimed at treating bronchial asthma.

It should be noted that the drug does not increase the dosage of antibiotics in the blood, as well as oral contraceptives, antitussive medicines. With the right combination, the product can be used simultaneously with any medications.

In studies of drug interactions, experts have found that the only contraindication is considered to be taking Montelukast with other drugs containing the same active ingredient. Despite this, it is worth consulting your doctor before taking any additional medication.

Analogs

If it is impossible to use the original medication, a substitute is prescribed that has similar therapeutic properties.

The most popular analogues:

• Singlon - a product based on montelukast sodium, which has pronounced therapeutic properties. It is used to relieve dry cough, relieve mild bronchial asthma symptoms. It is available in the form of tablets for oral administration and chewable tablets, the dosage of the active ingredient in which is usually less. It is used for the treatment of children from 6 years of age and adults, the course is determined individually.
• Singular - another analogue of a medication based on the same active substance. The drug is available in the form of chewable tablets with different dosages. It is prescribed for adults and children from 6 years old. Helps to improve sputum discharge, eliminates bronchospasm, stimulates tissue regeneration and improves general condition. The drug is prescribed only after examination and identification of the cause of the cough and other manifestations.

  

Any of the analogs has pronounced properties, so it is not recommended to use it on its own.

Terms, conditions of sale and storage

• The drug can be purchased at the pharmacy with a doctor's prescription. The shelf life of the tablets is 2 years, after its end, it is prohibited to use the medication.
• Do not put the tablets in the refrigerator, it is important to keep them away from children and direct sunlight.

Price in pharmacies in Moscow, St. Petersburg, regions

The cost of a medicine in pharmacies in St. Petersburg and Moscow is approximately 600-900 rubles. depending on the number of tablets in the package. In the regions, the medicine can be purchased for 500-800 rubles.

Montelukast is a universal medicine for adults and children that helps eliminate bronchospasm and other manifestations. Reviews of adult patients and parents prove the effectiveness of the medication. Despite this, it is strictly forbidden to use it on your own.

Video about the drug Montelukast

Montelukast instructions for use: