Skin & Sun Safety
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MONTELUKAST
MONTELUKASTTRANSCRIPT (page 1 of 3)If you have asthma or seasonal allergies, you may be prescribed Montelukast. Youmay also be familiar with its brand name, Singulair.Montelukast is a high alert medication, which means if you do not take it exactly asprescribed, it may cause illness or injury.To understand how Montelukast works, let’s look at how asthma and allergies affectyour body.When we breathe, air enters our lungs where it is cleaned and delivered to the rest ofthe body through the blood stream.But the lungs of people with Asthma or allergies are extra sensitive.Tiny substances like dust, smoke and pollen irritate the lining of the lungs, causinginflammation and swelling. This causes the muscles in the lungs to tighten andcontract and leads to increased mucus production. When this happens, it becomesdifficult for air to get in and out of the lungs.Montelukast blocks your body from reacting to the tiny substances that irritate yourlungs. This prevents your airways from swelling, making it easier for you to breathe.Montelukast comes in a chewable tablet, coated tablet or granules. Your healthcareprovider will decide how much you need to take and how best to take it.Montelukast is a powerful medication. Some people should not take it. Do nottake Montelukast if you are allergic to the ingredients in it. If you are allergic toPhenylalanine, do not use the granules or chewable tablets.If you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding, tell yourhealthcare provider. This medication is likely safe, but you and your healthcare20% gradient meshprovider will decide what is best for you.Before taking Montelukast, tell your healthcare provider if you have a history healthclipsof: liverproblems, depression, or thoughts of suicide.healthclipsSome side effects of Montelukast include: stomach pain, dizziness, diarrhea, cough,headache, skin rash, tooth pain, or feeling tired.healthclipshealthclips(Continued on next page)4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10021_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshMONTELUKASTTRANSCRIPT (page 2 of 3)If you do notice any of these side effects, contact your healthcare provider about howto manage them.Be aware that Montelukast will not stop an Asthma attack that has already started.Always carry a short-acting rescue inhaler with you for sudden asthma symptoms youmay experience between doses of Montelukast.If you have an allergic reaction like: trouble breathing, hives, or swelling of your faceor throat, call 911.If you have: seizures, yellow eyes or skin, change in mood or behavior, or thoughts ofhurting yourself, call 911 and get help immediately.This is not a complete list of side effects. Make sure you discuss all possible sideeffects with your healthcare provider.Take Montelukast exactly as prescribed. Do not change your dose.If you are taking the Montelukast tablet, always swallow the pill whole with plenty ofwater.The chewable tablet should be chewed completely before you swallow it.And if you take the granules, you can put them directly into your mouth or mix themwith a soft food like applesauce or ice cream.If giving Montelukast to a child, you can mix the granules with a teaspoon of formula,breast milk or other cold or room temperature beverage. Make sure the granules areconsumed within 15 minutes.Montelukast should be taken once a day, usually in the evening. It is importantto take20% gradient meshthis medication every day, even if you don’t have symptoms. This medication buildsup to help your body avoid asthma attacks and allergy symptoms.healthclipsIf you do miss a dose, take your Montelukast as soon as possible and then take yourhealthclipsnext dose the following evening. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip yourmissed dose and return to your normal medication schedule.healthclipsDo not double dose. If you think you have taken too much Montelukast, call 911.healthclips(Continued on next page)4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10021_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshMONTELUKASTTRANSCRIPT (page 3 of 3)Store Montelukast away from moisture and direct sunlight. Your bathroom medicinecabinet is not the best place because of moisture. Do not leave your medication whereit can get too hot or too cold. Always store your medication out of sight and out ofreach of children to prevent accidents.When you are done taking Montelukast, crush all of your remaining tablets and mixthem with undesirable trash like kitty litter or coffee grounds. Contact your healthcareprovider or pharmacist about the proper way to dispose of your medications.Montelukast can help you breathe easier. But it is a powerful medication that shouldonly be taken exactly as prescribed. If you have any questions about Montelukast, askyour healthcare provider and pharmacist for more information.20% gradient meshhealthclipshealthclipshealthclipshealthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10021_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient mesh
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