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What is albuterol inhalation? Albuterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways and increases air flow to the lungs. Albuterol inhalation is used to treat or prevent bronchospasm, or narrowing of the airways in the lungs, in people with asthma or certain types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is also used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. Albuterol inhalation is for use in adults and children who are at least 4 years old. Always follow your doctor's directions when giving albuterol to a child. Warnings It is important to keep albuterol on hand at all times. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. Keep using all of your other medications as prescribed by your doctor. Talk with your doctor if any of your asthma medications do not seem to work as well in treating or preventing attacks. If it seems like you need to use more of any of your medications in a 24-hour period, talk with your doctor. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack. Only use albuterol as prescribed by your physician. An overdose of albuterol can be fatal. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of albuterol can be fatal. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Before taking this medicine You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to albuterol. You should not use ProAir RespiClick if you are allergic to milk proteins. Albuterol may increase the risk of death or hospitalization in people with asthma, but the risk in people with obstructive airway disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not known. To make sure albuterol inhalation is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: heart disease, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure; a heart rhythm disorder; a seizure disorder such as epilepsy; diabetes; overactive thyroid; or low levels of potassium in your blood. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether albuterol will harm an unborn baby. However, having uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy may increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, or eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure that can lead to medical problems in both mother and baby). The benefit of preventing bronchospasm may outweigh any risks to the baby. If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of albuterol on the baby. It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk. How should I use albuterol inhalation? Use albuterol inhalation exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use albuterol inhalation in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You may need to prime your albuterol inhaler device before the first use. Your medicine comes with directions for priming if needed. You may also need to shake your albuterol device just before each use. Keeping your inhaler clean is important to ensure you are receiving the medication. Clean the plastic actuator with the canister removed at least once a week. Your medicine comes with directions for properly cleaning your device. Follow all medication instructions very carefully. Do not allow a young child to use albuterol inhalation without help from an adult. The usual dose of albuterol inhalation is 2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours. To prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm, use 2 inhalations 15 to 30 minutes before you exercise. The effects of albuterol inhalation should last about 4 to 6 hours. Seek medical attention if you think your asthma medications are not working as well. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack. Use the dose counter on your albuterol inhaler device and get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. Always use the new inhaler device provided with your refill. Do not float a medicine canister in water to see if it is empty. ProAir HFA, Proventil HFA, or Ventolin HFA must be shaken before each use. You do not need to shake ProAir RespiClick before using. Follow all product instructions on how to clean your albuterol inhaler device and mouthpiece. Do not try to clean or take apart the ProAir RespiClick inhaler device. Asthma is often treated with a combination of drugs. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, or cold temperatures. Keep the albuterol canister away from open flame or high heat, such as in a car on a hot day. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty inhaler canister. What happens if I miss a dose? Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of albuterol can be fatal. Overdose symptoms may include dry mouth, tremors, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, nausea, general ill feeling, seizure (convulsions), feeling light-headed or fainting. What should I avoid while using albuterol inhalation? Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes. Albuterol inhalation side effects Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to albuterol: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have: wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using this medicine; chest pain, fast heart rate, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest; pain or burning when you urinate; increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss; or signs of low potassium - leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, extreme thirst, increased urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling. Common albuterol side effects may include: chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats; upset stomach, vomiting; painful urination; dizziness; feeling shaky or nervous; headache, back pain, body aches; or cough, sore throat, sinus pain, runny or stuffy nose. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. What other drugs will affect albuterol inhalation? Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially: any other inhaled medicines or bronchodilators; digoxin; a diuretic or "water pill"; an antidepressant - amitriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, doxepin, nortriptyline, and others; a beta blocker - atenolol, carvedilol, labetalol, metoprolol, propranolol, sotalol, and others; or a MAO inhibitor - isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others or methylene blue injection This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with albuterol inhalation, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
What is albuterol inhalation? Albuterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways and increases air flow to the lungs. Albuterol inhalation is used to treat or prevent bronchospasm, or narrowing of the airways in the lungs, in people with asthma or certain types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is also used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. Albuterol inhalation is for use in adults and children who are at least 4 years old. Always follow your doctor's directions when giving albuterol to a child. Warnings It is important to keep albuterol on hand at all times. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. Keep using all of your other medications as prescribed by your doctor. Talk with your doctor if any of your asthma medications do not seem to work as well in treating or preventing attacks. If it seems like you need to use more of any of your medications in a 24-hour period, talk with your doctor. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack. Only use albuterol as prescribed by your physician. An overdose of albuterol can be fatal. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of albuterol can be fatal. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Before taking this medicine You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to albuterol. You should not use ProAir RespiClick if you are allergic to milk proteins. Albuterol may increase the risk of death or hospitalization in people with asthma, but the risk in people with obstructive airway disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not known. To make sure albuterol inhalation is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: heart disease, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure; a heart rhythm disorder; a seizure disorder such as epilepsy; diabetes; overactive thyroid; or low levels of potassium in your blood. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether albuterol will harm an unborn baby. However, having uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy may increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, or eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure that can lead to medical problems in both mother and baby). The benefit of preventing bronchospasm may outweigh any risks to the baby. If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of albuterol on the baby. It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk. How should I use albuterol inhalation? Use albuterol inhalation exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use albuterol inhalation in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You may need to prime your albuterol inhaler device before the first use. Your medicine comes with directions for priming if needed. You may also need to shake your albuterol device just before each use. Keeping your inhaler clean is important to ensure you are receiving the medication. Clean the plastic actuator with the canister removed at least once a week. Your medicine comes with directions for properly cleaning your device. Follow all medication instructions very carefully. Do not allow a young child to use albuterol inhalation without help from an adult. The usual dose of albuterol inhalation is 2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours. To prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm, use 2 inhalations 15 to 30 minutes before you exercise. The effects of albuterol inhalation should last about 4 to 6 hours. Seek medical attention if you think your asthma medications are not working as well. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack. Use the dose counter on your albuterol inhaler device and get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. Always use the new inhaler device provided with your refill. Do not float a medicine canister in water to see if it is empty. ProAir HFA, Proventil HFA, or Ventolin HFA must be shaken before each use. You do not need to shake ProAir RespiClick before using. Follow all product instructions on how to clean your albuterol inhaler device and mouthpiece. Do not try to clean or take apart the ProAir RespiClick inhaler device. Asthma is often treated with a combination of drugs. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, or cold temperatures. Keep the albuterol canister away from open flame or high heat, such as in a car on a hot day. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty inhaler canister. What happens if I miss a dose? Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of albuterol can be fatal. Overdose symptoms may include dry mouth, tremors, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, nausea, general ill feeling, seizure (convulsions), feeling light-headed or fainting. What should I avoid while using albuterol inhalation? Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes. Albuterol inhalation side effects Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to albuterol: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have: wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using this medicine; chest pain, fast heart rate, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest; pain or burning when you urinate; increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss; or signs of low potassium - leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, extreme thirst, increased urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling. Common albuterol side effects may include: chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats; upset stomach, vomiting; painful urination; dizziness; feeling shaky or nervous; headache, back pain, body aches; or cough, sore throat, sinus pain, runny or stuffy nose. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. What other drugs will affect albuterol inhalation? Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially: any other inhaled medicines or bronchodilators; digoxin; a diuretic or "water pill"; an antidepressant - amitriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, doxepin, nortriptyline, and others; a beta blocker - atenolol, carvedilol, labetalol, metoprolol, propranolol, sotalol, and others; or a MAO inhibitor - isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others or methylene blue injection This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with albuterol inhalation, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
What is budesonide? Budesonide is a steroid that reduces inflammation in the body. Entocort and Ortikos are used to treat mild to moderate Crohn's disease in adults and children at least 8 years old. These medicines are also used in adults to keep symptoms from returning for up to 3 months. Uceris is used to treat mild to moderate ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults. Budesonide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Warnings Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use. Before taking this medicine You should not use budesonide if you are allergic to it. Tell your doctor if you have ever had: tuberculosis; an infection, including chickenpox or measles; high blood pressure; a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicines); osteoporosis or low bone mineral density; a stomach ulcer; liver disease; eczema; any allergy; or (in you or a family member) diabetes, cataracts, or glaucoma. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether budesonide will harm an unborn baby. However, having untreated or uncontrolled UC during pregnancy can cause complications leading to preterm delivery or low birth weight. The benefit of treating UC may outweigh any risks to the baby. If you have taken budesonide during pregnancy, tell your doctor if you notice weakness, irritability, vomiting, or feeding problems in your newborn baby. You should not breastfeed while using budesonide. Entocort or Ortikos should not be given to a child younger than 8 years old or weighing less than 55 pounds (25 kilograms). Uceris is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. Do not use budesonide in a child to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor. How should I take budesonide? Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Take this medicine in the morning with a full glass of water. Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions. Swallow the tablet or capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it. If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away, or within 30 minutes after mixing. Then drink a full glass of water. Your dosage needs may change if you have surgery, are ill, or are under stress. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using budesonide. Budesonide can weaken your immune system. Tell your doctor if you have signs of infection such as fever, chills, body aches, vomiting, or feeling tired. If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. What happens if I miss a dose? Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. High doses or long-term use of steroid medicine can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex. What should I avoid while taking budesonide? Grapefruit may interact with budesonide and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chickenpox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using budesonide. Budesonide side effects Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have: thinning skin, easy bruising, increased acne or facial hair; swelling in your ankles; weakness, tiredness, or a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; nausea, vomiting, rectal bleeding; pain or burning when you urinate; menstrual problems (in women), impotence or loss of interest in sex (in men); or signs of too much steroid medicine in your blood--acne, bruising, thinning skin, increased facial or body hair, stretch marks, increased body fat, or changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist). Common side effects may include: headache, dizziness; indigestion, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, bloating, gas, constipation; feeling tired; back pain, joint pain; painful urination; cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat; pain anywhere in your body; or signs of too much steroid medicine in your blood. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. What other drugs will affect budesonide? Many drugs can affect budesonide. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
What is fluticasone and salmeterol inhalation? Fluticasone and salmeterol inhalation is a ster oid and bronchodilator combination medicine that is used to prevent asthma attacks. It is also used to prevent flare-ups or worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) associated with chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. In people with COPD, fluticasone and salmeterol is for long-term treatment. In people with asthma, fluticasone and salmeterol is for short-term treatment until symptoms are well controlled with with other medicines. Advair Diskus is for use in adults and children who are at least 4 years old. Advair HFA and AirDuo Respiclick are for use in adults and children who are at least 12 years old. Fluticasone and salmeterol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Warnings Fluticasone and salmeterol is not a rescue medicine. It will not work fast enough to treat an asthma or bronchospasm attack. Seek medical attention you have worsening breathing problems, or if you think your medications are not working as well. Before taking this medicine You should not use fluticasone and salmeterol if you are allergic to fluticasone or salmeterol, or: if you have a severe allergy to milk proteins; or if you are having an asthma attack or severe COPD symptoms. Fluticasone can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection or worsening an infection you already have or have recently had. Tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks. Tell your doctor if you have ever had: glaucoma or cataracts; heart disease or high blood pressure; a seizure; diabetes; a food or drug allergy; a weak immune system; any type of infection (bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic); osteoporosis; a thyroid disorder; or liver or kidney disease. Long-term use of steroids may lead to bone loss (osteoporosis), especially if you smoke, if you do not exercise, if you do not get enough vitamin D or calcium in your diet, or if you have a family history of osteoporosis. Talk with your doctor about your risk. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. However, having untreated or uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy may cause complications such as low birth weight, premature birth, or eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure that can lead to medical problems in both mother and baby). The benefit of treating asthma may outweigh any risks to the baby. It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. How should I use fluticasone and salmeterol? Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Using too much of this medicine can cause life-threatening side effects. Fluticasone and salmeterol is not a rescue medicine for asthma or bronchospasm attacks. Use only fast-acting inhalation medicine for an attack. Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your asthma medications are not working as well. Advair Diskus is a powder form of fluticasone and salmeterol that comes with a special inhaler device pre-loaded with blister packs containing measured doses of the medicine. Advair HFA and AirDuo Respiclick each come in a canister that is used with an actuator inhaler device. Use the medicine at the same time each day. Use only the inhaler device provided with your medication. Shake the Advair HFA inhaler for at least 5 seconds before each spray. Do not allow a young child to use this medicine without help from an adult. Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions. Rinse your mouth with water without swallowing after each use of your inhaler. Your dose needs may change due to surgery, illness, stress, or a recent asthma attack. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor's advice. If you also use an oral steroid medication, you should not stop using it suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose. If you use a peak flow meter at home, tell your doctor if your numbers are lower than normal. Your vision and your bone mineral density may need to be checked often. Store your medicine at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Avoid high heat, such as open flame or in a car on a hot day. Carefully follow all storage and disposal directions provided with your medicine. Once your asthma is under control, your doctor may want you to stop using this medicine. Do not stop using the medicine unless your doctor tells you to. What happens if I miss a dose? Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include chest pain, fast heart rate, and feeling shaky or short of breath. Long term use of an inhaled steroid can lead to glaucoma, cataracts, thinning skin, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex. What should I avoid while using fluticasone and salmeterol? Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chickenpox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using a steroid such as fluticasone. Do not use a second inhaled bronchodilator unless your doctor tells you to. This includes formoterol (Perforomist, Symbicort, Bevespi, Dulera), arformoterol (Brovana), indacaterol (Arcapta), olodaterol (Striverdi, Stiolto Respimat), salmeterol (Serevent), or vilanterol (Anoro Ellipta, Breo Ellipta, Trelegy Ellipta). Fluticasone and salmeterol side effects Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have: wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using fluticasone and salmeterol; fever, chills, cough with mucus, feeling short of breath; chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeats, severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears; tremors, nervousness; blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights; signs of thrush (a fungal infection)--sores or white patches in your mouth or throat, trouble swallowing; high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; low potassium level--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling; or signs of a hormonal disorder--worsening tiredness or weakness, feeling light-headed, nausea, vomiting. Fluticasone can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication. Common side effects may include: headache, muscle pain, bone pain, back pain; nausea, vomiting; thrush, throat irritation; ongoing cough, hoarseness or deepened voice; cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat; or ear infection (in a child)--fever, ear pain or full feeling, trouble hearing, drainage from the ear, fussiness. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. What other drugs will affect fluticasone and salmeterol? Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective. Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially: antifungal medicine; or medicine to treat HIV or AIDS. This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect fluticasone and salmeterol. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
What is montelukast? Montelukast is a leukotriene (loo-koe-TRY-een) inhibitor that is used to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children at least 2 years old. Montelukast is also used to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (narrowing of the air passages in the lungs) in adults and children who are at least 6 years old. Montelukast is also used to treat symptoms of seasonal or year-round (perennial) allergies in adults and children at least 2 years old, after other treatments did not work. If you already take montelukast to prevent asthma or allergy symptoms, do not use an extra dose to treat exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Montelukast may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Warnings Tell your doctor right away if you have signs of blood vessel inflammation: flu-like symptoms, severe sinus pain, a skin rash, numbness or a "pins and needles" feeling in your arms or legs. Stop taking montelukast and call your doctor right away if you have any unusual changes in mood or behavior (such as agitation, confusion, depression, sleep problems, compulsive behaviors, hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts or actions). Before taking this medicine You should not use montelukast if you are allergic to it. Tell your doctor if you have ever had: mental illness or psychosis; or asthma, or a history of severe allergic reaction (sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, wheezing, shortness of breath) after taking aspirin or another NSAID. The chewable tablet may contain phenylalanine and could be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not give this medicine to a child without a doctor's advice. How should I take montelukast? Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Montelukast is not a fast-acting rescue medicine for asthma attacks. Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your medications are not working. Montelukast is usually taken once every evening, with or without food. For exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, take a single dose at least 2 hours before exercise, and do not take another dose for at least 24 hours. Swallow the regular tablet whole, with a glass of water. You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it. Place the oral granules directly in your mouth and swallow, or mix them with applesauce, mashed carrots, rice, or ice cream. The granules may also be mixed with baby formula or breast milk. Do not use any other type of liquid. Use the mixture within 15 minutes. Do not save for later use. If you also use an oral steroid medication, you should not stop using it suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose. Do not change your dose or stop using asthma medication without your doctor's advice. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not open a packet of oral granules until you are ready to use the medicine. What happens if I miss a dose? Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. What should I avoid while taking montelukast? Avoid situations or activities that may trigger an asthma attack. If your asthma symptoms get worse when you take aspirin, avoid taking aspirin or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others. Montelukast side effects Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, blisters, severe itching; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Tell your doctor right away if you have signs of blood vessel inflammation: flu-like symptoms, severe sinus pain, a skin rash, numbness or a "pins and needles" feeling in your arms or legs. Some people using montelukast have had new or worsening mental problems. Stop taking montelukast and call your doctor right away if you have unusual changes in mood or behavior, such as: agitation, aggression, feeling restless or irritable; anxiety, depression, confusion, problems with memory or attention; stuttering, tremors, uncontrolled muscle movements; suicidal thoughts or actions; hallucinations, sleep problems, vivid, dreams, sleep-walking; or compulsive or repetitive behaviors. Common side effects may include: stomach pain, diarrhea; fever or other flu symptoms; ear pain or full feeling, trouble hearing; headache; or cold symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, sinus pain, cough, sore throat. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. What other drugs will affect montelukast? Other drugs may affect montelukast, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.
What is zafirlukast? Zafirlukast is a leukotriene (loo-koe-TRY-een) inhibitor that is used to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children as young as 5 years old. Zafirlukast may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Warnings Tell your doctor right away if you have signs of blood vessel inflammation: flu-like symptoms, severe sinus pain, a skin rash, numbness or a "pins and needles" feeling in your arms or legs. Stop taking zafirlukast and call your doctor right away if you have any unusual changes in mood or behavior (such as agitation, confusion, depression, sleep problems, compulsive behaviors, hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts or actions). Before taking this medicine You should not use zafirlukast if you are allergic to it, or if you have liver disease (including cirrhosis). Tell your doctor if you have ever had liver disease. Not approved for use by anyone younger than 5 years old. The chewable tablet may contain phenylalanine and could be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU). It is not known if zafirlukast will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not breastfeed while using zafirlukast. How should I take zafirlukast? Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Zafirlukast is not a fast-acting rescue medicine for asthma attacks. Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your medications are not working. Take on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Your dose needs may change due to surgery, illness, stress, or a recent asthma attack. Do not change your dose or stop using asthma medication without your doctor's advice. Keep using zafirlukast as directed, even if you have no asthma symptoms. If you take oral steroid medicine, do not stop it suddenly. Ask your doctor about tapering your dose. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. What happens if I miss a dose? Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. What should I avoid while taking zafirlukast? Avoid situations or activities that may trigger an asthma attack. Zafirlukast side effects Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, blisters, severe itching; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Tell your doctor right away if you have signs of blood vessel inflammation: flu-like symptoms, severe sinus pain, a skin rash, numbness or a "pins and needles" feeling in your arms or legs. Some people using zafirlukast have had new or worsening mental problems. Stop taking zafirlukast and call your doctor right away if you have unusual changes in mood or behavior, such as: agitation, aggression, feeling restless or irritable; anxiety, depression, confusion, problems with memory or attention; stuttering, tremors, uncontrolled muscle movements; suicidal thoughts or actions; hallucinations, sleep problems, vivid dreams, sleep-walking; or compulsive or repetitive behaviors. Also call your doctor at once if you have: worsening or no improvement in your asthma symptoms; or liver problems--nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Common side effects may include: nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain; headache; or cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Zafirlukast dosing information Usual Adult Dose for Asthma -- Maintenance: -20 mg orally twice a day, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals Comments: -A dose of 20 mg twice daily was not associated with an increase in the overall incidence of adverse events or withdrawals in elderly patients. Use: Prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma Usual Pediatric Dose for Asthma -- Maintenance: Less than 5 years: The safety and effectiveness has not been established. 5 to 11 years: -10 mg orally twice a day, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals 12 years or older: -20 mg orally twice a day, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals Use: Prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma What other drugs will affect zafirlukast? Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially: erythromycin; fluconazole; theophylline; or warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven. This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect zafirlukast, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.