Asmakast 10 mg ( Montelukast ) 30 film-coated tablets 

Why it's used
Asmakast Tablet is used to prevent asthma and exercise-induced narrowing of the muscles in the lungs. It is a prescription medicine. This medicine works by blocking the action of certain chemicals in the lungs. Asmakast is also used to relieve seasonal allergies such as irritation in the eyes, a runny nose and a sore throat. This medicine works by preventing the release of certain substances from the nose, which are responsible for allergic conditions. It is also used to treat indoor and outdoor allergies that are present throughout the year.
When not to use
Asmakast should not be used to treat an asthma attack.
Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists
Asmakast is a prescription medicine that belongs to a class of medicines called Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists. Leukotriene receptor antagonists treat and prevent inflamed, narrow and swollen airways that cause difficulty in breathing.

 
How to use
Follow directions on the product label, information guide, and provided by your doctor before using Asmakast. Eat this medicine as per your doctor's instructions.
Asmakast is eaten with or without food. If you mix this medicine with food, baby formula, or breast milk, use the mixture within 15 minutes. Do not store the mixture for future use. If using oral granules for children, this medicine should not be mixed with any liquid drink other than baby formula or with breast milk. Asmakast is eaten usually in the evening for asthma.
Typical Dosage
The typical adult dose of Asmakast is 10 mg once a day. The typical dose for children is 4 mg to 5 mg once a day. Asmakast is typically used at the same time every day. There are no known habit-forming tendencies with this medicine.

 
Asmakast is to be used for longer periods of time. Asmakast is prescribed for the long-term treatment of asthma in adults and children aging 12 months and older. You should continue to use this medicine as directed by the doctor even if you feel well.
If you are using the chewable tablet form of this medicine, make sure you chew the medicine before you swallow it.
Talk to Your Doctor
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens or if you develop new symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you have numbness of arms, numbness of legs, flu-like illness, rash, and pain or swelling of the sinus. Consult with your doctor before stopping the use of Asmakast Tablet.

 
To see the impact of Asmakast Tablet on the body, your doctor may recommend a lower initial dose. Please follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Taking a high dose of this medicine is known to increase the chances of side-effects. A lower dose of Asmakast Tablet may be recommended to reduce the risk of side-effects. Older patients may see an increase in the risk of side-effects. Hence, a lower dose may be recommended.
Use in Children
If you are giving Asmakast Tablet to a child, be sure to use a product that is meant for use in children. Before giving this medicine, use the child's weight or age to find the right dose from the leaflet or product package. You can also read the dosage section of this page to know the correct dose for your child. Else, consult with your doctor and follow their recommendation.
Storage
Store Asmakast Tablet at 15-30°C (59-86°F), away from moisture, and away from light. Keep this medicine away from children and pets.
Medicines may be given for uses other than those listed in the medicine guide. Do not use Asmakast Tablet for symptoms for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Asmakast Tablet to others who may have similar symptoms as you. Self-medication can cause harm.

 
How to take Asmakast
Your dose and how often you take Asmakast will depend on the following factors:
age
patient's health
medicines recommended by the doctor
any other medicines being used
Asmakast Dosage
Dosage for asthma
Adult (adults and children over 14 years)
Recommended: 10 mg by mouth per day once in the evening
Maximum: 10 mg per day
Children (2-5 years using a chewable tablet or oral granules)
Recommended: 4 mg per day
Maximum: 4 mg per day
Children (6-14 years using a chewable tablet)
Recommended: 5 mg per day
Maximum: 5 mg per day
Children (12-23 months of age using oral granules)
Recommended: 4 mg per day
Maximum: 4 mg per day
Dosage for narrowing of the muscles in the lungs due to exercise
Adult (adults and young adults)
Recommended: 10 mg per day at least two hours before exercise
Maximum: 10 mg per day
Children (6-14 years)
Recommended: 5 mg per day chewable tablet at least 2 hours before exercise
Maximum: 5 mg per day
Dosage for seasonal allergies
Adult (adults and children 15 years or older)
Recommended: 10 mg orally per day in the morning or evening
Maximum: 10 mg per day
Children (2-5 years)
Maximum: 4 mg per day in the morning or evening
Children
Recommended: 5 mg per day in the morning or evening
Maximum: 6-14 years
Dosage for asthma and seasonal allergies
Adult
Recommended: 10 mg a day as a single dose in the evening
Minimum Age
6 months
Dosage calculation for children
To calculate the dosage for children please use the weight based dose calculator to calculate the appropriate dosage as per the weight of your child.

 
Forms
Film-Coated Tablets
Strength: 4 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg
Chewable Tablets
Strength: 4 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg
Granules
Strength: 4 mg
Special Instructions
Oral formulation
Take once daily with or without food.
Asthma and seasonal allergies
Patients with both asthma and allergic response with irritation in the eyes, a runny nose and a sore throat should take only one dose of this medicine daily in the evening.
Asthma and narrowing of the muscles in the lungs due to exercise
Patients who are already taking this medicine for asthma should not take another dose for the narrowing of the muscles in the lungs due to exercise in a single day.
Acute asthma attack
Patients who need quick relief from an acute asthma attack should not take Asmakast.
Missed Dose
Take the next dose at the regular time but do not take two doses at the same time.

 
Overdose
What to do if you overdose on Asmakast?
In case of overdose, supportive measures should be employed, for example, removal of the medicine from the digestive tract, monitoring and therapy.
Symptoms of an overdose of Asmakast
If you use too much of this medicine, it could lead to dangerous levels of the medicine in your body. In such cases, symptoms of an overdose may include:
headache
restlessness
sleepiness
stomach ache
thirst
vomiting
If you think you have overdosed on Asmakast Tablet, call a poison control center immediately. You can look up the poison control center information from the Poison Center Finder at TabletWise.com.

 
Precautions while using Asmakast
Before you use Asmakast, tell your doctor of your medical and health history including the following:
a birth defect that causes an abnormal build-up of an amino acid in the body (called phenylketonuria)
mental disorders
sensitivity to aspirin
People with a history of phenylketonuria, mental disorders, and sensitivity to aspirin should be monitored as the use of medicine may result in further significant side effects.
Before you use Asmakast Tablet, discuss with your doctor if you are allergic to it or its ingredients. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine and update your medical records to record this information. Tell your doctor if you are allergic any of the following substances: aspirin.
The use of Asmakast Tablet may change blood vessel walls. This can happen in people with asthma who take Asmakast along with steroids through the mouth. You may have an inflammation of blood vessel walls called as systemic vasculitis.
The use of this medicine may change white blood cells (eosinophils). For people with asthma who take this medicine along with steroids through the mouth, it can result in an increase in their count of white blood cells.
Seizures
Asmakast Tablet can make you feel sleepy. Be careful when using any machinery, driving a vehicle, or doing any other activity that needs you to be fully alert. The consumption of alcohol with Asmakast Tablet can worsen the sleepiness. Asmakast Tablet may cause rarely seizures in some people. If you perform any activities where a loss of consciousness may cause harm to you (or others), you should discuss with your doctor.
Use in Pregnancy
The use of Asmakast during pregnancy should only be when required. It is unknown if this medicine is safe to use during pregnancy.
Use while Breastfeeding
Consult with your doctor on the use of Asmakast Tablet during breastfeeding. It is unknown if this medicine passes into breast milk, but caution should be used when given to mothers who are breastfeeding.
Use while Conceiving
Asmakast may impact fertility in women. If you are trying to conceive, discuss with your doctor on the use of this medicine. Asmakast may not be right for patients who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant as it may have a negative impact on their ability to have a baby.
Alcohol
Consult with your doctor on the consumption of alcohol with Asmakast.
Increased Risks
Asmakast may cause a lung infection, also known as, upper respiratory infection.

 
Asmakast Side-effects
The following side-effects may commonly occur when using Asmakast Tablet. If any of these side-effects worsen or last for a long time, you should consult with your doctor:
cough
diarrhea
earache or ear infection
fever
flu
headache
inflamed nasal passages
lung infection
runny nose
sinus infection
sore throat
stomach pain

 
The following side-effects may commonly occur in children when using Asmakast Tablet. Discuss with your doctor if any of these side-effects last for a long time or are severe:
chickenpox
cough
eye problem
fever
headache
inflamed nasal passages
lung infection
middle ear infection
nausea
rash
skin infection
stomach infection
stomach upset
throat infection
tooth infection
Rarely, the use of Asmakast Tablet may cause the following side-effects:
aggressive behavior
allergic reactions
bad dreams
bleeding from the nose
depression
irritation
itchy skin
joint pain
muscle cramps
seizure
skin bruise
sleep abnormalities
suicidal thoughts
swelling in a body part due to excessive fluid buildup in the body's tissues
tremors
The following severe side-effects may also occur when using Asmakast Tablet:
hepatitis
Your doctor has prescribed Asmakast Tablet because they judge that the benefit is greater than the risk posed by side-effects. Many people using this medicine do not have serious side-effects. This page does not list all possible side-effects of Asmakast Tablet.
If you experience side-effects or notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side-effects to your local food and drug administration authority. You can look up the drug authority contact information from the Drug Authority Finder at TabletWise.com.
Read more: Side-effects and Allergic Reactions of Asmakast by Severity and Frequency

 
Warnings
Mental Disorders
Adults and children using Asmakast have reported agitation, aggressive behavior or hostility, anxiousness, depression, disorientation, dream abnormalities, hallucinations, insomnia, irritability, restlessness, somnambulism, suicidal thinking and behavior (including suicide), and tremor. Patients should alert their doctor if any of these events occur.
Aspirin Sensitivity
Patients with aspirin sensitivity should avoid aspirin as well as the use of other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) when using Asmakast.
Use with Corticosteroids
Do not abruptly substitute the use of corticosteroid medicine with Asmakast. It may lead to high white blood cell count, rashes on the legs, shortness of breath, dizziness, issues with the functioning of the heart, and issues with the nerves of the hands and feet.
Acute Asthma Attacks
This medicine should not be used as a medicine for acute asthma attacks. Patients should carry appropriate emergency medicines after consulting their doctor. Commonly, Albuterol, Levalbuterol, Metaproterenol, and Terbutaline are used for quick-relief medicines for acute asthma attacks. You should consult with your doctor for the best medicine as per your medical condition.
Lapp Lactase Deficiency
Patients with Lapp lactase deficiency are at an increased risk when using this medicine. This medicine should not be used in patients with Lapp lactase deficiency.

 
Interactions with Asmakast
When two or more medicines are taken together, it can change how the medicines work and increase the risk of side-effects. In medical terms, this is called as a Drug Interaction.
This page does not contain all the possible interactions of Asmakast Tablet. Share a list of all medicines that you use with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicines without the approval of your doctor.
Antibiotics
Asmakast Tablet interacts with rifampicin, which is a medicine used to treat bacterial infections including tuberculosis. The combined usage of these medicines will make Asmakast less effective. Precautions should be taken, particularly in children when using these medicines in combination with Asmakast.
Barbiturates
There may be an interaction of Asmakast with phenobarbital, which is a medicine used to treat insomnia and control seizures. The combined usage of these medicines will make Asmakast less effective. Precautions should be taken, particularly in children when using these medicines in combination with Asmakast.
Anti-Epileptic Drugs
Asmakast Tablet may interact with phenytoin, which is a medicine used to treat brain-related disorders such as seizures. The combined usage of these medicines will make Asmakast less effective. Precautions should be taken, particularly in children when using these medicines in combination with Asmakast.

 
Traveling With Medication
Ensure that you carry enough doses of each of your prescription medicines to last the entire trip. The best place to store your medicines is in the carry on baggage. However, while flying, if carrying liquid medicines, make sure you do not go over the limits imposed for carry-on liquids.
While traveling overseas, make sure that you can carry each of your prescription medicines legally to your destination country. One way to ensure this is by checking with your destination country's embassy or website.
Make sure that you carry each of your medicines in their original packaging, which should typically include your name and address, and the details of the prescribing doctor.
If your travel involves crossing time zones, and you are required to take your medicine as per a fixed schedule, make sure that you adjust for the change in time.

Expired Medication
Taking a single dose of expired Asmakast is unlikely to cause a side-effect. However, please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, if you feel unwell or sick. An expired medicine may become ineffective in treating your prescribed conditions. To be on the safe side, it is important not to use an expired drug. You are much safer by always keeping a fresh supply of unexpired medicines.

Safe Disposal of Medication
If there are disposal instructions on the package, please follow the instructions.
If there are medicine take-back programs in your country, you should contact the respective authority to arrange for the disposal of the medicine. For example, in the USA, the Drug Enforcement Administration regularly hosts National Prescription Drug Take-Back events.
If there are no take-back programs, mix the medicine with dirt and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Throw the plastic bag in your household trash. Separately, remove all personal information including the prescription label from the medicine packaging and then dispose off the container.
If specifically indicated on the medicine package that it needs to be flushed down the toilet when no longer needed, perform the required step.

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