SINGULAIR (Montelukast Sodium) Prevents Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction
It has been known today that generic Singulair is effective in preventing exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). According to the update facts by Merck & Co., Inc. a new indication is useful in patients aged 15 years and older.
The efficacy of SINGULAIR 10 mg was investigated in three randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled crossover studies in 160 patients aged 15 years and older with EIB. The participants were given as a single dose two hours before exercise for the prevention of EIB.
In one study, a single dose of SINGULAIR 10 mg demonstrated a statistically significant protective benefit against EIB when taken two hours prior to exercise. Results in this study were representative of the results from the other two studies.
The most commonly reported side effects of Singulair asthma medicine included headache, sore throat, ear infection, and upper respiratory infection. It is important that Montelukast 10 mg should not be taken for the immediate relief of asthma attacks. Patients need to have their inhaled rescue medicine at hand.
The disease of EIB is determined by typical symptoms, such as shortness of breath, wheeze, cough, and chest tightness brought on by exercise. David S. Pearlman, M.D., Colorado Allergy and Asthma Centers, P.C. says that EIB limits the ability to participate in exercise or physical activities. Besides, asthma is a complex disease, and a lot of treatment methods are needed to help different patients. The specialist considers Montelukast tablets to be a new and effective option for physicians to cure patients with EIB.
As for the dosage for prevention of EIB, a single dose of Singulair medication should be received nearly two hours before exercise. An additional dose of Singulair 10 mg should not be received within 24 hours of a previous dose. If patients already take Montelukast asthma drug daily for another indication they should not take an additional dose to prevent EIB.
Safety and effectiveness of Singulair medication for EIB in patients younger than 15 years of age have not been ascertained.
