Montelukast+theophylline
About
Montelukast+theophylline belongs to the group of medicines known as 'anti-allergic or anti-asthmatic' primarily used to treat symptoms of Asthma. Montelukast+theophylline is also used in asthmatic people for treating their breathing difficulties during exercise and seasonal allergies like itchiness, sneezing, and blocked nose. Asthma is a local inflammatory disease of lungs & airways associated with exaggerated airway-narrowing and may produce extra mucus due to specific triggers like viruses, allergens & exercise.
Montelukast+theophylline is a combination of two medicines namely Montelukast and Theophylline. Montelukast is a leukotriene antagonist that works by blocking a chemical messenger (leukotriene) and reduces inflammation and swelling of airways in the lungs. This makes breathing easier and prevents asthma attacks. Leukotrienes are also released in your body when you have an allergic reaction to something like dust or pollen. Montelukast+theophylline helps to reduce the level of leukotrienes and stops you from getting symptoms. On the other side, Theophylline works by opening up the airways present in the lungs. In this way, it relaxes the muscles and decreases the response of substance that constricts the airways.
Take Montelukast+theophylline as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Montelukast+theophylline for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending upon your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as diarrhea, headache, abdominal cramp, flu-like symptoms, nausea, dizziness, vomiting. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Before starting Montelukast+theophylline, inform your doctor if you have severe liver problems. Simultaneous use of Montelukast+theophylline with alcohol or other antidepressants should be avoided as they may reduce your mental alertness. Even if you are asymptomatic and feel good, do not stop taking Montelukast+theophylline as it stopping suddenly may lead to an acute attack of Asthma. If you have any mental disorder, inform your doctor before starting Montelukast+theophylline as Montelukast+theophylline can cause mood changes (symptoms include anxiety, aggressive behavior, irritability, restlessness). Sometimes you might feel depressed. Inform your doctor if you feel any of these symptoms.
Uses of Montelukast+theophylline
Medicinal Benefits
Montelukast+theophylline is used to treat and prevent the symptoms of asthma. This medicine is advised when asthma is mild and can be stopped from getting worse. Montelukast+theophylline is also suggested to persons who have asthma, treat their breathing difficulties during exercising, and seasonal allergies like itchiness blocked nose and sneezing. Montelukast stops the airways from further narrowing, which makes a person breathe easily. On the other side, Theophylline relaxes the airways' smooth muscles so that they become open up and a person can breathe more easily. Thus, Montelukast+theophylline is effective in improving lung function and asthma symptoms.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Montelukast+theophylline
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Abdominal cramp
- Flu-like symptoms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Montelukast+theophylline if you are allergic to Montelukast+theophylline or any of its ingredients. If you have any mental disorder, inform your doctor before starting Montelukast+theophylline as Montelukast+theophylline can cause mood changes (symptoms include anxiety, aggressive behaviour, irritability, restlessness). Sometimes you might feel depressed. Inform your doctor if you feel any of these symptoms. It is advised to avoid contact with known allergens (allergy-causing agents) such as pollen, dust, etc. Certain food items are known to cause allergies. Concurrent use of Montelukast+theophylline with alcohol or other antidepressants should be avoided to reduce your mental alertness. Even if you are asymptomatic and feel good, do not stop taking Montelukast+theophylline as it stopping abruptly may lead to an acute attack of asthma.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Montelukast+theophylline may have an interaction with pain killers (ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac), blood thinners (aspirin), antiallergic medications (cetirizine), antiasthma drugs (salmeterol, albuterol, formoterol), anti-hypertensive medication (metoprolol), and anti-epilepsy medications (phenobarbital, phenytoin).
Drug-Food Interactions: Montelukast+theophylline may interact with a multi-mineral or other herbal/ayurvedic supplements, St. John's wort plant (used for depression). So, if you are using any of the OTC items, please tell your doctor.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Patients affected with liver/kidney disease, epilepsy, and phenylketonuria should not take Montelukast+theophylline as it has severe interaction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid drinking alcohol while taking Montelukast+theophylline as it can worsen your side effects like drowsiness.
Pregnancy
cautionThere is limited data on how Montelukast+theophylline affects pregnancy. Please consult your doctor if you are planning to conceive or already pregnant before starting Montelukast+theophylline.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere is limited data on how Montelukast+theophylline affects breastfeeding. However, Montelukast may pass into breast milk. Please consult your doctor before starting Montelukast+theophylline.
Driving
cautionDo not drive or operate machinery if you experience drowsiness or difficulty in concentrating while using Montelukast+theophylline. Montelukast+theophylline may affect your ability to drive. Seek medical attention if the symptoms persist longer.
Liver
cautionMontelukast+theophylline should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. Let your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Montelukast+theophylline.
Kidney
cautionMontelukast+theophylline should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Let your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Montelukast+theophylline.
Children
cautionMontelukast+theophylline is not recommended for use for children less than two years of age. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor depending upon the condition of the child's disease and age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Some anti-inflammatory compounds in ginger can relax membranes in the airways, which could reduce coughing.
- The immune system is affected by stress and raises the risk of being sick. An individual can exercise regularly, meditate, do deep breathing and try progressive muscle relaxation techniques to relieve stress.
- To stay fit and safe, try to sleep 7-9 hours each night.
- It is advised to avoid contact with known allergens (allergy-causing agents) such as pollen, dust, etc. Certain food items are known to cause allergies to you.
- Maintain personal hygiene and keep your surroundings clean.
Special Advise
- Staying hydrated is vital for those with a cough or cold. Drinking liquids at room temperature can alleviate cough, runny nose, and sneezing.
- If you have phenylketonuria ( an inborn error of metabolism that results in decreased metabolism of the amino acid phenylalanine), you should know that chewable tablets contain aspartame, which is not recommended in such conditions.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Asthma: It is a local inflammatory disease of the lungs & airways associated with exaggerated airway narrowing to certain triggers like viruses, allergens & exercise. Asthma leads to frequent wheezing, breathlessness, tightness of the chest and coughing episodes that differ over time in severity. Asthmatic attacks and narrowing of airway passages are brought about by the production and secretion of certain chemicals inside the lungs called leukotrienes. Asthma can be life-threatening if the attack is not treated on time.
FAQs
Montelukast+theophylline is a combination of two medicines, namely Montelukast and Theophylline. Montelukast is a leukotriene antagonist that works by blocking a chemical messenger (leukotriene) and reduces inflammation and swelling of airways in the lungs. This makes breathing easier and prevents asthma attacks. Leukotrienes are also released in your body when you have an allergic reaction to something like dust or pollen. Montelukast+theophylline helps to reduce the level of leukotrienes and stops you from getting symptoms. On the other side, Theophylline works by opening up the airways present in the lungs. In this way, it relaxes the muscles and decreases the response of substance that constricts the airways.
Although it is not very uncommon, Montelukast+theophylline can cause mood changes (symptoms include anxiety, aggressive behavior, irritability, restlessness). Sometimes you might feel depressed. Inform your doctor if you feel any of these symptoms.
Montelukast+theophylline can be safely taken as long as your doctor has prescribed it to you. However, please do not discontinue it or exceed the duration without consulting your physician.
Usually, Montelukast+theophylline does not cause drowsiness, but in a few cases, drowsiness and sleepiness have been reported; hence, it is best to take it in the evening or at bedtime.
Therapy with leukotriene receptor antagonists like Montelukast may worsen the symptoms of psychotic events in patients with a history of mental illness. Careful administration and monitoring are essential before taking Montelukast+theophylline in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders. Please consult your doctor before taking Montelukast+theophylline if you have been diagnosed or have a history of mental illness like depression, seizures (fits), etc.
