Indications   
Aeron is recommended for:

• Preventing and managing chronic asthma.
• Preventing exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) during acute episodes.
• Alleviating symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR), including both seasonal and perennial forms.   
  Take the medication as directed by a registered healthcare provider.

Pharmacology   
Montelukast is a targeted, oral leukotriene receptor antagonist that works by blocking the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor (CysLT1). Cysteinyl leukotrienes (LTC4, LTD4, LTE4) are byproducts of arachidonic acid breakdown and are released from cells like mast cells and eosinophils. The activation of these leukotriene receptors plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of asthma and allergic rhinitis, including inflammation, airway swelling, muscle contraction, and other cellular responses, which are responsible for asthma symptoms.

Dosage & Administration

• For Adults and Adolescents (15 years and older) with asthma or seasonal allergic rhinitis:   
  The prescribed dose is 10 mg (one tablet) once daily.
• For Pediatric Patients (6 to 14 years old) with asthma or seasonal allergic rhinitis:   
  The dose is 5 mg (one tablet) once daily.
• For Pediatric Patients (2 to 5 years old) with asthma or seasonal allergic rhinitis:   
  The dose is 4 mg (one tablet) once daily.
• For Children (6 months to 5 years old):   
  Administer 4 mg oral granules once daily. These granules can be taken directly or mixed with a spoonful of cold water or soft food at room temperature.

Hepatic Insufficiency:   
No dosage modification is needed for those with mild to moderate liver impairment.

Renal Insufficiency:   
No dosage adjustments are necessary for patients with kidney issues.

Elderly Use:   
The pharmacokinetics and oral absorption of a 10 mg dose are comparable in both older and younger adults, though the half-life may be slightly extended in elderly patients. No special dosage adjustments are required.

Consult a healthcare professional before use.

Interactions   
Aeron has been safely used in combination with other asthma treatments, showing no significant increase in adverse effects. In interaction studies, the recommended dose of Aeron did not notably affect the pharmacokinetics of drugs like theophylline, prednisone, prednisolone, birth control pills (norethindrone 1mg/ethinyl estradiol 35mcg), terfenadine, digoxin, and warfarin. While no additional interaction studies were conducted, clinical trials have shown Aeron to be safely combined with common medications such as thyroid hormones, sedatives, anti-inflammatory drugs, benzodiazepines, and decongestants. However, medications like phenobarbital, which increase liver metabolism, can reduce Aeron levels by approximately 40%, so monitoring is recommended when combined.

Contraindications   
Montelukast should not be used by individuals allergic to any of its ingredients.

Side Effects   
Common:

• Diarrhea, fever, stomach discomfort, headache, nausea, vomiting, skin reactions, upper respiratory infections.

Uncommon:

• Akathisia, anxiety, joint pain, fatigue, abnormal behavior, depression, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, bleeding, irritability, malaise, muscle issues, swelling, seizures, altered sensation, sleep disturbances.

Rare:

• Angioedema, impaired concentration, confusion, eosinophilic granulomatosis, erythema nodosum, hallucinations, liver issues, memory loss, palpitations, pulmonary eosinophilia, suicidal tendencies, tremors.

Pregnancy & Lactation   
Montelukast crosses the placenta in animal studies, but its safety during pregnancy in humans has not been fully established. It should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary. Since Montelukast can be excreted in breast milk, it should be used with caution while nursing.

Precautions & Warnings   
Aeron is not intended to treat acute asthma attacks or bronchospasms, including status asthmaticus. Patients should always have appropriate rescue medication on hand. Aeron can be continued during asthma exacerbations, but corticosteroid doses should be reduced gradually under a doctor’s supervision. Aeron should not replace inhaled or oral corticosteroids suddenly. It is not recommended as the sole treatment for exercise-induced bronchospasm. Patients with known aspirin sensitivity should avoid aspirin and NSAIDs while using Aeron.

Overdose Effects   
Overdose reports have shown minimal adverse effects. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and hyperactivity. In case of overdose, supportive measures such as removing unabsorbed material from the stomach, clinical monitoring, and symptomatic treatment should be employed.

Therapeutic Class   
Leukotriene receptor antagonists

Storage Conditions   
Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C. Keep away from light and moisture, and out of reach of children.

Chemical Information

• Molecular Formula: C35H36ClNO3S
• Chemical Structure: Montelukast Sodium Structure