Aerokast Tab 4 Mg 2×7’s-Potential Overview:

Brand Name: Aerokast
Generic Name: Montelukast Sodium
Active Ingredient(s): Montelukast 4 mg

For the General Public:

Uses:
Aerokast is used to:

• Manage and prevent asthma symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing in children.
• Treat seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, reducing symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion.
• Prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (difficulty breathing during or after exercise).

Dosage:

• Children (2-5 years): One tablet (4 mg) daily in the evening.
• Can be taken with or without food.

Possible Side Effects:

• Common Side Effects: Irritability, fever, abdominal pain, headache, or upper respiratory infections.
• Serious (Less Common) Side Effects:
  • Mood or behavioral changes, such as agitation or depression.
  • Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, or breathing difficulties).

Important Information:

• Dosage Instruction: Follow the prescribed dosage. Do not double doses if a dose is missed.
• Usage Instruction: Take the tablet as directed by your healthcare provider.
• General Information:
  • Not for immediate relief of asthma attacks; a rescue inhaler should be used for acute symptoms.
  • Consult a doctor if your child has liver problems, or if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions:

• Interactions with Other Medications: Rifampin and phenobarbital may decrease montelukast effectiveness.
• Interactions with Food: No significant food interactions reported.

Regulatory Approval & Manufacturer:
Approved by [regulatory authority], manufactured by [manufacturer].

Antidotes (If Overdose or Misuse by Patients):
There is no specific antidote; provide symptomatic and supportive care.

For Pharmacists:

Medicine Name: Aerokast
Brand: Aerokast
Active Ingredient(s): Montelukast Sodium 4 mg

Indications:

• Long-term management and prevention of asthma in children aged 2-5 years.
• Relief from symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Pharmacodynamics:

• Mechanism of Action:
  Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) that inhibits the activity of cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) at the CysLT1 receptor, reducing inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus production.
• Pharmacological Effects:
  • Reduces airway inflammation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness.
  • Relieves nasal congestion and other allergic rhinitis symptoms.
• Receptor Binding:
  Selectively binds to CysLT1 receptors in the airways, preventing leukotrienes from triggering inflammatory and bronchoconstrictive effects.

Pharmacokinetics:

• Absorption: Rapidly absorbed; peak plasma levels reached within 2-4 hours.
• Distribution: High plasma protein binding (~99%).
• Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver via CYP3A4, CYP2C8, and CYP2C9 enzymes.
• Elimination: Primarily excreted in bile.
• Half-Life: 2.7 to 5.5 hours.
• Effect of Food: Food does not significantly alter drug absorption or effectiveness.

Dosage and Administration:

• Pediatric (2-5 years): 4 mg once daily in the evening.
• Special Populations:
  • Elderly or Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution and monitor liver function.

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to montelukast or its excipients.

Warnings and Precautions:

• Monitor for neuropsychiatric symptoms, including mood changes or suicidal thoughts.
• Not a substitute for a rescue inhaler for acute asthma symptoms.

Drug-Drug Interactions:

• CYP3A4 inducers like rifampin may decrease montelukast efficacy.

Drug-Food Interactions:

• No significant interactions with food.

Adverse Reactions:

• Common: Irritability, fever, cough, or diarrhea.
• Serious: Neuropsychiatric symptoms, severe allergic reactions.

Therapeutic Effects:

• Prevents asthma symptoms and reduces inflammation by blocking leukotriene activity.

Storage:
Store at 15-30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Packaging:
Available as chewable tablets in blister packs of 14 tablets (2×7’s).

Clinical Considerations:

• Pregnancy Category: B (use if benefits outweigh risks).
• Lactation Category: Consult healthcare provider; limited data available.
• Pediatric Category: Approved for children aged 2-5 years.

Conclusion:

Aerokast Tab 4 mg provides effective management of asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms in children aged 2-5 years. It is generally well-tolerated with a convenient once-daily dosing regimen. Parents should be educated on its use, potential side effects, and the importance of having a rescue inhaler for acute symptoms. Pharmacists should monitor for drug interactions and provide guidance on proper storage and administration.