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Montelukast Training Manual
Montelukast Training Manual
Montelukast Training Manual
AIRFLO
(MONTELUKAST SODIUM)
Preface : 02
SECTION I
Respiratory System in brief : 03
Allergy : 04
Asthma : 06
Allergic rhinitis : 07
Leukotrienes : 08
Introduction : 08
Production / synthesis : 09
Mode of action : 11
Role / effects : 11
SECTION II
Treatment Options : 12
Montelukast : 14
Brief Description : 14
Introduction : 14
Chemistry : 14
Physical Appearance : 14
Approved Indications : 15
Pharmacodynamics : 15
Action : 15
Effects : 15
Pharmacokinetics : 15
Onset of Action : 15
Absorption : 15
Distribution : 16
Metabolism : 16
Half Life : 16
Excretion : 16
Interactions : 16
Adverse effects : 17
Posology : 17
Warnings : 18
Precautions : 18
Airflo portfolio : 19
Challenge : 20
Glossary : 22
***-^-***
1
This product manual is designed for Airflo that is a newly launched product by Amson
Vaccines and Pharma (Pvt) Ltd.
This manual contains two sections. First section contains brief details of the indications of
Airflo, a slight insight into their molecular basis and the mechanisms involved in the overall
picture of these indications.
The second section covers the different treatment options for asthma and finally the
Pharmacology i.e., Pharmacodynamics, Pharmacokinetics and other necessary information
about Airflo.
We are sure that this manual will help in easy understanding of the product.
Introduction
Cells involved:
• Mast cells
When activated, they release histamine, prostaglandin D2, Cytokines and
Leukotriene C4.
• T – Cells
They secreted cytokines after binding to B – Cells. The cytokines stimulate
the gathering of further T – Cells and macrophages to the site.
• B – Cells
They play their role in preparing antibodies against the antigens.
• Basophils
After activation, they release histamine, proteoglycans and proteolytic
enzymes. They also secrete Leukotrienes and several cytokines.
• Activated Eosinophils.
Mediators:
Following chemical substances are involved in causing symptoms of allergy:
• Histamine
• Prostaglandins
• Leukotrienes
• Proteases
• Cytokines
Introduction
The word asthma is derived from a Greek word “aazien” means “sharp breath”. Asthma is a
clinical condition that is associated with narrowing of the airway passages and that results in
difficulty in breathing. It is a
condition that involves the
respiratory system in which there is
occasional narrowing of the airway. Asthmatic airway Normal airway
This obstruction to the passage of air may be due to any of the following:
1. Inflammation
Incase of inflammation, the airways get irritated, red and swollen and may
produce more mucus. Asthmatic patient will usually have some inflammation all
the time and if this condition is left untreated, the symptoms may exacerbate and
the airway becomes more sensitive which may lead to life threatening conditions.
2. Bronchoconstriction
The muscles surrounding the airway becomes more sensitized and causing the
airway to twitch and tighten i.e., narrows. Eventually it is this narrowing that
causes difficulty in breathing. Bronchoconstriction usually occurs because
the inflammation is not treated.
In children, the most common triggers are viral illnesses such as those that cause the
common cold.
ALLERGIC RHINITIS
Introduction
It is also known as hay fever, cause cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, congestion,
and sneezing or sinus pressure. Unlike cold, it is not caused by a virus; instead it is caused by
an allergic response to specific substances in
environment. It may occur and worsen at a
particular time of year, initiated by tree pollen,
grasses or weeds. Sensitivity to indoor
allergens such as dust mites, cockroaches,
mold or pet dander, may also cause allergic
rhinitis that may occur any time a year.
Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, cockroaches, mold and pet dander.
Sometimes, exposure to irritants such as perfume and tobacco smoke can trigger or worsen
symptoms. Signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis may include:
Runny nose
Watery eyes
Congestion
Frequent sneezing
Itchy eyes, nose, roof of mouth or throat
Swollen, blue-colored skin under the eyes (allergic shiners)
Cough
Facial pressure and pain
Sleeplessness
Fatigue
Irritability
LEUKOTRIENES
Introduction
Leukotrienes are the chemical substances that belongs to Eicosanoid class of unsaturated
fatty acids. They are characterized by having 3 or 4 conjugated double bonds. Originially, the
eicosanoids are derived from essential fatty acids.
Classification
They are divided into two classes:
a) Chemoattractants; the Di-hydroxy acids (e.g. the LTB4), they attract other
chemical substances to the site of inflammation, (chemical attractants).
b) Smooth Muscle Contractants; the Cysteinyl conjugated Leukotrienes LTD4
and LTE4
They are synthesized from Arachidonic acid through Lipoxygenase pathway. As the name
suggests, they are mainly formed in leukocytes since the lipoxygenase pathway is active in
these cells. These also include mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, monocytes and basophils.
After stimulation, the enzyme Phospholipase A2 converts the phospholipids of the cell
The enzyme 5-Lipoxygenase converts the Arachidonic acid into Leukotriene A4,
The LTA4 hydrolase enzyme (found in neutrophils and monocytes) converts LTA4
into LTB4.
LTC4 synthase enzyme (found in eosinophils and mast cells) converts the LTA4 into
Outside the cell, the LTC4 is gradually converted into LTD4 and then into LTE4.
Membrane
Phospholipids
Phospholipase A2
Arachidonic Acid
5-Lipoxygenase
Leukotriene A4
LTA4
LTA4 hydrolase
LTB4
LTC4 synthase
LTC4
LTD4
LTE4
Stimulant
Phospholipids
COX
5-Lipoxygenase
Symptoms of Asthma,
bronchoconstriction, edema,
Cysteinyl Leukotrienes
difficulty in breathing, allergic
rhinitis.
Diagrammatic Summary
11
12
* Ref:
a) www.mayoclinic.com
b) Basic and Clinical Pharmacology by Katzung, Edition 9th, 2004.
13
INTRODUCTION:
Approved by the FDA in 1998, Montelukast is an oral therapy for asthma and allergic
rhinitis. It belongs to the sub-class Leukotriene Antagonist of class Leukotriene modifiers
which are used for Long Term Control of asthma.
Leukotriene Modifiers:-
¾ Leukotriene Synthesis Inhibitors
o Zileuton (5-Lipoxygenase Inhibitor)
¾ Leukotriene Antagonists
o Zafirlukast
o Montelukast
Chemistry:
Physical appearance:
Montelukast sodium is a hygroscopic, optically active and white to off-white powder.
Montelukast sodium is freely soluble in ethanol, methanol and water and practically insoluble
in Acetonitrile.
14
PHARMACOLOGY:
PHARMACODYNAMICS:
Action:
Montelukast selectively inhibits the action of Leukotriene D4, LTD4 at the
Cysteinyl Leukotriene receptor CysLT1 at the membrane of affected cells,
thereby inhibiting the release of chemical substances that lead to the
symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Effects:
After inhibiting the Leukotrienes from binding at their receptors,
Montelukast significantly and successfully reduces the symptoms of asthma
by reducing bronchoconstriction and checking the release of fluid into the
breathing airway. That eventually results in easy and unobstructed passage of
air through the airways, giving patient comfort and relief.
PHARMACOKINETICS:
Onset of action:
After absorption, therapeutic effects of Montelukast are shown with
in 3 to 4 hours.
Absorption:
Montelukast is rapidly absorbed after oral administration and 64% of
the dose taken is absorbed into the systemic circulation. As
mentioned, the therapeutic effects are shown with in 3 to 4 hours.
15
Bioavailability
Dose Tmax
(%)
(mg) (hrs)
With meal In Fasting condition
4 2 - -
5 2 – 2.5 63 73
64
10 3–4 64
(not influenced by food)
16
17
Precautions:
Not for reversal of bronchospasm in acute asthmatic attack. Montelukast
should not be abruptly substituted for inhaled or oral corticosteroids.
Doctor should know whether the patient taking Montelukast have had a liver
disease.
18
Airflo contains Montelukast Sodium that is approved for preventing difficulty in breathing,
chest tightness, wheezing1 and coughing caused by asthma.
Montelukast (Airflo) acts by inhibiting the actions of the chemical substances that cause
asthma and allergic rhinitis.
19
Challenge 2.
Asthma is not a serious problem.
Challenge 3.
Asthma can be cured
Challenge 4.
Asthma triggers can be emotional and environmental.
Challenge 5.
Asthmatic patients can easily exercise without taking medications.
Challenge 6.
Asthma can be transferred from one patient to another.
Challenge 7.
Asthma can be transferred from parents to children.
Challenge 8.
Anti – asthma medicines causes dependance.
Challenge 9.
Changing environment cures asthma.
Challenge 10.
Asthma does not require medical treatment
Challenge 11.
Asthma can reoccur.
-.-.-.-.-..*^*..-.-.-.-.-
20
Ans2. Wrong
Asthma is a serious problem and if not controlled, it may lead to emergency hospitalization
and even death.
Ans3. Wrong
There is no permanent remedy for asthma. It can however be controlled through the
required medical care.
Ans4. Right
Asthma can be caused by environmental factors like pollen, pollution, animal dander etc,
however emotional factors alone cannot exacerbate asthma, they contribute in asthma sign
and symptoms.
Ans5. Wrong
Although there is no restriction for asthmatic patients to exercise, equipped with proper
medications they can exercise.
Ans6. Wrong
Asthma is not transferrable from one patient to another. It is not contagious.
Ans7. Right
Asthma can be transferred from parents to children. 6% chances if neither parent has
asthma, 30% chances if one parent is asthmatic and 70%
chances if both parents are asthmatic.
Ans8. Wrong
Asthma medication do not cause any form of
dependance.
Ans9. Wrong
Changing environment can relieve symptoms
temporarily but it does not cure asthma.
Ans10. Wrong
Asthma is a serious clinical condition that does require
medical attention and proper treatment.
Ans11. Right
Asthma can reoccur at any age.
21
B
Breathing (Bre – thing)
The mechanical process of taking air into lungs (inhalation) and out of lungs (exhalation)
Bruise (Brooz)
Injury
C
Cataract (kat – a – rakt)
Opacity of lens of the eye, causing impairment of vision or blindness
D
Diaphragm (diah – fram)
Skeletal muscles that separates the chest cavity from abdominal cavity and helps in breathing
22
H
Hoarseness (hors – ness)
Rough quality of the voice
I
Insomnia (In – som – nia)
Inability to sleep, sleeplessness
P
Permeability (per – me – ability)
Property / ability of allowing passage or transfer of material
R
Respiration (res – pi – ra – shun)
The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and the body cells,
including breathing (inhalation and exhalation); diffusion of oxygen from alveoli to blood
and of carbon dioxide from blood to alveoli; and transport of oxygen to and carbon dioxide
from body cells.
The oxidative process occurring within living cells by which the chemical energy of organic
molecules is released in a series of metabolic steps involving the consumption of oxygen and
the liberation of carbon dioxide and water.
S
Sneezing
Sudden, reflex, noisy expiration through the nasal cavities; prominent sign in cases of rhinitis
W
Wheezing
Whistle like sound during breathing
23