Question:
My nearly-2-year-old daughter got a new Albuterol inhaler from the allergist
last week. He suggested using this for mild wheezing. My question is...when
I give her a puff of the Albuterol with the Aerochamber, she inhales it and it
makes her cough. Is this normal?
The first use of my rescue inhaler generally makes me cough. The
second use (about 5-10 minutes later does not). Also, he (re)started her on 4 mg daily of Singulair. I've heard that this is
good for allergy-like symptoms (runny nose), but isn't this an asthma
medication? I've already noticed a slight decrease in her runny nose, but how
does this medicine help her asthma and lungs?
Answer:
Regarding coughing after a puff of albuterol, this is
fairly common. It could be the albuterol is loosening
up phlegm, or could be a reaction to the propellant.
The albuterol can take 5 minutes to take effect, to
help control the wheezing. Singulair--4 mg tablet approved for children ages 2 to 5.
A new study has shown Singulair is effective in controlling
symptoms of rhinitis [hayfever] as well as asthma; but doesn't
work for everybody. Link at:
http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/193e32.htm "Study Confirms Singulair (Montelukast Sodium)
Effective In Allergic Rhinitis WHITEHOUSE STATION, NJ -- March 24, 2000 -- Merck & Co., Inc.
confirmed that results from a study with its asthma controller
medicine, Singulair(R) (montelukast sodium), showed efficacy in
allergic rhinitis. In the study, patients on Singulair alone
showed improvement in their allergic rhinitis symptoms. The results from this study will need to be replicated. The
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires confirmatory
studies to support a new drug indication. A second study with
Singulair in allergic rhinitis is under way. Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is a seasonal allergy
to airborne pollens. Symptoms are most prevalent in the spring and
fall in the United States. Singulair was approved in February 1998 as a once-daily 5 mg
cherry- flavored chewable tablet for children ages 6 to 14 and as a
10 mg tablet for adolescents and adults 15 years and older for the
prevention and chronic treatment of asthma. On March 3, 2000,
Singulair was approved as a once-daily 4 mg cherry chewable
tablet for children aged two to five. Singulair should not be used for
the immediate relief of asthma attacks or to prevent or treat asthma
made worse by exercise."
