Monticope-A Tablet SR is a combination medicine used in the prevention of asthma. It relieves allergy symptoms such as runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes and congestion or stuffiness. It also helps in relaxing the muscles of the air passages, thus widening it and making it easier to breathe.
Monticope-A Tablet SR is taken with or without food in a dose and duration as advised by the doctor. The dose you are given will depend on your condition and how you respond to the medicine. You should keep taking this medicine for as long as your doctor recommends. If you stop treatment too early your symptoms may come back and your condition may worsen. Let your healthcare team know about all other medications you are taking as some may affect, or be affected by this medicine.
The most common side effects are nausea, Stomach upset, dryness in mouth, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and headache. Most of these are temporary and usually resolve with time. Contact your doctor straight away if you are at all concerned about any of these side effects. This medicine may also cause dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine as it can worsen your sleepiness.
Before taking it, you should tell your doctor if you have any kidney or liver diseases so that your doctor can prescribe a suitable dose for you. You should also tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.
USES OF MONTICOPE-A TABLET SR
Asthma
SIDE EFFECTS OF MONTICOPE-A TABLET SR
Common
Nausea
Upset stomach
Dryness in mouth
Headache
Fatigue
Allergic reaction
Sleepiness
Flu-like symptoms
HOW TO COPE WITH SIDE EFFECTS?
The occurrence of side effects varies from person to person. The following are a few ways of dealing with some of the common side effects. However, consult your doctor if these persist.
Coping with Nausea
You can help yourself by eating small, frequent meals rather than large ones and drinking plenty of fluids. Eat slowly. Avoid fatty, fried, spicy and very sweet foods. Eat cold or slightly warm food if the smell of cooked or cooking food makes you feel sick. Get plenty of fresh air. You could also try chewing ginger or drinking ginger tea. Eat bananas to replace potassium in your blood which can drop if you are sick (vomit). Use oral rehydration salts to replace vitamins and minerals lost through being sick. There are some medicines that can help you stop from feeling sick. Speak to your doctor if your condition does not improve.
Coping with Upset stomach
Try taking your medicine with a meal or snack, or shortly after eating. It might help to eat smaller and more frequent meals, and to eat and drink slowly. Avoid foods which can irritate your stomach such as carbonated soft drinks, caffeine, fatty and spicy foods, mints and citrus fruits. Quit smoking and alcohol because they increase the symptoms. Do not eat for 3 or 4 hours before going to bed. Try raising the head of your bed at night or use extra pillows. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about medicines that may help, such as antacids, if your condition does not improve.
Coping with Dryness in mouth
Keep a drink available that you can sip through the day. Rinse your mouth with warm salted water and chew sugarless gum or hard candy. Try breathing through your nose more often than your mouth. Avoid caffeinated beverages, smoking and alcohol because they can make your condition worse. Use lip balm if your lips are also dry. Try to avoid foods that are acidic (like lemons), spicy, salty or sugary. If this side effect bothers you or does not go away, talk to your doctor about artificial saliva products or other suitable treatments.
Coping with Headache
Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Rest in a quiet, dimly lit room. Do not sleep more than you normally would. Do not strain your eyes (for example by looking at a screen). Do not drink alcohol. Headaches are usually temporary and usually go away with time. But, if they last longer or get worse, ask your doctor to recommend a painkiller.
Coping with Allergic reaction
Avoid touching other areas of your body, especially your face. Wash the affected area with water. Put a cold compress such as an ice pack or wet washcloth on the itchy area in case of a mild reaction. Using moisturizing creams may also bring relief. Speak to your doctor if the itchiness or rash gets worse or does not go away. Get medical help right away if you see signs of severe allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat, sudden weakness with dizziness and restlessness.
Coping with Sleepiness
If the medicine is making you drowsy during the day, stop what you are doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. You can also consider taking a nap. Physical exercises such as walking may be helpful. Do not drink alcohol, as it will make you feel more tired. Avoid driving or operating heavy equipment when you are feeling drowsy. This problem usually goes away as your body gets used to the medicine. However, if it does not, ask your doctor if you can take your medicine at bedtime or whether the dose can be reduced.
Coping with Flu-like symptoms
Get plenty of rest as exhausting or stressing out yourself could aggravate your condition. You should drink plenty of fluids as it will keep your throat moist and comfortable. Try taking steam inhalation. The moisture can ease your breathing and loosen mucus. You can consider sipping warm water or tea with honey and lemon. This will keep your nose and throat from being too dry. Using an air humidifier may also help. You can also gargle with salt water several times a day. See your doctor if your symptoms last longer than 3 weeks or get worse quickly. Avoid alcohol and do not smoke as they can aggravate your conditions.
HOW TO USE MONTICOPE-A TABLET SR
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Monticope-A Tablet SR may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
HOW MONTICOPE-A TABLET SR WORKS
Monticope-A Tablet SR is a combination of three medicines: Ambroxol, Levocetirizine and Montelukast. Ambroxol is a mucolytic which thins and loosens mucus (phlegm), making it easier to cough out. Levocetirizine is an antiallergic which relieves allergy symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing. Montelukast is a leukotriene antagonist. It works by blocking the action of leukotriene, a chemical messenger. This reduces inflammation in the airways and nose and improves your symptoms.
SAFETY ADVICE
warnings
Alcohol
CAUTION
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Monticope-A Tablet SR. Please consult your doctor.
warnings
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Monticope-A Tablet SR may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
warnings
Breastfeeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Information regarding the use of Monticope-A Tablet SR during breastfeeding is unavailable. Please consult your doctor.
warnings
Driving
UNSAFE
Monticope-A Tablet SR may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
warnings
Kidney
CAUTION
Monticope-A Tablet SR should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Monticope-A Tablet SR may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Use of Monticope-A Tablet SR is not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease.
warnings
Liver
CAUTION
Monticope-A Tablet SR should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Monticope-A Tablet SR may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
