Lekast Tablet (10 Tab)

Lekast Tablet Overview:

Lekast Tablet is an anti-allergic medication used to treat symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, swollen, red, or watery eyes as well as chronic idiopathic urticaria.

Lekast Tablet may also be co-prescribed with inhalers to help relieve breathing difficulties or prevent asthma attacks triggered by allergies.

Composition of Lekast Tablet:

Each uncoated bilayered Lekast Tablet contains: Montelukast Sodium equivalent to Montelukast 10 mg, Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride 5 mg and Excipients q.s.

Colours: Quinoline Yellow

Uses and Benefits of Lekast Tablet:

Lekast Tablet is used to manage allergic conditions and their related symptoms, including:

• Allergic Rhinitis: Runny or blocked nose, sneezing, and itchy, red, or watery eyes caused by hay fever or seasonal allergies.

• Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria: Itchy, raised red bumps or welts on the skin.

• Rhinitis Associated with Asthma: Symptoms like wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

How Lekast Tablet works:

Lekast Tablet combines two active ingredients, Montelukast and Levocetirizine, in a single tablet to help manage seasonal allergies and allergic rhinitis.

Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) that blocks the action of leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, bronchoconstriction (tightening of airways), and mucus production. By blocking leukotrienes, Montelukast helps reduce inflammation in the airways and improve breathing.

Levocetirizine, a second-generation antihistamine, works by blocking H1 histamine receptors in the skin, nose, and eyes. When exposed to allergens like pollen or pet dander, your body releases histamine, which triggers typical allergic reactions. By preventing histamine from binding to these receptors, levocetirizine helps ease symptoms like sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion.

Dosage of Lekast Tablet:

• Usage Direction

Take Lekast Tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and follow the recommended dosage and schedule. Lekast Tablet should be swallowed as whole without crushing, chewing, or breaking it, and ideally at the same time each day. Do not stop or alter the dose of Lekast Tablet without consulting your doctor, as this may prevent you from achieving the desired outcome. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any administration procedure you do not understand.

• Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Lekast Tablet, take it as soon as it is remembered. If it is time for your next dose of Lekast Tablet, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Avoid taking two doses to compensate for a missed one.

• Over Dose

If you accidentally take Lekast Tablet more than your prescribed dose, it may lead to drowsiness. Seek immediate medical attention.

Contraindications of Lekast Tablet:

Do not take Lekast Tablet if you are allergic to Montelukast, Levocetirizine, or any other ingredients of this medication, or if you have severe kidney disease.

Precautions & Warnings of Lekast Tablet:

Before starting Lekast Tablet, inform your doctor if your asthma or breathing worsens, if you have difficulty emptying your bladder, suffer from epilepsy or are at risk of seizures, or if you have galactose intolerance.

Side Effects of Lekast Tablet:

Lekast Tablet may also cause some side effects, most of which do not require medical attention and typically go away as your body adapts to the medication. These may include dyspepsia, abdominal pain, rash, dizziness, headache, fatigue, fever, cough, dry mouth, and nasal congestion. However, if these side effects persist, consult your doctor as soon as possible. Some of the side effects may also be serious which may need medical attention such as; abdominal pain, allergic reaction, upper respiratory infection, behavior and mood related changes or seizures. To help manage these, drink plenty of water, avoid foods that may cause gas, eat fiber-rich foods, and rest if you experience lightheadedness.

Safety Related Concerns of Lekast Tablet:

• Pregnancy:

If you are planning to become pregnant or if a pregnancy is discovered, it's important to consult with your doctor to determine whether it is safe for you to continue with Lekast Tablet.

• Breastfeeding:

Breastfeeding mothers are advised to avoid Lekast Tablet as it may pass through breast milk and can cause side effects in breastfed babies. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor before taking Lekast while breastfeeding.

• Alcohol:

It is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Lekast Tablet.

• Food or Interactions with Other Medicines:

It is advisable to avoid foods you are allergic to while using Lekast Tablet. If you are taking any herbal products or supplements, consult your doctor before using Lekast Tablet. If you experience any complications, contact your doctor immediately.

• Driving:

If you experience side effects such as dizziness or blurred vision, you should avoid driving or operating machinery while taking Lekast Tablet.

Storage Instructions of Lekast Tablet:

Lekast Tablet should be stored in a cool and dry place. Protected from light.

Keep Lekast Tablet out of the reach of children.

• Note: Avoiding allergens, staying well-hydrated, following environmental changes like using air purifiers and allergen-proof bedding, and following a healthy diet can help enhance your condition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Lekast Tablet:

1. What is the purpose of Lekast Tablet?

Lekast Tablet is an anti-allergic medicine, primarily used for treating allergic conditions like hay fever, asthma, and chronic hives, helping to relieve symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and difficulty breathing. It is particularly useful for managing both respiratory and skin-related allergic reactions.

2. Is Lekast Tablet good for cough?

Lekast Tablet is not specifically indicated for treating cough, but it may help with certain types of cough related to allergic reactions or asthma. The antihistamine (Levocetirizine) can reduce allergy symptoms like post-nasal drip, and the leukotriene blocker (Montelukast) can reduce airway inflammation, which may help ease coughing related to these conditions.

3. Does Lekast Tablet cause sleep?

Yes, Lekast Tablet can cause drowsiness or fatigue in some people. This is mainly due to Levocetirizine, the antihistamine component, which can have sedative effects. While it is a second-generation antihistamine and is generally less sedating than older antihistamines, it may still cause drowsiness in some individuals, especially if taken in higher doses or combined with alcohol.

4. Does Lekast Tablet affect the kidneys?

Lekast Tablet is generally considered safe for people with normal kidney function. However, if you have pre-existing kidney issues or kidney disease, it’s important to consult your doctor before using Lekast. Levocetirizine (the antihistamine) is primarily excreted through the kidneys, so if kidney function is impaired, the drug may accumulate in the body, increasing the risk of side effects.

5. Why is Lekast Tablet taken at night?

Lekast Tablet is typically taken at night because it can cause drowsiness or tiredness, due to Levocetirizine, the antihistamine. Taking it in the evening reduces the sedative effects during the day when you're more active. Furthermore, conditions like allergic rhinitis and asthma, which Lekast treats, often worsen at night, so taking it before bed helps control symptoms throughout the night and improve sleep quality.

6. Can I take Lekast Tablet every day?

Lekast Tablet can be taken daily, but the exact dosage depends on your condition and your doctor's recommendation. Always follow your healthcare provider's advice and never take more than the recommended dose

References:

1. Package leaflet: Information for the user Nukast -10 Montelukast Sodium & Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride Tablets [10 mg + 5 mg]. Last Revised: July 2023. Accessed on 14.03.2025. Click Here

2. Levocetirizine. Last Revised: August 15, 2023. Accessed on 14.03.2025. Click Here

3. Montelukast. Last Revised: December 15, 2023. Accessed on 14.03.2025. Click Here

4. Prescribing Information Leaflet. LEZYNCET-M. Accessed on 14.03.2025. Click Here