Singulair (Montelukast)

What is Singulair?

Singulair is an inhibitor of leukotriene. Leukotrienes are chemicals released by your body when you breathe in an allergen such as pollen. These chemicals cause swelling in lungs and tighten the muscles around the airways. This, at times, result in asthma symptoms.

What is Singulair used for?

Singulair is used to prevent asthma attacks. It also relieves sneezing and runny nose caused by allergies. Singulair also prevents exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

How does Singulair work?

Singulair works by blocking leukotriene receptors. It prevents these chemicals from causing allergy or asthma symptoms.

How to use Singulair

Singulair should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking Singulair for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

Singulair should be taken once daily, preferably in the evening. Take the tablet with a full glass of water. Chew the chewable tablet completely before swallowing it. For exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, take the dose at least 2 hours before you exercise.

You can also mix the oral granules with a spoonful of applesauce, mashed carrots or ice cream. Remember to take the mixture within 15 minutes.

Singulair warnings and precautions

Do not take Singulair if you are allergic to montelukast. Before taking the drug, tell your doctor if you are allergic to other drugs, especially aspirin or if you have phenylketonuria. While taking Singulair, avoid activities that may cause an asthma attack. Patients who get exacerbations of asthma after exercise should have a short-acting inhaled β- agonist for rescue.

Pregnant or Lactating mothers must consult their doctors before starting with the medication. If you plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor in advance.

What do I do if I have missed a Singulair dose?

If you have missed your Singulair dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Singulair overdose?

If you have taken a Singulair overdose you should seek medical attention.

Singulair interactions

Before taking Singulair, consult your doctor if you are using drugs like Phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal) or rifampin (Rifater, Rifadin, Rifamate, Rimactane). Such drugs can interact with Singulair.

Also, do not start taking a new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Singulair side effects

Singulair side effects include breathing difficulty; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat; and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Singulair, contact your doctor.

Skin rash, bruising, pain, numbness, muscle weakness, anxiety, depression, severe sinus pain, swelling or worsening asthma symptoms are also side effects from Singulair.

Headache, tooth pain, fever, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, stomach pain, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, mild rash, tired feeling, sore throat are some less serious side effects of Singulair.