Singulair

The active ingredient in Singulair is montelukast sodium, which is a leukotriene receptor antagonist. Leukotrienes contribute to the symptoms of asthma and allergies and can induce swelling and inflammation. Singulair treats allergies and asthma by preventing leukotrienes.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Singulair. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Singulair:

• To prevent the symptoms of asthma or treat allergies, Singulair is typically taken once a day in the evening. For exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, it is taken at least two hours before working out, but you must wait at least twenty-four hours between doses.
• Singulair does not treat an asthma attack. For this, only use a fast-acting inhalation medication. If your breathing issues worsen quickly or you believe your medications are not doing their job as intended, you should see a doctor.
• The Singulair chewable tablet must be chewed before swallowing, and the regular tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.
• You can either put the oral granules in your mouth and swallow them, or you can mix them with a spoonful of rice, mashed carrots, applesauce, or ice cream. One teaspoon of breast milk or baby formula can also be combined with oral granules. Never mix the granules with any other kind of liquid.
• The Singulair oral granules must be used within 15 minutes of opening or mixing. A mixed medication or an open packet should never be saved for later use.
• Your symptoms might not get better for a few weeks. If your symptoms don't improve, take the medication as prescribed and let your doctor know.

The most common side effects of Singulair include:

• Sinus inflammation.
• Stomach pain.
• Flu-like symptoms
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Cough.
• Headache.
• Fever.
• Heartburn.
• Dizziness.
• Fatigue.
• Nosebleeds.
• Infections such as ear infections, sinus infections, and upper respiratory infections.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Singulair. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Mental health problems - distress, aggressive behavior, anxiety, depression, hallucinations, vivid dreams, trouble sleeping, sleepwalking, memory problems, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, stuttering, tremors, uncontrolled muscle movements, restlessness, and suicidal thoughts.
• Allergic reaction - skin rash, hives, swelling of the face, throat, or tongue, or shortness of breath.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Singulair. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Singulair, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Mental health issues.
• A history of severe allergic reactions to aspirin or another NSAID.
• Phenylketonuria (PKU), as a chewable tablet may be dangerous because it contains phenylalanine.

Boxed Warning

• Serious neuropsychiatric events such as suicidal thoughts or self-harm actions have been reported in patients taking this medication. The FDA recommends limiting the use of Singulair for seasonal allergic rhinitis for those who failed other medications. If you notice any changes in behavior, stop taking Singulair and contact a healthcare professional.

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to montelukast or any inactive ingredients in the product.

Singulair will begin working after the first dose. However, after using Singulair for three to seven days, the majority of patients report an improvement in their allergy and/or asthma symptoms.

When Singulair is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Avoid taking aspirin or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others if taking aspirin exacerbates your asthma symptoms.

Your dose depends on the formulation of the medication and what you're using it for. For asthma, Singulair is typically taken in the evening. For exercise-induced asthma, the medication is typically taken at least 2 hours before exercise.

Tablets

• Allergies, asthma, or asthma brought on by exercise: Children and adults aged 15 and up: 10 mg taken orally once a day is the usual dosage.

Tablets that can be chewed

• Having allergies or asthma: Children between the ages of 6 and 14: Five milligrams should be chewed and swallowed once a day.
• Children between the ages of two and five should normally chew and swallow four milligrams once a day.
• Children aged 6 to 14 who have asthma brought on by exercise: Five milligrams should be chewed and swallowed once a day.

Oral granules: 4 mg of montelukast is included in each packet:

• Children with asthma, aged 1 to 5: One packet taken orally once a day is the usual dosage.

Allergies: Seasonal or year-round allergies in children ages 2 to 5: One packet taken orally once a day is the usual dosage.

• Children (year-round allergies only) between the ages of 6 and 23 months: One packet taken orally once a day is the usual dosage.

If you missed a dose, use your next dose at the scheduled time and skip the missed dose. Avoid taking two doses at once.

Singulair should be kept at room temperature, away from heat sources and moisture. Oral granules should not be opened until you are prepared to take the medication. This medication should also be kept out of reach of children.

The pharmaceutical company that manufactures Singulair is Organon.

Yes, there are several lower-cost generic versions of Singulair available.

Although stopping Singulair abruptly usually doesn't worsen asthma or cause withdrawal symptoms, it is strongly advised that you consult your doctor before doing so.

It is generally considered safe to take Singulair while pregnant. However, talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Small amounts of montelukast enter breast milk, but it is unlikely to have negative effects on your breastfed infant. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.