Singulair

Montelukast Sodium Drug Information

• Singulair Overview

  Montelukast is used regularly to prevent the wheezing and shortness of breath caused by asthma and decrease the number of asthma attacks. Montelukast is also used before exercise to prevent breathing problems during exercise (bronchospasm). Singulair can help decrease the number of times you need to use your rescue inhaler. Singulair is also used to relieve symptoms of hay fever and allergic rhinitis (such as sneezing, stuffy/runny/itchy nose). Singulair does not work right away and should not be used to treat sudden asthma attacks or other breathing problems. Singulair works by blocking certain natural substances (leukotrienes) that may cause or worsen asthma and allergies. It helps make breathing easier by reducing swelling (inflammation) in the airways.

• How to Use Singulair

  Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking montelukast and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take Singulair by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. The Dosage of Singulair is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. When montelukast is started - or when the Dosage of Singulair is increased - watch closely for side effects. There is a greater chance of mental/mood changes during these times (see also Side Effects section). If you are using the chewable tablets, chew them thoroughly before swallowing. If your child cannot safely chew and swallow them, consult the doctor or pharmacist for advice. Take Singulair at the same time each day. If you are taking Singulair for asthma or for both asthma and allergies, take your dose in the evening. If you are taking montelukast to prevent only allergies, take your dose either in the morning or the evening. If you are taking Singulair to prevent breathing problems during exercise, take your dose at least 2 hours before exercise. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours. Do not take a dose before exercise if you are already taking Singulair daily for asthma or allergies. Doing so may increase the risk of side effects. Do not increase or decrease your dose or stop using Singulair without consulting your doctor. Continue to use Singulair regularly to keep your asthma under control, even during sudden asthma attacks or periods when you have no asthma symptoms. Continue to also take other medications for asthma as directed by your doctor. Singulair works over time and is not meant to relieve sudden attacks of asthma. Therefore, if an asthma attack or other breathing problem occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed. You should always have a quick-relief inhaler with you. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Get medical help right away if your asthma symptoms worsen and your quick-relief inhaler is not helping. Tell your doctor promptly if asthma symptoms, breathing problems, allergy symptoms, number of times you use your rescue inhaler persist or worsen.

• Singulair Precautions

  Before taking montelukast, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Singulair may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Singulair, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,liver disease. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). The chewable tablets may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid aspartame (or phenylalanine) in your diet, ask your doctor or pharmacist about using Singulair safely. During pregnancy, Singulair should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Singulair passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Singulair Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Singulair, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up. Do not take more than 1 dose in 24 hours.

• Singulair Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

• Singulair Side Effects

  What are Singulair side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Singulair may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Singulair as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Singulair

  The side effects of Singulair may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Singulair. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Singulair may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Singulair, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Singulair.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Singulair, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Singulair and the side effects associated with Singulair are described in the following:

  Common Singulair Side Effects

  Severe

  • Influenza
  • abnormal hepatic function tests

  Less Severe

  • pharyngitis
  • Upper Respiratory Infection
  • rhinorrhea
  • Sinusitis
  • fever
  • headache disorder
  • cough
  • diarrhea
  • Acute Abdominal Pain
  • Otitis

  Less Frequent Singulair Side Effects

  Severe

  • infectious gastroenteritis
  • myopia
  • bronchitis
  • skin and skin structure infection

  Less Severe

  • acute bacterial otitis media
  • nasal congestion
  • toothache
  • Atopic Dermatitis
  • dizziness
  • fatigue
  • general weakness
  • skin rash

  Rare or Very Rare Singulair Side Effects

  Severe

  • chickenpox
  • conjunctivitis
  • pneumonia
  • erythema nodosum
  • urticaria
  • epistaxis
  • pyuria
  • hypersensitivity drug reaction
  • suicidal ideation
  • suicidal
  • hypersensitivity angiitis
  • Pancreatitis
  • seizure disorder
  • angioedema
  • thrombocytopenic disorder
  • Erythema Multiforme
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • hostility
  • eosinophilic pneumonia
  • eosinophilia
  • cholestatic hepatitis
  • hepatocellular damage
  • gastroenteritis
  • Night Terror

  Less Severe

  • viral infection
  • symptoms of anxiety
  • irritability
  • agitation
  • depression
  • Laryngitis
  • dyspepsia
  • Eczema
  • hallucinations
  • Dream Disorder
  • tremor
  • nausea
  • nervousness
  • palpitations
  • aggressive behavior
  • insomnia
  • Sleep Walking Disorder
  • drowsy
  • bruising
  • arthralgias
  • myalgias
  • edema
  • acute confusion
  • memory impairment
  • Disturbance of Attention
  • paresthesia
  • pruritus of skin
  • cramps
  • vomiting
  • hypesthesia
  • motor tic disorder
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
  • urinary incontinence
  • stuttering
  • nightmares

• Singulair Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Singulair when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.