Singulair
Generic Name: Montelukast
What is Singulair?
Singulair is used to treat asthma and to control the symptoms of allergies.What is the most important information I should know about Singulair?
Singulair alleviates the ongoing symptoms of asthma, but it won't stop an acute asthma attack. Always have your rescue inhaler available (such as albuterol inhaler) to treat asthma attacks. If your asthma gets worse after exercise, continue using your rescue inhaler to prevent the problem and relieve attacks.If you have difficulty breathing while taking Singulair, or find that you need your reserve inhaler more often than usual (or require more puffs than prescribed), notify your doctor.
Behavior and mood-related changes have been reported in patients taking Singulair. Call your doctor right away if you or your child experience any related symptoms, including hallucinations, disorientation, agitation, anxiousness, irritability, restlessness, bad or vivid dreams, depression, tremor, or suicidal thoughts or actions.
In rare cases, Singulair has been observed to cause increases in certain white blood cells and possible inflamed blood vessels throughout the body. Call your doctor right away if you or your child experience any related symptoms including a feeling of numbness of the arms or legs, a flulike illness, rash, or pain and swelling in your sinuses.
Who should not take Singulair?
Do not take Singulair if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Singulair?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Singulair. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have phenylketonuria (an inability to process a protein in your body called phenylalanine), or if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Asthma
Adults and children ≥15 years: The usual dose is one 10-milligram (mg) tablet once a day in the evening.
Children 6 to 14 years: The usual dose is one 5-mg chewable tablet once a day in the evening.
Children 2 to 5 years: The dosage is one 4-mg chewable tablet or 1 packet of 4-mg oral granules per day, taken in the evening.
Children 12 to 23 months: The dosage is 1 packet of 4-mg oral granules taken once a day in the evening.
Exercise-Induced Asthma
Adults and children ≥15 years: The usual dose is one 10-mg tablet taken at least 2 hours before exercise. However, if you are already taking one tablet daily for your asthma or allergies, you do not need to take a second one before exercising. An additional dose should not be taken within 24 hours of a previous dose.
Seasonal Allergies in Adults and Children ≥2 years and Perennial (year-round) Allergies in Adults and Children ≥6 months
Adults and children ≥15 years: The usual dose is one 10-mg tablet once a day taken at any time.
Children 6 to 14 years: The usual dose is one 5-mg chewable tablet once a day taken at any time.
Children 2 to 5 years: The dosage is one 4-mg chewable tablet or 1 packet of 4-mg oral granules per day, taken at any time.
Children 6 to 23 months: The dosage is 1 packet of 4-mg oral granules per day, taken at any time.
How should I take Singulair?
Take a Singulair tablet once daily, whether or not you have any symptoms. The tablet can be taken with or without food. If you have asthma, or asthma and allergies, take Singulair in the evening. If you have only allergies, you can take Singulair at any time.For administration to children, place the oral granules directly in your child's mouth. The granules may also be mixed with a spoonful of applesauce, cooked carrots, rice, or ice cream. The food should be cold or at room temperature.
The granules can also be dissolved in 1 teaspoonful (5 milliliters) of cold or room temperature baby formula or breast milk. You should not use any other liquid to dissolve the granules. However, your child can drink liquids after the granules have been swallowed. Do not open the granules packet until your child is ready to take them. Once the packet is opened, give the full dose of medication within 15 minutes. Throw away any unused portion of the granules; do not store them for future use.
What should I avoid while taking Singulair?
If you have asthma and if your asthma is made worse by aspirin, continue to avoid aspirin or other medicines called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) while taking Singulair.What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Singulair?
If Singulair is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Singulair with phenobarbital or rifampin.What are the possible side effects of Singulair?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: upper respiratory infection, sinus infection, earache or ear infection, flu, fever, headache, sore throat, cough, stomach pain, diarrhea, runny nose
Can I receive Singulair if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
The effects of Singulair during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What should I do if I miss a dose of Singulair?
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.How should I store Singulair?
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and light.
I'm Shereen A. Gharbia, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
