Singulair
Montelukast
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Singulair
Singulair is a leukotriene receptor antagonist drug. It acts by leukotriene, which is a chemical that helps to decrease certain asthma and allergy symptoms in patients with asthma.
Therapeutic Uses of Singulair
Singulair is used for long-term treatment asthma and also for prevention of asthma. Singulair also used in some patients with runny nose due to allergy and to prevent asthma attacks caused by exercise. Singulair can also be used in other medical conditions as determined by your doctor.
Direction of use of Singulair
Take Singulair as per direction of your doctor. Read the label carefully on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. An extra patient leaflet is also available with Singulair, known as Medication Guide. If you have any question about this information, ask your doctor or other health care provider.
Take Singulair by mouth with food or without food. Keep taking Singulair even if you feel well without missing any dose.
If You Miss a Dose of Singulair
If you miss a dose of Singulair you should take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose of Singulair, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at a time for the missed dose.
How to Store Singulair
Singulair should be stored at room temperature, 15 to 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F). Store it away from heat, moisture and light. Keep it out of reach of children.
More Information About Singulair
If you have any questions about Singulair, ask with your doctor or other health care provider. Do not share Singulair with others as it is meant for the patient only for whom it is prescribed. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, consult with your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Singulair
Do not take Singulair if you have allergy to any of the ingredients of Singulair and consult your doctor immediately.
Some medical conditions may interact with Singulair. If you have any medical conditions that may interact with Singulair, you should inform your doctor or other health care provider, especially if you have any of the following medical conditions:
- If you have allergy to any medicines (even other than Singulair), any food or any other substance.
- If you are taking any prescription medicine, over the counter medicines (nonprescription medicine), herbal preparation, or dietary supplements.
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast feeding.
- If you are suffering from liver problem, have a history of mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or suicidal attempts.
Some medicines may interact with Singulair. If you are taking any medicines that may interact with Singulair, you should inform your doctor or other health care provider (if you have any doubt about the medicines which interact with Singulair, ask your doctor or other health care provider), especially if you are taking any of the following:
- Certain anticonvulsants like phenobarbital or rifampin (an anti tuberculosis drug) because they may decrease effectiveness of Singulair.
Possible Adverse Effects of Singulair
- All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Common and minor side effects of Singulair are cough, dizziness, headache, nausea, mild vomiting, indigestion, stomach upset, stomach pain, stuffy nose (nose congestion), tiredness, sleeping problems, weakness etc. If any of these common and minor symptoms of Singulair become persistent or troublesome you should consult your doctor.
- Serious side effects of Singulair are severe allergic reaction (symptoms of severe allergic reaction are skin rash, itching, breathing difficulty, tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); aggressive behavior, agitation, hallucinations, mental or mood changes, suicidal thoughts or suicidal attempts; dark urine, fever, flu-like symptoms, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia); new or worsening wheezing and/or other breathing problems; numbness or tingling of hands and feet; seizures, severe and persistent stomach pain; severe sinus inflammation (sinusitis), swelling; unusual bruising or bleeding; upper respiratory tract infection; yellowing of the skin or eyes etc. If you experience any of these serious side effects of Singulair, you should get immediate medical attention.