Singulair

Common Name: montelukast

How does Singulair work?

Montelukast belongs to a group of medicines known as leukotriene receptor antagonists. Asthma attacks can be brought on by many different things, including chemicals in our body that are produced in response to certain "triggers." Montelukast works by blocking the effects of one of these types of chemicals, leukotrienes. Montelukast is used to decrease the number of asthma attacks and reduce the symptoms associated with asthma. It is important to understand that montelukast should not be used to relieve an asthma attack once it has started. Asthma sufferers should always have their fast-acting asthma relief medication on hand to deal with attacks. Your doctor may choose to use this medication for other conditions not listed here. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, please ask your doctor.

How should I use Singulair?

The recommended dose of montelukast is: adults and adolescents 15 years and older: one 10 mg tablet taken at bedtime with or without food children 6 to 14 years old: one chewable 5 mg tablet taken at bedtime with or without food For this medicine to be effective, it is important to take it regularly on a daily basis, even if you feel your asthma is under control, unless otherwise directed by the doctor. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones above, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor. If you miss a dose of montelukast, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double-up on doses. Montelukast is usually added to the other medications you are taking for asthma. Do not stop taking any asthma medications without speaking with your doctor. If you feel your asthma symptoms are not improving or are getting worse while taking this medication, contact your doctor. Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

What form(s) does Singulair come in?

Singulair® is available in 10 mg and chewable 5 mg tablets. 10 mg: Each beige, rounded square-shaped tablet, with the code "MSD 117" on one side, and "SINGULAIR" on the other, contains montelukast 10 mg as montelukast sodium. Nonmedicinal ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, carnauba wax, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, red iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and yellow iron oxide. 5 mg: Each pink, chewable tablet, with the code "MSD 275" on one side, and "SINGULAIR" on the other, contains montelukast 5 mg as montelukast sodium. Nonmedicinal ingredients: aspartame, cherry flavour, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, and red ferric oxide.

What should I NOT take with Singulair?

Montelukast should not be used by anyone sensitive or allergic to montelukast or any ingredient of the medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Singulair?

Acute asthma attacks: The efficacy of montelukast in treating acute asthma attacks has not been established. You should not use it to treat an acute asthma attack; have your rescue medication ready in case of an acute attack. Do not stop taking montelukast without consulting your doctor. Phenylketonurea (a condition where the body cannot break down phenylalanine): The chewable tablet form of this medication contains aspartame, which contains phenylalanine 0.842 mg per 5 mg tablet. Reduced liver function: Montelukast is broken down by the liver. It should be used with caution by people with severely reduced liver function. Corticosteroid withdrawal: Reduction in oral corticosteroid dose in patients taking montelukast may result in Churg-Strauss syndrome, a disease where the number of eosinophils (certain white blood cells) is increased, leading to inflammation of the lungs and blood vessels. Pregnancy: Montelukast has not been studied with pregnant women. It should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Breast-feeding: It is not known whether montelukast is excreted in breast milk. Nursing mothers should be cautious when using this medication. Children: Montelukast has been studied with children aged 6-14. The safety and efficacy of montelukast have not been established in children under the age of six.