Singulair (Montelukast)

General information:

Singulair is a drug that is used to prevent asthma attacks in adults, as well as children older than 12 months. Singulair also prevents exercise-induced bronchospasm in children (6+) and adults. The active ingredient in Singulair is montelukast sodium, which is a leukotriene receptor antagonist. It inhibits the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor (CysLT1). Leukotrienes are released in your body when you inhale an allergen. As a result, your lungs start swelling and muscles around the airways start to tighten; this can result in an asthma attack.

Each 4mg/5mg/10mg tablet contains 4.2mg/5.2mg/10.4mg of montelukast sodium. Other inactive ingredients are: mannitol, red ferric oxide, hydroxypropyl cellulose, cherry flavour, magnesium stearate, aspartame for chewable tablets and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, titanium dioxide, red and yellow ferric oxides, hydroxypropyl cellulose and carnauba wax for film-coated tablet.

Directions for use:

The optimal dosage of this drug differs depending on your medical condition. Your pharmacist will tell you exactly how much you need to take. Singulair is taken orally, with or without food at the same time each day. If you are taking this drug for asthma and allergies or asthma only, take the dose in the evening. If you are taking Singulair for allergies only, take your dose either in the morning or evening. If you want to prevent bronchospasm, take the drug at least 2 hours before the exercise once in 24 hours.

Side effects:

●      Mood/mental changes (aggression, anxiety, depression, sleep-walking, hallucinations, etc)

●      Sinus pain, sore throat

●      Muscle weakness

●      Numbness

●      Tingling

●      Skin rash, bruises

●      Stomach pain

Precautions:

●      This medication is not for treating sudden asthma attacks or other breathing difficulties

●      If you are already taking this drug to prevent allergy or  asthma symptoms, DO NOT take it for EIB (exercise-induced bronchoconstriction)

●      Unless agreed with your doctor, DO NOT increase/decrease your dosage or stop taking the drug

●      DO NOT take more than one dose in 24 hours

●      During pregnancy period, the medication should be used only if there are no clear alternatives