What is Singulair?

Singulair is a leukotriene (toilet-koe-TRY-een) inhibitor. Leukotrienes are chemicals in your body produces when you breathe in allergens (such as pollen). These chemicals cause swelling of the lungs and the tightening of the muscles around your airways, which may cause symptoms of asthma. Singulair is used to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children as young as 12 months. It is also used to relieve runny nose and sneezing caused by allergies in adults and children as young as 6 months. Singulair Do not give to a child without consulting a doctor. Singulair is also used to prevent the exercise of bronchoconstriction (narrowing of the air passages in the lungs) among persons who are not already taking the drug for other conditions. If you already Singulair taken to prevent asthma or allergy symptoms, not use it for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Singulair can also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. What's the most important information I should know about Singulair? Do not use Singulair to treat an asthma attack that has already begun. It will not work fast enough to reverse the symptoms. Use only swift action by inhalation of medication to treat an asthma attack. Talk with your doctor if any of asthma medicines do not seem to work as well in the treatment or prevention of asthma attacks. It can take up to several weeks of using this drug before your symptoms improve. For best results, continue to use the medication as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after several weeks of treatment. Call your doctor immediately if you think this is not the medicine working as usual, or if it makes your condition worse. If it seems that you need to use more than one of your medication in a 24-hour period, talk to your doctor. If you already Singulair taken to prevent asthma or allergy symptoms, not use it for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Singulair? Singulair Do not use if you are allergic to montelukast. Before using Singulair, talk to your doctor if you are allergic to medication (including aspirin), or if you have liver disease. You may not be able to use Singulair, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment. The form of chewable tablet Singulair can contain up to 0.842 mg phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this mode of Singulair if you phenylketonuria (PKU). FDA category B. Singulair pregnancy should not be detrimental to the unborn child. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Singulair is excreted in human milk, or whether it could harm nursing baby. Do not use Singulair without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. How do I take Singulair? Take Singulair exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the drug in large quantities, or to take longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label. Singulair is usually taken once daily in the evening for the prevention of asthma or allergy symptoms. For the bronchoconstriction induced by exercise, taking a single dose at least 2 hours before exercise, and do not take another dose for at least 24 hours. Follow your doctor's instructions. For the bronchoconstriction induced by exercise, taking a single dose of Singulair at least 2 hours before exercise, and do not take another dose for at least 24 hours. If you already Singulair taken to prevent asthma or allergy symptoms, not use it for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Swallow the entire regular tablet with a glass of water. The chewable tablet must be chewed completely before swallowing. The oral granules can be placed directly in the mouth and swallowed, or mixed with a spoonful of applesauce, mashed carrots, rice, or ice cream. Granulated hearing may also be mixed with 1 teaspoon of baby formula or breast milk. Do not use any other kind of liquid to mix granules. Other liquids can be taken before or after dosing. After opening the mouth or mixed with granules, you still need to use within 15 minutes. Do not save a packet of drugs or mixed for later use. Do not use Singulair to treat an asthma attack that has already begun. It will not work fast enough to reverse the symptoms. Use only swift action by inhalation of medication to treat an asthma attack. Talk with your doctor if any of asthma medicines do not seem to work as well in the treatment or prevention of asthma attacks. It can take up to several weeks of using this drug before your symptoms improve. For best results, continue to use the medication as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after several weeks of treatment. Asthma is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To better address your condition, the use of all your medicines as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the guide drug or patient instructions that come with each of your medications. Do not change your dose or medication schedule without advice from your doctor, even if you have no symptoms of asthma. If you also take a steroid asthma medicine, do not stop using it suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need less and less before stopping the drug. Call your doctor immediately if you think this is not the medicine working as usual, or if it makes your condition worse. If it seems that you need to use more than one of your medication in a 24-hour period, talk to your doctor. Singulair store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not open a packet of oral granules until you are ready to use medicine. What happens if I miss a dose? Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take medicine regularly at your next scheduled time. Do not take additional medicines to compensate for the missed doses. What happens if I overdose? Search emergency physician if you think you have used too much of this product. Singulair symptoms of overdose are not known. What should I avoid while taking Singulair? Avoid situations or activities that may trigger an asthma attack. Singulair side effects Obtain an ambulance if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat. Call your doctor immediately if you have any of these serious side effects: Rash, bruises, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness; Severe sinus pain, swelling or irritation, or Aggravation of asthma symptoms. Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as: Stomach Pain, nausea, diarrhea; Mouth pain; Feeling fatigue; Dizziness, headaches; Pain throat, cough, or hoarseness Nasal Obstruction. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. What other drugs affect Singulair? Before using Singulair, talk to your doctor if you are using any of the following medicines: Phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), or Rifampicin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane). If you use any of these medications, you may not be able to use Singulair, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment. There may be other drugs not listed that may affect Singulair. Tell your doctor about all other prescription and non-prescription drugs you are using. This includes vitamins, minerals, products made from plants, and medications prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new drug without telling your doctor. Where can I get more information? Your pharmacist has information on Singulair written for health professionals which can be viewed. What does my medication looks? Montélukast is available with a prescription under the brand name Singulair. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist your questions about Singulair, especially if it is new to you. Singulair 4 mg chewable tablets, pink, oval tablets Singulair 5 mg chewable tablets, pink, round tablets Singulair 10 mg to beige, round, square shaped, film coated tablets Oral Singulair granules 4 mg, granulated white Remember, keep this and all medicines out of reach of children, never share your medications with others, and use Singulair only for the particular required. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc ( "Multum ') is accurate, current and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by practitioners and health care consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not guarantee that the use outside the United States are appropriate, unless otherwise noted. Multum Information on drugs does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum drug information is an information resource designed to help health practitioners allowed to care for their patients and / or serve consumers viewing this service as a complement, not replace, expertise , the skills, knowledge and judgment of health care practitioners. The absence of a warning for a drug or drug combination in no way should be interpreted to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for the same patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided Multum. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions or side effects. If you have any questions about the medications you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.