Singulair FAQ
Singulair (montelukast) is a leukotriene inhibitor. Leukotrienes are chemicals in the body released when someone breathes in an allergen. The chemicals cause swelling in the lungs and tightening of the muscles around the airways, which can result in asthma symptoms.
Singulair is used to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children as young as one year old. It is also used to relieve runny nose and sneezing caused by allergies in adults and children as young as six months old. Do not give Singulair to a child without a doctor’s advice and prescription. Keep medication away from children and pets. Call the poison control center if an overdose is suspected.
Singulair is also used to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (narrowing of the air passages in the lungs) in adults and teenagers at least 15 years old and who are not already taking this medicine for other conditions.
Singulair may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Singulair
What side effects does Singulair have?
Side effects that should be reported immediately to your doctor include: skin rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, trouble breathing, dark urine, fever or infection, flu-like symptoms, painful lumps under the skin, pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet, sinus pain or swelling, suicidal thoughts or mood swings, unusual bleeding or bruising, and yellowing of the eyes or skin.
Less serious side effects include: coughing, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, stomach upset, stuffy nose and trouble sleeping.
How should I take Singulair?
Singulair is taken once a day in the evening. If taken for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, take a single dose at least two hours before exercise, and do not take another dose for at least 24 hours. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water, unless you are prescribed the chewable version, which must then be completely chewed before swallowing. If prescribed the oral granules, these can be swallowed plain, or mixed with a spoonful of applesauce, mashed carrots, rice, or ice cream. It may also be mixed with a teaspoon of baby formula or breast milk. No other liquid or food can be used.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Singulair?
Avoid situations that could trigger an asthma test while being prescribed and taking this medication. Also avoid aspirin and other NSAIDs.
What should I do if take an overdose of Singulair?
If you accidently take too much Singulair, you should seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What drugs shouldn be taken with Singulair?
If you are being prescribed Singulair, tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, including phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton) or rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane) as they can react to this medication.
This list is not complete and there could be other medications that can interact with Singulair. Tell your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as all vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors.