Drug Image

Singulair Generic Name: E: MONTELUKAST (mon-te-LOO-kast)

Singulair Manufacturer: MERCK SHARP & DOHME

Singulair Common Uses: Singulair (Montelukast) is used for the prevention and long-term treatment of asthma. Singulair (Montelukast) is also used to treat hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis). Singulair (Montelukast) works by blocking substances in the body called leukotrienes. Blocking leukotrienes improves asthma and seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms.

How to use Singulair: Follow the directions for using Singulair (Montelukast) provided by your doctor. Singulair (Montelukast) may come with a patient leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about Singulair (Montelukast). CHEW Singulair (Montelukast) THOROUGHLY before swallowing .Singulair (Montelukast) may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Generally, if Singulair (Montelukast)is being taken for asthma, it is taken once daily in the evening. If taking for hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis), take Singulair (Montelukast) at about the same time each day (either morning or evening). If you are taking for both asthma and hay fever, take the medicine in the evening. STORE Singulair (Montelukast) at room temperature 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. CONTINUE TO TAKE Singulair (Montelukast) even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses of Singulair (Montelukast). IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF Singulair (Montelukast) use it as soon as your remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose of  Singulair (Montelukast) and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses of  Singulair (Montelukast) at once.

Singulair Cautions: Singulair (Montelukast) WILL NOT STOP AN ASTHMA ATTACK once one has started. IF YOU ARE ALSO USING A BRONCHODILATOR INHALER, be sure to always carry the inhaler with you to use during asthma attacks. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for specific advice on all drug therapy. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IF YOUR SYMPTOMS DO NOT IMPROVE or if they become worse while you are using this medicine. If your short-acting inhaler use increases or if use exceeds the 24-hour maximum prescribed by the doctor. DO NOT STOP Singulair (Montelukast) or any other asthma medicine without first checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Check with your doctor for more information. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. PHENYLKETONURICS: this medicine may contain aspartame, if you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition where you must restrict your intake of aspartame (or phenylalanine), consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the safe use of this medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Singulair (Montelukast) during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF Singulair (Montelukast) IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using Singulair (Montelukast), check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible Singulair Side Effects: Singulair SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking Singulair (Montelukast) include unusual weakness, stomach upset, diarrhea, dizziness, cough, headache, nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, or mouth pain. If they continue or are bothersome, contact your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience hallucinations, fever, persistent sore throat or earache, or flu symptoms. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience any of these highly unlikely but serious side effects including stomach pain, muscle aches/cramps, irregular heartbeat, yellowing eyes/skin, numbness/tingling of the hands or feet, easy bruising or bleeding, swelling, or seizures. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to Singulair (Montelukast) is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, severe swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.