Uses

Montelukast(Singulair) works by blocking leukotriene receptors. This drug decreases inflammation and bronchoconstriction making it easier to breathe.

How to Use

Take this medication by mouth with water, it can be taken with or without food.

Do not chew the tablets.

Take it exactly as directed, do not take it more than directed.

Monitor yourself for mood changes or development of depression or suicidal thoughts while taking this medication, along with other behavioral effects such as aggression, hostility, anxiety or over activeness. Report effects like these to your healthcare provider right away.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.

Important Information

This is not a rescue medication for asthma, it is important to discuss with your doctor your rescue inhaler usage and to keep your rescue inhaler with you.

Visit with your healthcare provider regularly to go over your progress.

It is important to take this medication even when you are not having symptoms.

Inform your healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve.

Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication

Liver disease, allergic reaction history, pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant.

Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider

Allergic reactions(hives, rashes, itching, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, confusion, dark colored urine, fever, infections, flu like symptoms, hallucinations, tingling or pain in the hands or feet, swelling or pain of the sinuses, lumps under the skin, sleep changes, unusual bruising or bleeding, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Other Side Effects

Drowsiness, cough, headache, nightmares, upset stomach, runny nose, dizziness.

Adult Dose

Asthma, perennial allergic rhinitis, and seasonal allergic rhinitis

10 mg by mouth taken at nighttime.

Exercise induced asthma

10 mg by mouth as a single dose at least 2 hours before exercising. Do not take any additional doses.

Sources

1. Singulair ® oral tablets, oral chewable tablets, oral granules, montelukast sodium oral tablets, oral chewable tablets, oral granules[package insert]. Merck & Co., Inc: Whitehouse Station, NJ; 2012.

2. Parsons JP, Hallstrand TS, Mastronarde JG, et al. An official American Thoracic Society clinical practice guideline exercise induced bronchoconstriction. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2013;187:1016-1027.