The medication works by blocking leukotrienes, chemicals in the body that cause swelling and inflammation in the airways and constriction of the muscles of the respiratory tract.
In studies of Singulair for asthma, people taking the drug had fewer
asthma attacks and fewer daytime and nighttime
asthma symptoms when compared to those not taking it. The drug was also shown to be safe and effective for treating
asthma in children as young as 12 months old.
Singulair, which comes in tablet, chewable tablet, and oral granule form, is typically taken by mouth once a day (in the evening, if used for asthma), although some people take it only before exercising (for treating exercise-induced asthma).
