Singulair

Singular is commonly prescribed to treat asthma (including exercise-induced asthma) and an itchy, stuffy, runny nose that is the result of allergies. It works by blocking leukotriene receptors, which helps minimize or prevent symptoms. Singulair is available in various forms, including tablets, granules, and chewable tablets. How often it is taken depends on the condition it is being used to treat. Possible side effects include headaches, stomach pain, and the flu.

 

What Is Singulair?

Singulair® (montelukast sodium) is a prescription medication used to treat the following conditions:
 
(Click Singulair Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses for the medication.)
 

Who Makes Singulair?

Singulair is made by Merck & Co.
 

How Does It Work?

Singulair is part of a group of medications called leukotriene modifiers.
 Leukotrienes are chemicals produced by the body in response to allergens or other problems. In the lungs, they cause swelling and inflammation in the airways and constriction of the muscles of the respiratory tract. In the nose, leukotrienes are released after exposure to allergens (substances that cause allergies), leading to allergy symptoms.
 
The drug works by blocking leukotriene receptors, preventing these chemicals from causing allergy or asthma symptoms.
 

Effects of Singulair

Several studies have looked at the effects of Singulair for asthma or allergies.
 
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. Studies have shown that it is effective for exercise-induced asthma as well. When taken two hours before exercise, the medication helped to prevent exercise-induced symptoms of asthma.
 
In studies of Singulair for allergies, people taking it had less nasal congestion, nasal itching, sneezing, and runny nose compared to those not taking it. It has been shown to be safe and effective for adults and children as young as two years old (for seasonal allergies) or as young as six months old (for year-round allergies).
 

When and How to Take Singulair

General considerations for when and how to take the drug include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in tablet form and is 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).
     
  • It also comes as a chewable tablet and oral granules (for use in younger children).
     
  • The oral granules can be given directly in the mouth, dissolved in a teaspoonful of cold or room-temperature baby formula or breast milk, or mixed with a spoonful of cold or room-temperature soft applesauce, strained carrots, rice, or ice cream.
     
  • The medication can be taken with or without food. If it bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Singulair should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information for Singulair

The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Singulair Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Singulair

As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects include, but are not limited to:
 
(Click Singulair Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
For information about individual side effects of this drug, see the following eMedTV articles:
 

Drug Interactions With Singulair

Singulair can potentially interact with a few other medicines (see Singulair Drug Interactions).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Singulair?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
 
  • Phenylketonuria
  • Liver disease, such as liver failure or cirrhosis
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Singulair Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much Singulair may have symptoms that include:
 
  • Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
  • Drowsiness
  • Thirst
  • Headaches
  • Vomiting
  • Hyperactivity.
     
If you happen to overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Singulair Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Singulair Be Stored?

Singulair should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
 
Keep this medication and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Singulair as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

Strengths of Singulair

Singulair tablets and oral granules are available in the following strengths:
 
  • 4 mg chewable tablets
  • 5 mg chewable tablets
  • 10 mg tablets
  • Oral granule packets -- containing 4 mg per packet.
     

Is There a Generic Version of Singulair?

Currently, there is no generic Singulair licensed for sale (see Generic Singulair).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;