Singulair (Montelukast) belongs to a group of medications known as leukotriene receptor antagonists. It is used to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children as young as 12 months old. Singulair is also used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm in adults and children who are at least 6 years old. Singulair is also used to treat symptoms of year-round (perennial) allergies in adults and children who are at least 6 months old. It is also used to treat symptoms of seasonal allergies in adults and children who are at least 2 years old. This medication works by blocking the effects of leukotrienes, a substance produced by the body in response to certain “triggers” that cause narrowing and swelling of airways in the lungs. Montelukast usually starts to work within one day. The recommended dose of Montelukast for adults and adolescents 15 years and older is one 10mg tablet taken once a day in the evening.
Manufacturer Information
We currently have the brand coming from Turkey and India. The generic Montair is made by Cipla and generic Montecip by Okasa all come from India. Singulair is available in tablet form and strengths of 4 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg.
Serious side effects include:
• Easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina or rectum) purple or red pinpoint spots under your
skin;
• Mood or behaviour changes, anxiety, depression or thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself;
• Skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
• Severe sinus pain, swelling or irritation;
• Severe skin reaction – fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain;
• Tremors or shaking;
• Worsening asthma symptoms
Less serious side effects include:
• Fever, stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, hoarseness;
• Headache;
• Mild rash;
• Stomach pain, heartburn, upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea;
• Tired feeling;
• Tooth pain
Do not use Singulair if you are allergic to montelukast. Do not give Singulair to a child without a doctor’s advice. If you already take Singulair to prevent asthma or allergy symptoms, do not use an extra dose to treat exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Singulair is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is unknown whether Singulair passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Singulair without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. There may be an interaction between montelukast and Phenobarbital.