Sign up for our newsletter

Singulair is a medication that is used to treat Asthma and Allergies. It is also known as Montelukast.  It is important to remember that it is given in pill form rather than an inhaler.  This pill is often taken daily regardless of current Asthma symptoms.  It is known as a maintenance medication.

For the treatment of Asthma, it is typically used in combination with another medication – often an inhaler.

Uses:

1.)  Asthma
2.)  Exercise-Induced Asthma
3.)  Allergies
4.)  Hives of long duration
5.)  Bronchospasms without Asthma (typically seen with exercise)

**** It is important to remember – if you already take Singulair daily for Asthma or Allergies. It is not recommended to add a dose to treat Exercise-Induced Asthma or Bronchoconstriction.

Method of Action

Singulair is a type of medication that is called: a Leukotriene Inhibitor.  This means, that when the body comes into contact with certain chemicals such as pollen, smoke, and other chemicals. In some individuals, Leukotrienes are released.

When this happens, again, only in some people, these Leukotrienes move to the Lungs and cause an Inflammation Process. The swelling leads to respiratory, asthma, and allergy-like symptoms.

A Leukotriene Inhibitor prevents or slows this process, therefore preventing asthma and allergy symptoms in the lungs.

It is important to know that: This medication cannot be used emergently to treat an Asthma attack.

Who can use Singulair?

This medication is designed for both Adults and Children. However, the age changes depending on the reasons that medications are being used. Below is a list of ages associated with the medical condition.

1.)  12 Months and older – Prevention of Asthma Attacks
2.)  6 Years and older – Prevention of Exercise-Induced Asthma
3.)  6 Months and older – Prevention of Year Round Allergies
4.)  2 years and older – Prevention of Seasonal Allergies
5.)  15 years and older – Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction in a patient without Asthma

Side Effects

Typical Side Effects

–  Stomach pains
–  Diarrhea
–  Nausea
–  Headache
–  Fever
–  Bed-wetting in children
–  Bladder control problems in children
–  Changes in Dreams
–  Difficulty Sleeping
–  Skin rash
–  Bruising

More Significant and Rare Side Effects

–  Significant skin changes – blistering and peeling  (Very Rare)
–  Flu-like Symptoms
–  Ear pain and swelling
–  Significant Depression
–  Angioedema
–  Aggression

Disease Interactions

–  Liver Disorder
–  PKU

Drug Interactions

Very little interactions with other medications – at least of severe nature

Possible reactions with some vitamins, herbal medications, amodiaquine (anti-malarial drug) and others