SINGULAIR

Chemical Name - montelukast sodium

Singulair (montelukast sodium) 10 mg tablets

Singulair was first used for treating asthma and its use has now been further extended to treat other allergies as well. Singulair usually works by blocking leukotrienes which is responsible for causing asthma, rhinitis (perennial and seasonal), itching nose and various other allergies. leukotriene is a chemical which is released by the body in response to an allergen or pollen. This medication lacks steroid.

Singulair can also be used to prevent asthma induced by exercise. It is basically used for treating patients those who are suffering from asthma since longer duration and can be used for children but not less than 12 months of age. Singulair is available in the form of chewable tablets as well as oral suspension for children.

Off-label, it is also used for treating hives and drug-induced urticaria as well. However, FDA has not approved usage of Singulair for treatment of these diseases.

Patients who are allergic to aspirin should not take this medicine.

Usage:

All the instructions mentioned in the leaflet should be read carefully in order to take dose properly and to avoid any kind of problems during the course.

• Singulair should be taken at one time in a day at evening.
• For those people who are using this medication to prevent asthma caused by exercise, it should be taken 2 hours before doing exercise.
• No additional doses should be taken in order to prevent bad effects.
• Doctor’s advice is necessary before taking this medicine during exercise or other activities.
• It can not be used for immediate recovery or relief from asthma as it works slowly after administration.
• Singulair is a slow effective medication and symptoms of recovery appear after several weeks of taking this medicine.
• When giving to children, it can be mixed with applesauce, ice cream, rice or mashed carrots. It can also be mixed with breast milk or milk formula.

Caution:

• One should consult a doctor if they are taking other medications along with Singulair at the same time in a day.
• If the patient is not getting the good results as expected from the Singulair, in this case, the doctor should be informed immediately.
• If the patient experiences mood swings, depression, thought of committing suicide during the course of this medication, stop using before consulting the doctor.
• It is necessary to inform the doctor if the patient had a history of any disease especially any liver disease as this medicine can lead to liver damage to some extent.
• It is advisable to avoid this medicine during pregnancy or can use it only after knowing the pros and cons of discussing with the doctor.
• While taking this medication during breastfeeding, the doctor should be consulted.

Side effects:

Singulair is safer to use but sometimes it can lead to various side effects. In that case, if someone is observing the following side effects, its important consult the doctor immediately before allowing them to get worse.

Some common side effects are:

• A headache
• Dizziness
• Stomach pain
• heartburn
• upset stomach,
• nausea
• diarrhea
• a sore throat
• Tooth pain
• Tired feeling
• Fever
• A cough
• hoarseness
• Mild rash
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• stuffy nose
• ear infection
• Conjunctivitis
• Flu-like symptoms

Serious side effects:

• Skin rash
• severe tingling
• Numbness
• muscle pain
• weakness in muscle
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Depression
• thoughts of hurting yourself or suicide
• Tremors
• Easy bruising
• unusual bleeding of nose, vagina, rectum or mouth
• purpura rash
• sinus pain
• Swelling in sinus or irritation
• Worsening of asthma symptoms

If you happen to experience any of the above symptoms, you have to immediately get in touch with your doctor.

Singulair for Rhinitis

Seasonal rhinitis generally gets triggered through weeds, tree pollen, and grass. Basically, people who are allergic to these generally have the symptoms during the spring and summer season. The perennial form of rhinitis is caused by cockroaches, dust mites, animal dander and mold spores which can happen anytime during the year.

• Singulair (montelukast sodium) - Product Description