Singulair information
What is Singulair used for?
Singulair tablets (generic Singulair) are used for treatment of asthma, including management of chronic asthma, preventing exacerbations of asthma, day-time and night-time symptoms and exercise-induced asthma, and to prevent but not treat asthma attack. Montelukast tablets are also used to treat seasonal allergy to pollen, also known as hay fever, and perennial allergy, such as to animal fur, mould and house dust mites, which cause allergic rhinitis with symptoms including nasal congestion, runny itchy nose, sneezing, tearing, itchy, red, and puffy eyes and problems sleeping.
How does Singulair work?
Singulair tablets contain montelukast sodium, which is a selective and orally active (can be taken in tablet form) leukotriene receptor antagonist, which means that it binds to specific receptors on the cells of the airways and also cells in the airways that are involved in the inflammatory process (like macrophages), and inhibits the action of leukotrienes, (chemicals produced by inflammatory cells like mast cells that mediate inflammation) on these cells. Leukotrienes are involved in the pathophysiology of asthma and allergic rhinitis. In asthma leukotriene-mediated effects cause bronchoconstriction (narrowing of the airways), inflammation, swelling and mucous secretion. In allergic rhinitis leukotrienes are released in the nasal passages after exposure to an allergen like pollen or house dust mites and cause irritation and inflammation. Montelukast tablets help to reduce asthma symptoms including coughing, wheezing and tightness of the chest and symptoms of allergic rhinitis lik
e nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing.
What does Singulair contain?
Singulair film-coated tablets contain the active ingredient montelukast sodium, which is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that prevents leukotriene-mediated inflammation in asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Treating asthma with Singulair
Singulairtablets contain the active ingredient montelukast sodium, which is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that prevents leukotriene-mediated inflammation in asthma. Leukotrienes are chemicals that mediate inflammation and are involved in the changes that happen in the lungs that cause asthma, such as bronchoconstriction (narrowing of the airways), swelling and mucous secretion. Montelukast in Montair tablets binds to the leukotriene receptors and block the action of leukotriene in the airways, which helps to reduce asthma symptoms including coughing, wheezing and tightness of the chest. You should not use Montelukast tablets as a “reliever” or “rescue” medication for bronchospasm or if you are having an asthma attack, for this you need a fast acting bronchodilator inhaler.
Treating allergy with Singulair
Singulairtablets contain the active ingredient montelukast sodium, which is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that prevents leukotriene-mediated inflammation that causes allergic rhinitis. Leukotrienes are released in the nasal passages after exposure to an allergen like pollen or house dust mites and cause irritation and inflammation. Montelukast in Singulair tablets binds to the leukotriene receptors and block the action of leukotriene in the nasal passages, which helps to reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis like nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing.
Should you take Singulair with other asthma medications?
You can take Singulair tablets as well as your other asthma medication, including inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids, only if recommended by your doctor.
What are the side effects of Singulair?
The most commonly reported side effects when taking Singulair tablets are abdominal pain and headache. Other side effects include: increased bleeding behaviour and mood related changes, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, pins and needles/numbness,
When should Singulair not be used?
You should not use Singulair tablets if you are:
- allergic to montelukast sodium or any ingredients in Singulair tablets
- taking Phenobarbital which interacts with the absorption of Singulair tablets
How should Singulair be taken?
You should take your Singulair tablets with a glass of water with or without food, once daily preferable in the evening, continually for as long as recommended by your doctor. You should continue to take your Singulair tablets for asthma even if you feel better, as it is intended as a long-term medication to help control your asthma.
How long should you take Singulair?
You should continue to take your Singulair tablets for asthma for as long as recommended by your doctor even if you feel better, as it is intended as a long-term medication to help control your asthma.
Missed dose of Singulair
If you miss a dose of Singulair tablets take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should Singulair be stored?
You should store your Singulair tablets at room temperature below 30°C and keep protected from moisture and light.
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