Montelukast is the generic form of the brand name drug Singulair. It’s used to treat symptoms of asthma in adults and children at least 12 months old.
Singulair is also given to prevent exercise-induced asthma in adults and children who are at least 6 years old. Additionally, the medicine is given to treat seasonal allergies in adults and kids 2 years or older and year-round allergies in adults and kids 6 months or older.
This medicine is in a class of drugs called leukotriene receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of inflammatory chemicals in your body that cause allergy and asthma symptoms.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this medicine in 1998.
uses
What is Singulair (Montelukast) used for?
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Asthma -- Maintenance
- Bronchospasm Prophylaxis
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Singulair (Montelukast)?
You should not use montelukast if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- mental health problems; or
- allergic reaction after taking aspirin or another NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
The chewable tablet may contain phenylalanine and could be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
User Reviews & Rating
Overall rating for Singulair (Montelukast)
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Singulair (Montelukast)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).
Tell your doctor right away if you have signs of blood vessel inflammation: flu-like symptoms, sinus pain and swelling, fever, cough, trouble breathing, feeling weak or tired, stomach pain, weight loss, skin rash, tingling or numbness of arms or legs, chest pain.
Some people using montelukast have had new or worsening mental problems. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have unusual changes in mood or behavior, such as:
- agitation, aggression, feeling restless or irritable;
- anxiety, depression, confusion, problems with memory or attention;
- stuttering, tremors, uncontrolled muscle movements;
- suicidal thoughts or actions;
- hallucinations, sleep problems, vivid dreams, sleep-walking; or
- compulsive or repetitive behaviors.
Common side effects may include:
- headache;
- stomach pain, diarrhea;
- sinus pain and swelling;
- fever, cough, flu-like symptoms;
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat; or
- fever, ear pain or full feeling, trouble hearing, drainage from the ear, fussiness in a child.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Singulair (Montelukast) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Singulair (Montelukast)?
If your asthma symptoms get worse when you take aspirin, avoid taking aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Singulair (Montelukast)?
Use Singulair (Montelukast) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Montelukast is not a fast-acting rescue medicine for asthma attacks. Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your medications are not working.
Do not change your dose or stop using asthma medication without your doctor's advice. Tell your doctor if your medicine seems to stop working.
You may take montelukast with or without food.
For adults and children 12 months and older with asthma:
- Take montelukast once a day, in the evening. Keep taking this medicine every day, even if you have no asthma symptoms.
For adults and children 6 years and older for the prevention of exercise-induced asthma:
- Take montelukast at least 2 hours before exercise.
- Do not take another dose of montelukast to prevent exercise-induced asthma if you take this medicine every day for chronic asthma or allergic rhinitis.
- Do not take 2 doses of montelukast within 24 hours (1 day).
For adults and children 2 years and older with seasonal allergic rhinitis, or for adults and children 6 months and older with perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis:
- Take montelukast once every day at the same time each day.
You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.
Place the oral granules directly in the mouth and swallow or mix them with the following soft food at cold or room temperature: applesauce, mashed carrots, rice, or ice cream. The granules may also be mixed with baby formula or breast milk. Do not use any other type of liquid. Use the mixture within 15 minutes. Do not save the mixture for later use.
If you take oral steroid medicine, do not stop it suddenly. Ask your doctor about tapering your dose.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not open a packet of oral granules until you are ready to use the medicine.
Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Singulair (Montelukast)?
What to Expect
Montelukast starts to lower leukotriene levels in your body right away, but it may take about a week before you notice the full benefits.
You can safely use this medicine for a long period of time. It will only work while you’re taking it.
Additional Dosage Information
Your dosage of Singulair will depend on your age and the formulation you take.
A typical dose for adults and adolescents 15 years or older is one, 10 milligram (mg) tablet a day. Children younger than 15 will require a lower dose.
Secondary Uses
Singulair is sometimes prescribed “off-label” to treat other medical conditions, such as hives or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).
Images
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Imprint: SINGULAIR, MSD 117
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