Singulair (Montelukast)

Do's

• Before starting or refilling your Singulair prescription, carefully read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist. If you have any questions, consult your healthcare provider for clarification.
• Take Singulair by mouth with or without food as directed by your healthcare provider. The dosage is tailored to your age and medical condition.
• If you are using the chewable tablets, ensure to chew them thoroughly before swallowing. If your child is unable to safely chew and swallow them, seek advice from a healthcare provider.
• Take the medication at the same time each day. If using it for asthma or both asthma and allergies, take your dose in the evening. If taking it to prevent only allergies, take your dose either in the morning or the evening.
• If using the medication to prevent breathing problems during exercise, take your dose at least 2 hours before exercising. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours, and avoid taking a dose before exercise if you are already taking this medication daily for asthma or allergies, as it may increase the risk of side effects.
• Do not adjust your dose or discontinue the medication without consulting your healthcare provider. Use this medication regularly to keep your asthma under control, even during sudden asthma attacks or periods when you have no asthma symptoms. Additionally, continue taking other medications for asthma as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Singulair is not intended to relieve sudden attacks of asthma. In the event of an asthma attack or other breathing problem, use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed. Always have a quick-relief inhaler with you.
• If your asthma symptoms worsen and your quick-relief inhaler is not providing relief, seek medical help immediately. Promptly inform your healthcare provider if your asthma symptoms, breathing problems, allergy symptoms, or the frequency of using your rescue inhaler worsen.

Common Side Effects:

• Fever or flu-like symptoms
• Headaches
• Sore throat
• Upper respiratory infections
• Stomach pain
• Runny nose

Serious Side Effects:

• Stuttering
• Tremors
• Uncontrolled muscle movements
• Suicidal thoughts or actions
• Hallucinations
• Sleep problems, vivid dreams, sleep-walking
• Compulsive or repetitive behaviors

Singulair is generally well-tolerated; however, it can cause serious side effects in certain individuals, especially in relation to psychological health, particularly in young people. If you experience any of these serious side effects, seek medical attention immediately.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information provided applies to your personal circumstances and to discuss any concerns about potential side effects.

Patients should be advised about the potential risk for serious neuropsychiatric symptoms and behavioral changes with Singulair use. Discuss the benefits and risks of Singulair with patients when prescribing or continuing treatment, and monitor for changes in behavior or neuropsychiatric symptoms.

While Singulair may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply. Talk to your healthcare provider about the use of this medication in children.

Patients should be aware of potential interactions with other drugs and the possibility of adverse effects. Consult a healthcare provider before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.