- Used to prevent asthma attacks
- Used for adults and children over one year old
- Used to treat allergies – perennial rhinitis and seasonal rhinitis
- Used to treat bronchoconstriction that is induced by exercise
Singulair is the brand name for the generic drug Montelukast and it is manufactured by Merck. It is available as tablets in packs of 30 and 90 as well as oral granules in 30 doses.
Indications
This drug is used to prevent asthma attacks as well as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. It is prescribed for very young children too. It is also used to treat sneezing and a runny nose that come from allergies. It is used to treat seasonal rhinitis in children over six months and perennial rhinitis in children over 2 years old.
Action
This drug is a leukotriene receptor antagonist and it prevents the action of leukotrienes in your body. These chemicals are released when any allergen enters your body and it results in inflammation and swelling of the airways which in turn causes wheezing and shortness of breath.
Side Effects
If at all there are side effects, in most cases they are minor and usually pass in a week or two. These could include heartburn, an upset stomach, headaches, tiredness, a mild rash, sore or hoarse throat or a toothache. The more serious side effects could affect a few and in this case, medical attention should be called for immediately. These could include swelling anywhere in the body, severe itching or hives, tremors, muscular weakness, numbness, severe pain in the sinuses, mood swings and depression. There could be swelling of the throat and mouth as well and breathing difficulties.
Caution
You must tell your doctor about your medical as well as your family history of any ailments. If you have had any illnesses in the past, he should know and he must know if you have been found to be allergic to any medication. You must tell him if you are allergic to aspirin. You will have to also tell him whether you smoke, do drugs or drink alcohol and how much. Though this is a fairly safe drug most of the time, there are instances when it can be dangerous for a few people so he should know what medications you are currently taking and what vitamins and supplements you take on a regular basis.
Contraindications
If you are already taking this drug to prevent an asthma attack, on no account must you take it if you have exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Though this drug can be prescribed for children, it must only be used according to a doctor’s advice. Never increase the dosages or change them unless the doctor tells you to. This drug should not be taken once a full-blown asthma attack has started – the doctor will prescribe a broncho-dilator for quick relief if that happens. Nursing mothers and pregnant women should ideally avoid this medication because there is no medical research to prove conclusively that it is absolutely safe for a fetus or an infant.