Montelukast

U.S. Brand Names

Singulair®

Canadian Brand Names

Singulair®

Mexican Brand Names

Singulair

Pharmacologic Category

Leukotriene-Receptor Antagonist

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to montelukast or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to prevent allergy symptoms.

• This medicine is used to prevent exercise-induced breathing problems.

• This medicine is used to prevent or treat asthma.

How does it work?

• Montelukast decreases the body's production of a group of chemicals called leukotrienes that worsen asthma.

• It blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing or preventing the body's reaction to the allergen.

How is it best taken?

• If exercise causes symptoms, use at least 2 hours before activity.

• Take regularly, even during symptom-free periods.

• If this medicine is for asthma, take in the evening.

• If this medicine is for allergies, take at a similar time of day.

• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

• Chewable tablet: Chew or crush well. Mix crushed tablet with food. Do not swallow whole.

• You may sprinkle granules on soft food. Do not chew.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Do not use this medicine to prevent exercise-induced breathing problems if you are already using it for asthma or allergy.

• Wear disease medical alert identification.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• If you have PKU, talk with healthcare provider. Some products do contain phenylalanine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Flu-like symptoms. These include headache, weakness, fever, shakes, aches, pains, and sweating. Mild pain medicine may help.

• Nervous and excitable.

• Headache.

• Belly pain.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Nasal congestion.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Signs or symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness, emotional ups and downs, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or lack of interest in life.

• Persistent cough.

• Numbness or tingling of hands or feet.

• Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.

• Not hungry.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in original container at room temperature.

• Protect from light.

• Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

• Use granules right after opening.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 14:19:35.0

Modified: 2008-04-30 11:12:52.0

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