Singulair (Montelukast)

General information:

Singulair
is a drug that is used to prevent asthma attacks in adults, as well as children
older than 12 months. Singulair also prevents exercise-induced bronchospasm in
children (6+) and adults. The active ingredient in Singulair is montelukast
sodium, which is a leukotriene receptor antagonist. It inhibits the cysteinyl
leukotriene receptor (CysLT1). Leukotrienes are released in your body when you
inhale an allergen. As a result, your lungs start swelling and muscles around
the airways start to tighten; this can result in an asthma attack.

Each
4mg/5mg/10mg tablet contains 4.2mg/5.2mg/10.4mg of montelukast sodium. Other
inactive ingredients are: mannitol, red ferric oxide, hydroxypropyl cellulose,
cherry flavour, magnesium stearate, aspartame for chewable tablets and
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, titanium dioxide, red and yellow ferric oxides,
hydroxypropyl cellulose and carnauba wax for film-coated tablet.

Directions for use:

The
optimal dosage of this drug differs depending on your medical condition. Your
pharmacist will tell you exactly how much you need to take. Singulair is taken
orally, with or without food at the same time each day. If you are taking this
drug for asthma and allergies or asthma only, take the dose in the evening. If
you are taking Singulair for allergies only, take your dose either in the
morning or evening. If you want to prevent bronchospasm, take the drug at least
2 hours before the exercise once in 24 hours.

Side effects:

●     
Mood/mental changes (aggression, anxiety, depression,
sleep-walking, hallucinations, etc)

●     
Sinus pain, sore throat

●     
Muscle weakness

●     
Numbness

●     
Tingling

●     
Skin rash, bruises

●     
Stomach pain

Precautions:

●     
This medication is not for treating sudden asthma attacks or
other breathing difficulties

●     
If you are already taking this drug to prevent allergy or  asthma symptoms, DO NOT take it for EIB (exercise-induced bronchoconstriction)

●     
Unless agreed with your doctor, DO NOT increase/decrease your dosage or stop taking the drug

●     
DO NOT take more than one
dose in 24 hours

●     
During pregnancy period, the medication should be used only if
there are no clear alternatives