MONTELUKAST (Singulair) is used for prevention and long-term treatment of asthma. It is also used to relieve allergy symptoms. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist. It works by blocking a substance called leukotriene, which helps to decrease certain asthma and allergy symptoms.
Generic name: Montelukast
Montelukast tablets or chewable tablets
What are montelukast tablets or chewable tablets?
MONTELUKAST (Singulair®) helps to reduce asthma symptoms (coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness) and control your asthma. It does not provide instant relief and cannot be used to treat a sudden asthma attack. It works only when used on a regular basis to help reduce inflammation and prevent asthma attacks. Montelukast is effective in adults and children. This drug is also helpful in improving seasonal allergies, like hay fever. Generic montelukast tablets or chewable tablets are not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
an acute asthma attack
are on corticosteroid therapy, like prednisone or inhalers
liver disease, like hepatitis
phenylketonuria
an unusual or allergic reaction to montelukast, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take montelukast by mouth. You may take your tablets with food. Take montelukast every day at roughly the same time, even on days when you are not having asthma or allergy symptoms. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Chewable tablets: If you are taking the chewable tablets, chew them well before swallowing with water. You may take your tablets with food. Take montelukast every day at roughly the same time, even on days when you are not having asthma or allergy symptoms. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Montelukast chewable tablets are normally prescribed in children 2 years of age or older.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the previous dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with montelukast?
carbamazepine
cerivastatin
paclitaxel
phenobarbital
phenytoin
repaglinide
rifabutin
rifampin
rosiglitazone
troglitazone
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from using montelukast?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: Rare or uncommon:
a feeling of pins and needles or numbness of arms and legs
dark brown or yellow urine
diarrhea
easy bruising or bleeding
edema or swelling of the legs or ankles
fatigue or weakness
fever
flu-like illness
muscle aches or cramps
seizure or convulsion
skin rash and itching
severe stomach pain
swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat, which may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing
vomiting
wheezing or continued coughing
yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
cough
difficulty sleeping
dizziness
drowsiness
headache
heartburn
hoarseness or sore throat
indigestion or stomach upset
muscle aches or cramps
nausea
runny nose
unusual dreams
What should I watch for while taking montelukast?
Montelukast is only used to help prevent asthma attacks; it is not used as a "quick-relief" medicine to treat an asthma attack. Therefore, you should always have your "quick-relief" medicine with you to treat an asthma attack. Talk with your prescriber about what you should do if you have an acute asthma attack.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if your asthma gets worse. If you find that your medicines become less effective in treating your asthma, you should contact your health care professional as soon as possible.
Do not to stop taking or decrease the use of your other asthma treatments, including steroids, when starting montelukast unless otherwise directed by their health care prescriber. Follow your prescriber's directions exactly.
Montelukast works best if you use it regularly even when you do not have asthma symptoms. Do not stop using your medication without your prescriber's advice.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your health care professional that you take montelukast.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature, between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F); do not freeze. Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What is the shelf life of the drugs?
The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
Very often our web site visitors ask us about generic medications. In this section we have placed some useful information about generic drugs in general and about the ones we have in our product list. Read more
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