Type of medicine: leukotriene receptor antagonist
Generic and brand names: montelukast sodium, oral; Singulair
This medicine is taken by mouth to help prevent and control asthma attacks, including attacks caused by exercise. It may also be prescribed to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever). It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more or less or take it longer than prescribed. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. Take this medicine regularly, even if you feel well. This medicine is usually taken in the evening.
This medicine comes in different forms. If you have the regular tablets, swallow them whole. Do not break, crush, or chew them. The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.
The granules may be swallowed alone or mixed with a spoonful of applesauce, carrots, rice, ice cream, baby formula or breast milk. Do not add to any other liquid. Do not dissolve the granules in liquid. Do not open the packet until ready to use. The medicine must be used within 15 minutes of opening.
This medicine is not intended to treat an asthma attack in progress. Your healthcare provider will prescribe a medicine that you inhale through your mouth for fast relief once an attack has started.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
Contact your healthcare provider if you need to use your inhaled medicine (for example, albuterol) more often than usual or if you need to use more than recommended during a 24-hour period. Do not stop taking other medicines for asthma or change your dosage unless your healthcare provider tells you to.
If you have aspirin-sensitive asthma, continue to avoid taking aspirin or any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil, Motrin, or Aleve while you are taking this medicine. Check with your healthcare provider.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Behavior changes have been reported in some people taking this medicine. Contact your provider right away if you or your family notice any disturbing changes in your thoughts or behavior, such as:
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Increased trouble breathing, severe rash, fever, severe sinus pain, tingling or numbness in arms and legs, thoughts of suicide, anxiety.
Other: Headache, muscle aches and pains, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, stomach pain, stuffy or runny nose, earache, dizziness, heartburn.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
