montelukast – oral, Singulair
Medication Uses How To Use Side Effects Precautions Drug Interactions Overdose Notes Missed Dose Storage USES: Montelukast is used regularly to prevent wheezing and shortness of breath caused by asthma and decrease asthma attacks. It is also used before exercise to prevent breathing problems (bronchospasm) and can help decrease the use of rescue inhalers. It is used to relieve symptoms of hay fever and allergic rhinitis. This medication does not work immediately and should not be used to treat sudden asthma attacks or breathing problems. This drug blocks certain natural substances (leukotrienes) that may cause or worsen asthma and allergies. It reduces inflammation in the airways, making breathing easier. HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet before taking montelukast. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition. Chewable tablets should be thoroughly chewed before swallowing, unless advised otherwise by your doctor. Take this medication at the same time each day. If taking this medication for asthma or both asthma and allergies, take it in the evening. If taking this medication to prevent only allergies, take it either in the morning or the evening. If taking this medication to prevent breathing problems during exercise, take it at least 2 hours before exercise. Do not exceed one dose in 24 hours. Do not take a dose before exercise if already taking this medication daily for asthma or allergies. Do not change your dose or stop using this medication without consulting your doctor. Use this medication regularly to keep asthma under control, even during sudden attacks. Always carry a rescue inhaler with you. Seek medical help if asthma symptoms worsen and your rescue inhaler does not help. Inform your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
SIDE EFFECTS: Serious side effects are rare. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience mental/mood changes, numbness/tingling/shooting pain in the limbs, sinus pain/swelling, muscle weakness, or signs of a serious allergic reaction. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Promptly report any other effects to your doctor or pharmacist. PRECAUTIONS: Inform your doctor or pharmacist of any allergies or other medical conditions before using montelukast. Tell your doctor about all the products you use before having surgery. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about using the medication safely if you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any condition requiring you to limit/avoid aspartame. Use this medication during pregnancy only if necessary, after discussing the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk; consult your doctor before breastfeeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not change your medications without your doctor’s approval. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include thirst, drowsiness, inability to keep still, vomiting, or severe stomach pain.
QUESTION
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Consult your doctor for periodic laboratory and/or medical tests. MISSED DOSE: Skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not double the dose. Do not take more than 1 dose in 24 hours. STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Properly discard this product when expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details on how to safely discard the product. MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada). Information last revised January 2014. Copyright(c) 2014 First Databank, Inc.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. It does not cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. Consult a healthcare professional before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
