Asthma is one of the most common and the costliest disease found everywhere which can also be a genetic component, which occurs at any age. Basically, Asthma is a disorder in which the inflammation of the air passages occurs, which results in the narrowing of the airways that transport air from the nose and the mouth to the lungs. In some cases, Asthma can even lead to the death. Mostly, the patient is unable to breathe properly and also suffers from coughing tightness in the chest. There is no permanent cure for Asthma but definitely it can be controlled by taking proper preventive measures. Approximately more than 20 million of people of USA suffer from Asthma that may be ‘Allergic Asthma’ also.

So many medicines in the market are available to treat this dreadful disease. Singulair i.e. Montelukast Sodium is one of the most effective medicine used to treat Asthma and hay fever i.e. seasonal allergic rhinitis. Montelukast is an oral Leukotrienes receptor antagonist. Leukotrienes are a group of naturally occurring chemicals in the body that promote inflammation in asthma and seasonal allergic rhinitis and in other diseases in which inflammation is important such as allergy. They are formed by cells released and then bound to other cells and it is the binding to these other cells that stimulates the cells to promote inflammation.

Montelukast works in a manner similar to Zafirlukast Accolate blocking the binding of some Leukotrienes. Unlike Zafirlukast, Montelukast does not inhibit CYP2C9 or CYP3A4 two enzymes in the liver that are important in breaking down and eliminating many drugs. Hence unlike Zafirlukast, Montelukast is not expected to affect the elimination of other drugs. The safety and effectiveness of Montelukast has been demonstrated in children as young as 6 months of age. It was approved by the FDA in the year, 1998.

The dosage of Singulair medication is different in children and adults. It also depends on the medical condition of an individual. Usually it is taken once in a day. The recommended dose of Montelukast is 4-5 or 10 mg daily. The 4 and 5 mg tablets are used in children. Montelukast should be taken in the evening with or without food and try to take the medicine at the same time everyday. If you are willing to take the medication for asthma, take it every evening but for seasonal allergies, you can take it at any time but at the fixed time of the day everyday.

For more accurate dosage information, please consult your doctor and stick to the dosing pattern as suggested by your doctor.

The most common side effects with Montelukast medications are heartburn, headache, dizziness, tiredness, abdominal pain, fever, upset stomach, severe rashes, sore throat, cough, rhinitis inflammation of the inner lining of the nose, stuffy nose, pain in tooth, flu-like symptoms, difficulty in breathing etc. These side effects occur in 1 in 50 to 1 in 7 persons who take Montelukast.

Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication which appear severe or persistent to you. Consult your doctor immediately and get treated accordingly.

Phenobarbital increases the blood concentration of Montelukast by about 40. Rifampin i.e. Rifamycin antibiotics may have the same effect. Therefore the dose of Montelukast may need to be reduced when given concurrently with these drugs. Singular medication can also have interactions with Antiepileptic medications, Anti- seizures, asthma drugs etc.

So, please consult your doctor and get more information on the interactions of the Singulair medication and take precautions accordingly.

In case of overdose call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If the suffering patient has collapsed or is not breathing call local emergency services at 911. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

Symptoms of overdose may include the following conditions such as: vomiting, restlessness, thirst, dilated pupils, stomachache, headache, drowsiness, etc.

If any of such symptoms are noticed, please rush to your doctor and get treated accordingly.

Keep all appointments with your doctor during the complete course. And never allow anyone else take your medication unless they are prescribed by their doctors themselves. Also inform your doctor if you have been the victim of severe diseases like liver disease, phenylketonuria, an acute asthma attack, any corticosteroid therapy or diabetes etc.

If you missed the dose, do take the medicine immediately provided that there is ample of time in between the next dose. However if it is almost time for the next dose skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Never double dose it to cope up with the missed dose. And in case, if you miss the two consecutive doses consult to your doctor or physician for guidance and continue further.

Montelukast is used for the treatment of asthma and seasonal allergic rhinitis. Montelukast begins working after 3 to 14 days of therapy. It can also be used to treat the exercise-induced asthma i.e. broncho-constriction. Therefore it should not be used for the treatment of an acute asthmatic attack. For more information, please get the information from your doctor and your pharmacists.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Singular tablets and granules are stored at a prescribed temperature 15-30°C 59-86°F.
Keep the medicine in a light-resistant tight container and away from heat, dampness or direct light. Check Expiry date without fail. Keep all medicines away from women, newborns, children and pets. Moisture or Heat may cause the break down of the medicine. In any case, do not store the medicine in the bathroom. However, some manufacturers vary in their storage recommendations. Therefore storage conditions for each product should be clarified with your pharmacist.

Following precautions must be taken during consuming generic Singulair:

1. Let your doctor know about your complete medical history, if you have or have ever had any major diseases like heart disease, liver disease, phenylketonuria, an acute asthma attack, any corticosteroid therapy, diabetes or any other major disease.

2. Tell your doctor that what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking or even any OTC like nutritional supplements, vitamins, minerals, herbal products etc. that you may be intaking.

3. Avoid alcohol and smoking during the complete course.

4. If you have to undergo any surgery, major operation or any dental procedure, inform your surgeon, dentist or doctor, that you are taking Singulair medication.

5. Let your doctor or the physician know about your any kind allergies. They may be any food, medicine, particularly to Singulair or any composition allergy.

6. Do not share the Singulair with others unless they are prescribed by the doctor themselves. If the medicine is no longer in use or is outdated, discard it immediately after checking with your doctor or your pharmacist.

7. Do not discontinue medication on your own. Consult your doctor before doing so.

8. Keep the medication out of reach of newborns, children and pets.

9. Before taking Singulair, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Singulair or any other medications.

10. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding. If you conceive during the course, immediately inform your doctor.