Singulair (generic name: montelukast sodium; brand names include: Montus / Romilast) is a leukotriene inhibitor. It works by blocking the action of leukotrienes, substances in the body that cause the symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Singulair is prescribed for the treatment of asthma, the prevention of exercise-induced asthma, and allergic rhinitis:

1. Asthma.
Singulair should be used for the long-term management of asthma in adults and children ages 12 months and older.

2. Prevention of exercise-induced asthma.
Singulair is used for the prevention of exercise-induced asthma in patients 15 years of age and older.

3. Allergic Rhinitis.
Singulair is used to help control the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, itching of the nose). Singulair is used to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis (outdoor allergies that happen part of the year) in adults and children ages 2 years and older, and perennial allergic rhinitis (indoor allergies that happen all year) in adults and children ages 6 months and older.

Singulair is not a steroid. It does not affect the growth rate of children.

Recommendations

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine.

Singulair may be taken on an empty stomach or with food.

Generally, if this medicine is being taken for asthma, it is taken once daily in the evening. If taking for hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis), take the medicine at about the same time each day (either morning or evening). If you are taking it for both asthma and hay fever, take the medicine in the evening.

Do not take Singulair for the immediate relief of an asthma attack. Always have your inhaled rescue medicine for asthma attacks with you.

For the prevention of exercise-induced asthma, take Singulair at least 2 hours before exercise. If you are taking Singulair daily for chronic asthma or allergic rhinitis, do not take an additional dose to prevent exercise-induced asthma.

Do not stop taking or lower the dose of your other asthma medicines unless your doctor tells you to.

If you miss a dose of Singulair, take it as soon as your remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Store Singulair at room temperature. Protect from moisture and light.

Precautions

Tell your doctor before using Singulair, if:

you are allergic to any medicines;
you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or you are breast-feeding.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: montelukast sodium.