Singulair - Montelukast

What is it?

Composition

Singulair is available in various forms: tablets, chewable tablets and granules for oral administration. The main active ingredient is montelukast sodium. Depending on the form of release and dosage, the composition of the drug may include various auxiliary components.

• Montelukast sodium is an active ingredient that blocks leukotriene receptors and prevents inflammatory processes in the respiratory tract.
• Chewable tablets may contain aspartame, which is a source of phenylalanine. This is important to consider for people with phenylketonuria.
• Other excipients may include microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, as well as flavoring and aromatic additives to improve the taste of chewable tablets and granules.

How to use?

Singulair should be taken as directed by your doctor and as per the instructions on the package. The dosage and schedule may vary depending on the patients age and type of disease. To prevent asthma attacks or allergic rhinitis symptoms, it is recommended to take the drug once a day, preferably in the evening.

1. If Singulair is used to prevent asthma or allergic rhinitis symptoms, it should be taken at the same time every day, regardless of whether symptoms are present.
2. To prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm, the drug should be taken at least 2 hours before exercise. An additional dose should not be taken within 24 hours of the previous dose.
3. Chewable tablets should be chewed before swallowing, and granules can be mixed with soft food (such as applesauce) and used within 15 minutes of mixing.

It is important not to skip doses of Singulair or stop using it without consulting your doctor, even if symptoms improve.

How does it work?

Singulair works by blocking leukotriene receptors in the body. Leukotrienes are chemicals released by immune system cells in response to an allergen or irritant, and they play a key role in the development of inflammatory processes. These substances cause narrowing of the airways, increased mucus secretion, and other symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis.

By blocking the activity of leukotrienes, Singulair helps reduce inflammation and swelling in the airways, preventing bronchial spasm and improving respiratory function. This is especially important for people suffering from chronic asthma and allergies, as the drug helps control symptoms, preventing their exacerbations and reducing the frequency of attacks.

Indications

Singulair is prescribed for various diseases and conditions associated with inflammation of the respiratory tract and allergic reactions. This medicine helps control symptoms and prevent them from getting worse in the following conditions:

• Chronic asthma: Singulair is used for the prevention and long-term treatment of asthma in adults and children by reducing the frequency of attacks and improving overall airway health.
• Seasonal allergic rhinitis: The medicine is effective in reducing the symptoms of seasonal allergies such as nasal congestion, sneezing and itching.
• Year-round allergic rhinitis: Singulair also helps manage allergy symptoms that occur throughout the year, caused by factors such as pollen, mold or pet dander.
• Prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm: It is used to prevent narrowing of the airways in patients who are prone to attacks of bronchospasm during exercise.

Singulair is an important part of a comprehensive treatment plan for people suffering from asthma and allergies, helping to maintain symptom control and improve quality of life.

Contraindications

Although Singulair is an effective treatment for asthma and allergic rhinitis, its use is not always safe for all patients. There are certain situations and conditions in which the use of this drug is not recommended:

• Allergy to montelukast or other components of the drug: if the patient has previously had allergic reactions to the active substance or excipients of Singulair, its use is strictly contraindicated.
• Phenylketonuria: Singulair chewable tablets contain aspartame, which can be dangerous for people with phenylketonuria, since it is a source of phenylalanine.
• Acute asthma attacks: Singulair is not intended to relieve acute symptoms of asthma or bronchospasm, so it should not be used as an emergency remedy.

Before starting to take Singulair, it is necessary to discuss with the doctor all existing medical conditions, as well as all medications taken, to avoid possible interactions and complications.

Side effects

Although Singulair helps many people control their asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms, it can cause a number of side effects. The most serious of these are related to changes in behavior and mood, so it is important to monitor the patient closely after starting this medication.

• Mental and behavioral changes: symptoms such as anxiety, depression, irritability, aggression, hallucinations, sleep problems, and suicidal thoughts are possible. If these signs appear, you should contact your doctor immediately.
• Allergic reactions: swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which can lead to difficulty breathing. In such cases, emergency medical attention is required.
• The most common side effects are headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, ear pain, upper respiratory tract infection, and runny nose.

If you experience any of these symptoms or other adverse reactions while taking Singulair, be sure to consult your doctor to adjust your treatment.