Singulair

Singulair

SINGULAIR will NOT replace fast-acting inhalers for sudden symptoms. You should still have rescue medication available and continue to take your other asthma medications unless your doctor tells you to stop. For asthma, SINGULAIR should be taken once a day, in the evening as prescribed, whether or not you have asthma symptoms. If your symptoms get worse or you need to increase the use of your rescue inhaler, call your doctor at once.

Singulair

Why is this medication prescribed?

Montelukast is used to prevent asthma symptoms. It works by blocking the action of substances that cause inflammation, fluid retention, mucous secretion, and constriction in your lungs.

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

How should this medicine be used?

Montelukast comes as a tablet and as a chewable tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day in the evening. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take montelukast exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Montelukast controls asthma but does not cure it. Continue to take montelukast even if you feel well. Do not stop taking montelukast without talking to your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking montelukast,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to montelukast or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially phenobarbital (Solfoton), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had phenylketonuria or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking montelukast, call your doctor.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from montelukast are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• dizziness
• heartburn
• upset stomach
• tiredness
• stomach pain
• tooth pain
• stuffy nose
• cough

If you experience either of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• increased difficulty breathing
• severe rash
• fever
• flu-like symptoms

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Call your doctor if your asthma symptoms do not improve or worsen. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your response to montelukast.

Montelukast will not stop an acute attack that has already started. Continue to use the medication prescribed for your acute attacks.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.