Singulair is a new type of medication for the prevention and long-term treatment of asthma. Singulair is steroid-free and offers the convenience of a once-daily tablet. Singulair's effect is based upon its ability to block leukotriene receptors in human body, which leads to minimization or prevention of symptoms of the disorders described above.
Singulair (generic name: montelukast sodium) is a drug commonly prescribed to treat asthma and allergic rhinitis. Singulair is a leukotriene modifier. Leukotrienes are a certain type of chemicals produced in the human body while it responds to certain health condition, such as allergy. These chemicals cause the swelling of lung tissue as well as the inflammation of the windpipe and constriction of respiratory tract muscles. Montelukast in Singulair is able to block leukotriene action in the lung resulting in less constriction of the bronchial tissue and less inflammation. Its activity translates into fewer asthma attacks and fewer asthma medications.
Singulair can be taken with or without food, and a once daily, usually in the evening. If the use of Singulair causes upset stomach, you should better take it during a meal. It's important to keep the level of drug in your blood even at all times, so it will be better if you take Singulair at the same time every day.
Most of the people tolerate the treatment with Singulair quite well. Serious side effects of this med are less frequent than minor ones that can either be treated by your therapist easily or don't require any treatment at all. Singulair side effects include headache, dizziness, heartburn, upset stomach, tiredness, stomach pain, tooth pain, stuffy nose and cough. If you feel severe side-effects such as rash, hives, itching, difficulties in breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face or lips, tongue; aggressive behaviour, agitation, dark urine, fever, flu-like symptoms, hallucinations, irregular heartbeat, mental or mood changes, new or worsening wheezing or other breathing problems, suicidal thoughts or actions, swelling, unusual bruising or bleeding, upper respiratory tract infection, yellowing of the skin or eyes, stop taking this medicine and seek immediate emergency help.
Singulair must be used for children not earlier than 2 years old and for indoor allergy not younger than 6 months.