Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: MONTELUKAST - ORAL (mon-teh-LEW-kast)
BRAND NAME(S): Singulair
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: This medication is used to control chronic asthma and help decrease the number of asthma attacks. It is also used to treat hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis). This drug improves asthma and hay fever symptoms by blocking substances in the body called leukotrienes.
HOW TO USE: Take this medicine as directed, generally 1 tablet (10mg) daily with or without food. Take it in the evening for asthma or at about the same time each day (either morning or evening) for hay fever. If you are using this drug for both asthma and hay fever, take it in the evening. Keep taking this medicine every day, even during asthma attacks and periods when you have no asthma symptoms. This drug does not relieve acute asthma attacks. Use your prescribed acute asthma attack medicines (and pre-exercise medicines for exercise-related asthma) as directed. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for specific advice on your drug therapy. Do not decrease or stop any asthma medicine unless instructed your doctor. Report promptly to your doctor or pharmacist if your asthma symptoms worsen, short-acting inhaler use increases or use exceeds the prescribed 24 hour maximum. This medicine may come with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS: Unusual weakness, stomach upset, diarrhea, dizziness, cough, headache, nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, or mouth pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: hallucinations, fever, persistent sore throat or earache, flu symptoms. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: stomach pain, muscle aches/cramps, irregular heartbeat, yellowing eyes and skin, numbness or tingling of the hands or feet, dull sense of touch, easy bruising or bleeding, swelling, seizures. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, severe swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Hives - Read about hives (urticaria) causes (allergy, stress), rash symptoms (skin welts, raised red itchy bumps) and treatment. Dermatographism and swelling (angioedema) may accompany hives.
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
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