Warnings & Recalls for Singulair
Singulair and Mental Illnesses
In 2008 reports of possible suicidal ideation connected to use of Singulair and other leukotrine receptor antagonists prompted the FDA to investigate. Although there was no concrete link between Singulair and suicide, the FDA released this Safety Alert warning of neuropsychiatric events that may occur as a result of treatment with the medication.
Pregnancy and Singulair
The FDA has confirmed Singulair as a
pregnancy Category B medicine. Singulair is not known to be harmful to an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. However, it has not been determined if this medication may be transferred through breast-milk or cause harm to a baby that is breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor before taking Singulair if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
General Warnings
Persons with an allergy to montelukast
should not take Singulair. Patients should know that Singulair can
interfere with the use of:
- rifampin (an antibiotic for bacterial infections)
- phenobarbital for treating seizure-causing disorders
Those with an aspirin sensitivity should
avoid aspirin and NSAID's while being treated with Singulair.
Singulair Treatment and Use
Singulair | montelukast is a lekotrine receptor antagonist produced by Merck and Co.. This drug is used to treat and prevent side effects associated with asthma as well as to prevent exercise induced bronchospasms. Singulair may also be prescribed to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies.
How Does Singulair Work?
Leukotriene molecules in the body can cause inflammation that induces asthmatic symptoms. Singulair works by preventing the functions of leukotrienes in order to reduce side effects related to asthma.
How Is Singulair Taken?
Singulair is not to be used as fast-acting treatment for the symptoms of asthma attack. If you experience an asthma attack, you should do exactly as your physician prescribed and use an inhaler or seek immediate medical attention. Singulair | montelukast will not work in the same manor as a fast-acting inhaler. Using it for this purpose is contraindicated.
Singulair | montelukast is available in tablet form as well as 4 mg granule packets and comes in the following strengths:
- 4 mg
- 4 mg (granules)
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
For use in the treatment of allergies, Singulair is to be taken once daily at any time. Whatever the time of day you decide to take this medication, it is recommended that you take it at the same time to ensure a steady amount of montelukast in your system.
For the treatment of asthma, Singulair should be once every 24 hours at night.
Serious Side Effects of Singulair