Description:
Chemical Name: MONTELUKAST (mon-te-LOO-kast)

The 5mg and 4mg strengths are chewable.
The 10mg strength must be swallowed whole and CANNOT be split in half.

SINGULAIR (montelukast) is a leucotriene inhibitor that is prescribed by the physicians to prevent asthma symptoms and attacks. Leucotriene are the chemicals which can cause acute bronchoconstriction that can cause bronchospasm, resulting in airway obstruction which makes it difficult to breathe. SINGULAIR works by fighting substances that cause inflammation, fluid retention, mucous secretion and constriction in your lungs. It may also be prescribed to treat a runny nose and sneezing caused by allergies. This medication is effective for adults and children as young as 6 months old.

Caution: do not give SINGULAIR to a child without the consent of your physician.

Manufacturer:
Merck Frosst

Directions:
It may take up to several weeks before your symptoms start to show some improvement. Take SINGULAIR exactly as prescribed. Do not take additional or less amounts. Follow the directions on your prescription label closely. Continue using SINGULAIR as directed and tell your physician if your symptoms do not improve after several weeks of treatment.

Generally it is recommended to take SINGULAIR once a day in the evening for prevention of asthma or allergy symptoms. The normal dosage is usually 10mg daily however this may vary for each patient, depending on their condition. For exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, take a single dose at least 2 hours before you exercise, and do not take another dose for at least 24 hours. Consult your physician for more information.

Call your physician immediately if you feel SINGULAIR is not working as well as usual, or if it makes your condition worse. If it seems like you need to use more of any of your medications in a 24-hour period, talk with your doctor. Keep taking SINGULAIR as long as your physician prescribes you to.

Cautions:
SINGULAIR may not be the right medication for you, especially for those patients with existing symptoms of asthma, skin rashes, bleeding tendencies, swelling or irritation in the airway, fatigue, numbness, suicidal thoughts, mood alterations and panic swings, development of self hurting tendencies, agitation, aggression, hallucination, irritability, tremor, change in the voice, headache, tooth pain, gastric upset and adverse skin reactions. Your doctor will advise you whether or not to take this medication or suggest any dose adjustments.

It is vital to speak to your physician about any health conditions you may have as it may affect the medication. Share the following with your physician if you:

• are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• are allergic to any medications, food, or substances
• have liver problems
• have a history of mental or mood problems
• have suicidal thoughts or actions
• are taking any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medications

• you are allergic to montelukast or any other chemicals in SINGULAIR
• you are taking drugs like phenobarbital and rifampicin
• you are a Phenylketonuria patient
• you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Side Effects:
Side effects are unwanted responses to a medication when it is taken in normal doses, which can range from mild to severe. As with all medications, SINGULAIR also has some side effects which may not affect all patients. Many of these side effects can be managed, while some may go away on their own over time.

Speak to your physician right away if you have any of these symptoms while taking SINGULAIR:

• agitation including aggressive behavior or hostility
• bad or vivid dreams
• depression
• disorientation/confusion
• anxiety
• hallucination
• irritability or restlessness
• sleepwalking
• suicidal thoughts and actions
• tremors
• trouble sleeping
• feeling of pins and needles or numbness of arms or legs
• a flulike illness
• rash
• severe inflammation of the sinuses
• irregular heartbeat

• upper respiratory infection
• fever
• headache
• sore throat
• cough
• stomach pain
• diarrhea
• earache or ear infection
• flu
• runny nose
• sinus infection

• increased bleeding tendency
• allergic reactions (including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat [which may cause trouble breathing or swallowing], hives, and itching)
• dizziness, drowsiness, pins and needles/numbness, seizures
• palpitations
• nosebleed, stuffy nose
• diarrhea, heartburn, indigestion, inflammation of the pancreas, nausea, stomach or intestinal discomfort, vomiting
• hepatitis
• bruising, rash
• joint pain, muscle aches, and muscle cramps
• tiredness, swelling