Indications
Singulair Chewable Tablets are a medication used to treat asthma and allergic rhinitis. It can be used to prevent wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and coughing caused by asthma in adults and children 12 months of age and older. It is used to prevent bronchospasm (breathing difficulties) during exercise in adults and children 6 years of age and older.
Singulair contains the active ingredient montelukast sodium, which is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that helps to reduce inflammation in the airways. It comes as a chewable tablet in a dose of either 4mg or 5mg and should be chewed or crushed before swallowing.
Use and Dosage
Singulair Chewable tablets can be taken orally by mouth, with or without food as instructed by your doctor. Montelukast is usually taken once a day with or without food. Chew them thoroughly before swallowing. If your child cannot safely chew and swallow them, consult the doctor or pharmacist for advice. When montelukast is used to prevent breathing difficulties during exercise, it should be taken at least 2 hours before exercise.
If you are taking montelukast once a day on a regular basis, or if you have taken a dose of montelukast within the past 24 hours, you should not take an additional dose before exercising. When montelukast is used to treat allergic rhinitis, it may be taken at any time of day. Take montelukast at around the same time every day.
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.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Singulair Chewables (Montelukast):
- And hoarseness
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Mood changes
- Nausea
- Skin rash
- Sore throat
- Stomach pain
- Stuffy nose
- Tiredness
- Tooth pain
- Tremors
- Upset stomach
Serious Side Effects of Singulair Chewables (Montelukast):
- Blistering, peeling, or shedding skin
- Bruising
- Burning in your eyes and
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing; swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes; hoarseness; itching; rash; hives
- Ear pain
- Ear pain, fever (in children)
- Fever
- Flu-like symptoms, rash, pins and needles or numbness in the arms or legs, pain and swelling of the sinuses
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness
- Pain
- Severe tingling
- Skin pain followed by a red or purple rash that spreads to your upper body and causes blistering and peeling
- Skin rash
- Sore throat
- Swelling
- Swelling in your face or tongue
- Unusual changes in mood or behavior
- Warmth
Forms and Strength
Singulair Chewables (Montelukast) is available in the following forms and strength:
Singulair Chewables: Chew Tablet
- 4mg
- 5mg
Montelukast: Chewable Tablet
- 4mg
- 5mg
Cautions
- Singulair Chewable Tablets may cause side effects such as headache, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Consult with a doctor if these or other side effects are experienced.
- The medication may interact with certain other drugs or medical conditions, disclose all medications and medical history to a doctor before starting treatment with Singulair Chewable Tablets.
- The chewable tablets may contain phenylalanine, which could be harmful if taken by people with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder. Consult with a doctor if a patient has PKU or any other medical conditions or allergies before starting treatment with Singulair Chewable Tablets.
- People with liver disease may need a lower dose or extra monitoring while taking Singulair. Consult with a doctor before starting treatment if a patient has liver disease or any other medical conditions.
- Singulair may not be suitable for all people with asthma or allergic rhinitis, and a doctor will need to assess whether the medication is appropriate for an individual's specific medical needs.
- Singulair may cause serious mental health side effects, including agitation, aggression, hallucinations, depression, and suicidal thoughts or actions. If these side effects are experienced, seek immediate medical attention.
- The medication may not be effective for all people with asthma or allergic rhinitis, and a doctor may need to prescribe additional medication or adjust the dose to manage symptoms.
- Some people may experience an allergic reaction to Singulair, which can cause symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Seek immediate medical attention if an allergic reaction is suspected.
- People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult with a doctor before starting treatment with Singulair, as the safety of the medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been established.
- Singulair should not be used to treat acute asthma attacks, and patients should have a rescue inhaler on hand to manage sudden asthma symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I do if I miss a dose of Singulair Chewables?
If you miss a dose of Singulair Chewables, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Can Singulair Chewables be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any medications during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Studies of Singulair Chewables in pregnant women have not been conducted. It is also not known if montelukast is excreted in human breast milk.
Can Singulair Chewables cause mood changes or suicidal thoughts?
Singulair Chewables have been associated with reports of neuropsychiatric events, including agitation, aggression, mood changes, and suicidal thoughts. It is important to talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms while taking Singulair Chewables.
Is there a generic version of Singulair Chewables available?
Yes, generic versions of Singulair Chewables (Montelukast Sodium) are available. However, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before switching to a generic version of the medication.
Can Singulair Chewables help with food allergies?
Singulair Chewables are not used to treat food allergies. They are only used to treat asthma and seasonal allergies.
Resource
- https://www.rxlist.com/singulair-side-effects-drug-center.htm
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600014.html
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18766-montelukast-chewable-tablets
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6485-8277/singulair-oral/montelukast-oral/details
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/021409s036lbl.pdf
- https://www.drugs.com/cdi/singulair-montelukast-chewable-tablets.html
REVIEWS