What Is Singulair (Montelukast)?

Date: Jul-24-2012Singulair (montelukast) is a prescription medication for the prevention of asthma attacks for patients aged 12 months or more (adults and children). Montelukast is an LTRA (leukotriene receptor antagonist) which is also used to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies, as well as preventing exercise-induced bronchospasm in adults and children aged 6 years or more.

According to Merck & Co. Inc., the marketers of Singulair, montelukast is:

Used to prevent asthma attacks in children/adults aged 12+ months
Used long-term for asthma treatment in children/adults aged 12+ months
Used to alleviate symptoms of indoor and outdoor allergies - indoor allergies in children/adults aged 6+ months

A Canadian study showed that short-term Singulair added to usual asthma therapy may considerably reduce asthma morbidity and unscheduled doctors visits.
How does Singulair work?
Montelukast blocks the action of leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are fatty signaling molecules which the body produces when there is inflammation. They are thought to play a key role in causing the symptoms of asthma and hay fever. They contribute to the pathophysiology of asthma, causing inflammation and swelling in the airways, airflow obstruction, increased secretion of mucus, mucosal accumulation, and bronchoconstriction.

What happens?

Asthma triggers are inhaled, such as pollen

The body reacts by releasing leukotrienes

Leukotrienes cause the lungs and airways to become red and swollen, the airway muscles tighten, resulting in asthma symptoms, including shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing

Singulair blocks the action of leukotrienes - it stops the airway muscles from contracting, the inflammation and redness in the airways is prevented, and there are no asthma symptoms (or less severe ones).

As leukotrienes also cause allergy symptoms, such as hay fever, Singulair is also effective for relieving hay fever symptoms.

Singulair presentation
Singulair comes in four forms:
For children aged 12 to 23 months - A 4-mg oral granules packet
For children aged 2 to 5 years - A 4-mg cherry chewable tablet
For children aged 6 to 14 years - A 5-mg cherry chewable tablet
For adolescents and adults aged 15+ years - A 10-mg tablet that you swallow whole

Important safety information regarding Singulair
The most common side effects related to taking montelukast include:
Cough
Diarrhea
Ear infection
Earache
Sinus infection
Sore throat
Stomach pain
Upper respiratory infection

Singulair can also cause these much rarer but potential serious side effects:

Behavior/mood changes, hostility, aggression, agitation, vivid and unpleasant dreams, , confusion, anxiety, hallucinations, sleepwalking, suicidal thoughts, suicidal actions (including suicide), insomnia, tremor, and depression.

Singulair is not fast-acting enough to deal with an asthma attack straight away. Do not take it for asthma relief right away from a sudden asthma attack. Use the rescue inhaler for asthma attacks.

If asthma symptoms get worse, or if attacks become more severe, tell your doctor immediately.

If the child under your care has phenylketonuria; it is important to know that cherry chewable tablets contain a component of aspartame (phenylalanine).

Identifying which patients respond best to Singulair
In a study carried out by Professor Nathan Rabinovitch, MD, two biomarkers were identified which could help doctors predict more accurately which patients will benefit the most from montelukast. Singulair helps some patients, but not others.

Written by Christian Nordqvist

View drug information on Singulair.

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