Health Centres - Singulair 10mg tablets
How does it work?
Singulair 10mg tablets contain the active ingredient montelukast, which is a type of medicine known as a leukotriene receptor antagonist. It works by blocking the action of leukotrienes, which are chemicals released by the body as part of allergic and inflammatory reactions.
Leukotrienes are released from the lungs in people with asthma, causing inflammation and increased mucous production in the airways. They also cause the muscles lining the airways to contract, which narrows the airways. All of this makes it difficult for air to get in and out of the lungs.
Montelukast blocks leukotriene receptors in the lungs and, as a result, blocks the actions of the leukotrienes. This prevents the excess mucous production, inflammation and narrowing of the airways and so prevents asthma attacks. It is also useful for preventing asthma triggered by exercise.
Montelukast is used for people whose asthma is not fully controlled by using regular inhaled corticosteroids and short-acting beta agonist relievers such as salbutamol. It is used in addition to these medicines.
Montelukast should be taken regularly to prevent asthma attacks. You should continue to take it even when your symptoms are under control.
Leukotrienes are also released from the nasal passages when people with seasonal allergies, such as hayfever, are exposed to substances that trigger their allergy (allergens, eg pollen). The leukotrienes contribute to the symptoms of hayfever, such as a runny or blocked nose, sneezing and itchy nose. This medicine blocks the effect of leukotrienes in the nose and so can also relieve hayfever symptoms in people with asthma who suffer from hayfever.
What is it used for?
-
Asthma
- Prevention of asthma mainly triggered by exercise
- The medicine can also provide relief from hayfever symptoms in people with asthma who also suffer from hayfever (seasonal allergic rhinitis).
Singulair 10mg tablets are suitable for adults aged 15 years and over. The tablet should be taken once daily, in the evening.
Warning!
- This medicine should never be used to treat asthma attacks - you should keep your normal reliever inhaler, eg salbutamol or terbutaline, ready for this. Consult your doctor if you need to use your reliever more frequently than normal, or if it becomes less effective at treating asthma attacks.
- If you find that your asthma is improved after receiving treatment with this medicine you should not stop taking any of your other medicines, in particular any corticosteroid inhalers or tablets. This medicine is not a substitute for corticosteroids. However, you may find that you need to use your reliever inhaler less frequently.
- In rare cases, people taking asthma medications may experience a rare condition known as Churg-Strauss syndrome.
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