How does it work?

This medicine contains 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 the allergic and inflammatory response. Leukotrienes have effects in many areas of the body. In the lungs, they cause 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 leukotrienes. This prevents the excess mucous production, inflammation and narrowing of the airways that occurs in asthma, and therefore prevents asthma attacks. Montelukast should be taken regularly to prevent attacks. You should continue to take it even when your symptoms are under control. Montelukast is used for people whose asthma is not fully controlled with regular inhaled corticosteroids or short-acting beta agonist relievers such as salbutamol. It is also useful to prevent asthma caused by exercise. The medicine is available in three strengths. Singulair 10mg tablets are suitable for adults aged 15 years and over. Singulair Paediatric 5mg chewable tablets are suitable for children aged 6 to 14 years, and Singulair Paediatric 4mg chewable tablets are suitable for children aged 2 to 5 years.

What is it used for?

Asthma

Prevention of asthma that is mainly triggered by exercise

Warning!

If you take corticosteroids you should continue to take them while taking this medicine, even if your symptoms improve.

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 attacks.

In rare cases, people taking asthma medications may experience a rare condition known as Churg-Strauss syndrome. Consult your doctor if you experience any of the following while taking this medicine; flu-like symptoms, increasing breathlessness, pins and needles, numbness of the limbs or rash.

This medicine should be taken at bedtime. Singulair Paediatric should be taken one hour before or two hours after food. Singulair for adults can be taken with or without food.

People with an inherited disorder of protein metabolism (phenylketonuria) should be aware that Singulair paediatric chewable tablets contain aspartame, which is a source of phenylalanine.

The safety and efficacy of this medicine in children under two years of age has not been established by the manufacturer.

Use with caution in

An inherited disorder of protein metabolism (phenylketonuria)

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. It is not recommended for use during breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Abdominal pain

Diarrhoea

Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)

Thirst

Drowsiness

Nightmares

Skin rashes

Fever (pyrexia)

Dizziness

Nausea and vomiting

An extreme allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

Cough

Irritability

Upper airway infections

Pain in the muscles and joints

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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