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Why is Singulair prescribed?
Singulair relieves itchy, red, irritated, watery eyes; runny nose; sneezing; and itchy skin caused by hay fever and allergies. It also is used for motion sickness, before and after surgery as a sedative to relieve apprehension, and to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting.
Montelukast Sodium is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should Singulair be used?
Singulair comes as a tablet, oral liquid, and rectal suppository. For allergies, Singulair usually is taken at bedtime or before meals and at bedtime. For motion sickness, it is taken 30-60 minutes before departure and again if needed in 8-12 hours. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Montelukast Sodium exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. To insert a suppository, follow these steps:
- If the suppository feels soft, hold it under cold, running water for 1 minute. Remove the wrapper.
- Dip the tip of the suppository in water.
- Lie down on your left side and raise your right knee to your chest. (A left-handed person should lie on the right side and raise the left knee.)
- Using your finger, insert the suppository into the rectum, about 1/2 to 1 inch in infants and children and 1 inch in adults. Hold it in place for a few moments.
- Stand up after about 15 minutes. Wash your hands thoroughly and re sume your normalactivities.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking Montelukast Sodium, -- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Singulair or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially medications for depression, seizures, colds, or allergies; muscle relaxants; pain medication; sedatives; sleeping pills; tranquilizers; and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had difficulty urinating (an enlarged prostate), glaucoma, epilepsy (seizures), ulcers, asthma or lung disease, high blood pressure, or heart or liver disease.
- before giving Montelukast Sodium to a child, tell the doctor and pharmacist if you have a family history of sudden infant death syndrome (crib death) or if you regularly have difficulty waking the child.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Singulair, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Singulair.
- You should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how Montelukast Sodium affects you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
- tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can Singulair cause?
Although side effects from Singulair are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- dry mouth
- drowsiness
- confusion
- fatigue
- difficulty coordinating movements
- stuffy nose
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- vision problems
- ringing in the ears
- tremors
- insomnia
- excitement
- restlessness
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- skin rash
What storage conditions are needed for Singulair?
Keep Montelukast Sodium in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. |
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