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What is Singulair
MontelukastThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryMontelukast was approved by the FDA in 1998 and is a type of drug used to treat asthma. It is typically prescribed in addition to, or along with, inhaled corticosteroids. In 2008-2009, investigations were conducted into the possibility of montelukast causing neuropsychiatric effects such as agitation, hallucinations, and suicidal behavior. Although these effects are listed in the official prescribing information for montelukast, the drug is still widely used and millions of prescriptions are issued each year. It is now available as a generic and brand name product.
Singulairis the brand name
Singulair Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Singulair
Montelukast
1998
281
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Montelukast, otherwise called Singulair, is approved by the FDA for 5 uses such as Asthma and inadequate response to conventional therapy .Asthma
inadequate response to conventional therapy
Helps manage inadequate response to conventional therapy
Hay Fever
Helps manage Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (PAR)
Helps manage Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (PAR)
Effectiveness
How Singulair Affects PatientsMontelukast is a drug that blocks the leukotriene receptor in the airways, reducing inflammation and narrowing of the airways to help with asthma and allergies. It takes effect within two hours of being taken, and can be taken with a beta agonist drug for added benefit. Clinical studies have shown that taking doses higher than 10mg per day do not provide any additional benefit. Montelukast has been shown to reduce eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) by 13-15% in people with asthma, and by 13% in those with seasonal allergies.
How Singulair works in the bodyCysteinyl leukotrienes are molecules released by cells like mast cells and eosinophils. When these molecules bind to specific receptors, they can cause symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis like bronchoconstriction, mucus production, and inflammation. Montelukast is a drug that binds to these receptors, blocking the molecules from causing these symptoms. This helps relieve asthma and allergic rhinitis.
When to interrupt dosage
The advised measure of Singulair is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, like Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm, inadequate response to conventional therapy and Hay Fever. The dose of dosage is subject to the administration form (e.g. Tablet, chewable or Granule - Oral) featured in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
inadequate response to conventional therapy
10.0 mg, 5.0 mg, , 4.0 mg, 0.04 mg/mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Hay Fever
10.0 mg, 5.0 mg, , 4.0 mg, 0.04 mg/mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm
10.0 mg, 5.0 mg, , 4.0 mg, 0.04 mg/mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (PAR)
10.0 mg, 5.0 mg, , 4.0 mg, 0.04 mg/mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Asthma
10.0 mg, 5.0 mg, , 4.0 mg, 0.04 mg/mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Warnings
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Singulair.Common Singulair Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Brigatinib
Major
The metabolism of Brigatinib can be decreased when combined with Montelukast.
Cabazitaxel
Major
The metabolism of Cabazitaxel can be decreased when combined with Montelukast.
Cyclophosphamide
Major
The metabolism of Cyclophosphamide can be decreased when combined with Montelukast.
Enasidenib
Major
The metabolism of Enasidenib can be decreased when combined with Montelukast.
Erlotinib
Major
The metabolism of Erlotinib can be decreased when combined with Montelukast.
Singulair Toxicity & Overdose RiskOverdosing on montelukast may cause abdominal pain, drowsiness, excessive thirst, headaches, vomiting, or hyperactivity. Tests have shown the lowest toxic dose in mice and rats is greater than 5000mg/kg. Montelukast should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, and elderly patients may have a longer half-life of the drug in their system.
Singulair Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Singulair?
148 ongoing trials are investigating the potential of Singulair to provide an adequate response to conventional therapy, Asthma and Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (PAR) treatment.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Hay Fever
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3
Asthma
160 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 4, Early Phase 1, Phase 3
inadequate response to conventional therapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (PAR)
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3
Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2
Singulair Reviews: What are patients saying about Singulair?
5Patient Review
2/22/2020 I've tried everything on the market for my condition, and this is by far the best option. I don't have any issues with depression, but there has been some occasional dizziness.
5Patient Review
6/1/2022 This pill has been a game-changer for me. I no longer have to rely on allergy medication, steroids, or shots.
4.7Patient Review
5/29/2020 Zyrtec didn't do much for me in terms of my seasonal allergies, but Singulair really worked wonders. I noticed a difference within a few days of taking it, and now I don't need to use my rescue inhaler at all.
4Patient Review
11/15/2020 While it hasn't been perfect, this drug has helped me. I haven't experienced any of the negative side effects that I've read about in other reviews. (I actually wonder if they are using this drug as a scapegoat for their issues). After years of taking this, a mix up with the pharmacy and needing a call to Dr for refill, I ended up not taking it for a couple weeks. I had lousy allergy/sinus crud that makes people look weird at you during this Covid19 snafu.
4Patient Review
6/22/2022 I began using Singulair yesterday and saw a significant difference in how clear my lungs felt. I was initially worried it was temporary, but after 24 hours I'm still feeling the same relief. This is really encouraging and has me excited for the future.
3.7Patient Review
5/11/2022 Singulair is effective for my allergies-induced asthma; however, it gives me terrible tooth pain. I've been to the dentist multiple times and they can't explain it. When I stopped taking Singulair, the pain went away after a few days; but as soon as I started again, the pain came back. So unfortunately, I have to say that I cannot take this medication.
3.3Patient Review
4/27/2021 I had some serious mood swings while taking this, to the point where I had to stop and start a few times. If you're susceptible to that sort of thing, be warned.
3Patient Review
11/26/2021 I've been taking this medication for over a year now, and I honestly can't tell if it's doing anything.
2.7Patient Review
2/7/2020 This provided excellent relief of my allergies and asthma, but the level of depression I experienced was really concerning. I felt like everything in my life was pointless, which is a shame because this otherwise would have been a great medication for me.
2.3Patient Review
9/20/2022 Singular worked for me while I was taking it, but I experienced some very intense and vivid nightmares. My physician just brushed it off when I told him, which wasn't particularly reassuring. Be warned that this medication can really mess with your head.
1Patient Review
1/3/2020 I had a really severe reaction to this drug in the form of hives. I even reported it to the FDA with pictures.
Patient Q&A Section about singulair
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What does Singulair do for you?
"This drug prevents leukotrienes, which are natural and can cause asthma and allergies, from making breathing difficult by reducing the inflammation in the airways."
Answered by AI
Is Singulair a steroid medication?
"Smith says
You can buy it under its brand name or as a generic. According to Dr. Smith, it blocks certainimmune pathways by preventing the body from making leukotrienes. These are chemicals that contribute to inflammation."
Answered by AI
Why was Singulair taken off the market?
"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced that it is requiring a boxed warning – the agency's most prominent warning – for montelukast (sold under the brand name Singulair and in generic form) to strengthen an existing warning about the risk of neuropsychiatric events associated with the drug. Montelukast is used to treat asthma and seasonal allergies.
The FDA is requiring a boxed warning – the agency's most prominent warning – for montelukast (sold under the brand name Singulair and in generic form) to strengthen an existing warning about the risk of neuropsychiatric events associated with the drug. Montelukast is used to treat asthma and seasonal allergies."
Answered by AI
Why do they recommend taking Singulair at night?
"Asthma symptoms are often worse at night, so Singulair is typically taken then. It usually starts working after the first dose, but some people don't notice a change for up to a week."
Answered by AI