Singulair (Montelukast) – Quick Guide

If you’ve been prescribed Singulair, you probably wonder why a tablet can help with asthma or allergies. In short, Singulair contains montelukast, a medicine that blocks chemicals called leukotrienes. Those chemicals make the airways swell and tighten, leading to wheezing, coughing, or sneezing. By stopping them, Singulair keeps breathing smoother and reduces allergy flare‑ups.

What is Singulair and How It Works

Montelukast belongs to a class called leukotriene receptor antagonists. Think of leukotrienes as tiny messengers that tell your lungs to tighten up after exposure to pollen, dust or cold air. When you take Singulair, it sits on the receptors that these messengers try to use, essentially putting a “do not disturb” sign on them. The result is less inflammation, fewer night‑time asthma attacks, and milder allergy symptoms.

Unlike inhalers that deliver medicine directly into your lungs, Singulair works systemically – you swallow it once daily and the drug spreads through your bloodstream. This makes it handy for people who need steady control without carrying an inhaler all day.

When to Use It and Dosage Basics

You’ll usually hear Singulair recommended for three groups: adults with asthma, kids (often 6 months to 12 years) with allergic rhinitis, and people who have both conditions. Your doctor will decide the right dose based on your age and how severe your symptoms are.

Typical dosing looks like this:

• Adults and children 12 years or older: one 10 mg tablet each evening.
• Children 6‑11 years: usually a 5 mg chewable tablet once daily.
• Kids under 6 months: Singulair isn’t generally prescribed.

Take it at the same time every day, preferably in the evening. Eating doesn’t affect how well it works, so you can have it with or without food.

If you miss a dose, just take it as soon as you remember—unless it’s almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Don’t double‑up.

Most people feel the benefit within a few days, but full control of asthma may take a couple of weeks. Keep track of how you breathe, note any changes, and let your doctor know if symptoms don’t improve.

Like any drug, Singulair can cause side effects. The most common are headache, stomach pain, or a mild rash. Serious reactions such as mood swings, depression, or allergic swelling are rare but need immediate medical attention.

Because of those rare mood‑related concerns, doctors now ask about mental health history before starting Singulair, especially in teens and adults with prior depression. If you notice sudden sadness, anxiety, or thoughts of self‑harm, call your healthcare provider right away.

Overall, Singulair is a convenient option for long‑term control of asthma and allergies. It’s not meant for quick relief during an attack—keep a rescue inhaler handy for that purpose.

Remember to store the tablets in a cool, dry place and keep them out of reach of children. If you travel abroad, bring enough supply for the whole trip; some countries have stricter rules on importing prescription meds.

Got more questions? Talk to your pharmacist or doctor. They can confirm whether Singulair fits your health plan and answer any doubts about interactions with other medicines you might be taking.