Why is singulair prescribed

This article takes a closer look at Singulair, including its uses and side effects. It also covers how it works differently than traditional medicine in treating allergic rhinitis. Doctors can prescribe Singulair to prevent and treat long-term asthma. In some people, the drug might even prevent exercise-induced asthma. Singulair can also relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis when other treatments don't help.

There are two main types of allergic rhinitis: seasonal and perennial year-round. Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds can trigger seasonal allergic rhinitis seasonal allergies. People with seasonal allergies will show symptoms around spring and summer every year. That's when pollen levels are high.

Other people might have perennial allergic rhinitis. This means they have allergies all year. Common triggers are indoor allergens: dust mites , cockroaches, mold, or animal dander. Doctors might prescribe Singulair for off-label use for some conditions. Off-label means the Food and Drug Administration FDA doesn't approve the drug for that use, but it can still be an effective treatment.

For example, some people use Singulair off-label to treat long-term urticaria hives. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include:. Allergic rhinitis can also affect other dimensions of your life. Research shows that that allergic rhinitis negatively impacts:. You can control allergic rhinitis by avoiding allergens or taking medicine. If you choose to take medicine, doctors recommend a step-up approach. That means that you'll start with a lighter medicine. Then, as symptoms get worse, your doctor might prescribe a different medicine.

Here's an example of a step-up approach that your doctor might recommend:. If you've tried other treatments for allergic rhinitis and they don't work, my doctor might prescribe Singulair. But it's usually not the first-line treatment. That's because it might cause mental health disturbances in some people. The benefits often don't outweigh the risks. In fact, the FDA usually recommends not using Singulair for allergic rhinitis, unless other treatments don't work.

Doctors often prescribe antihistamines or nasal steroid sprays to treat allergies, not Singulair. That's because Singulair might affect your mental health and isn't usually worth the risk. Cells in your body react to allergens by making a chemical called histamine. Some medicines that treat allergic rhinitis are antihistamines. These drugs block the effects of histamine. Histamine is a chemical that the cells in your body release to respond to allergens. Popular antihistamines include Claritin or Allegra.

Unlike these medicines, Singulair isn't an antihistamine. Instead, Singulair blocks another mediator of inflammation called leukotriene. By itself, Singulair isn't a great treatment for allergic rhinitis and asthma.

However, it can treat both diseases to some degree. That said, some people respond well to Singulair, and it may be the only medication they need to treat their allergies or asthma. Overall, Singular is a safe medicine but side effects may still occur. Some common negative effects are:. It can also prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm in adults and children aged 6 years or older. Doctors prescribe Singulair on a long-term basis to treat asthma , and it can help relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis , such as sneezing, stuffy and runny noses, and nasal itching.

Leukotrienes are fatty signaling molecules that the body produces when there is inflammation. They are thought to play a key role in triggering asthma and hay fever symptoms. When a person inhales asthma triggers, such as pollen, the body reacts by releasing leukotrienes. Leukotrienes cause swelling and redness in the lungs and airways. The muscles in the airways tighten, resulting in asthma symptoms, including:. The producers of Singulair advise taking the drug once a day , in the evening.

For people who are using Singulair to prevent exercise-induced asthma, it should be taken 2 hours before exercise. Keep a rescue inhaler on hand in case of a severe reaction.

People who are already taking a daily dose should not take an additional prevention dose. People taking Singulair to prevent asthma during physical activity should speak to their doctor before use. Singulair does not act fast enough to treat an asthma attack immediately, so do not use it to treat sudden asthma attacks.

Instead, use a rescue inhaler. These have a much quicker effect. Singulair has been linked to behavior and mood changes , including:. Children and younger people using the medication are particularly at risk of these side effects. In March , the FDA strengthened their warning about the adverse effects. The FDA also caution people not to stop taking Singulair without first discussing this with their healthcare provider. Less common side effects include a possible increase in certain white blood cells and a risk of inflamed blood vessels throughout the body.

Report any worsening asthma symptoms to a doctor. If Singulair triggers an allergic reaction , seek immediate medical assistance. Additionally, the medicine is given to treat seasonal allergies in adults and kids 2 years or older and year-round allergies in adults and kids 6 months or older.

This medicine is in a class of drugs called leukotriene receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of inflammatory chemicals in your body that cause allergy and asthma symptoms. The U. The chewable tablet may contain phenylalanine and could be harmful if you have phenylketonuria PKU.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, blisters, severe itching; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Tell your doctor right away if you have signs of blood vessel inflammation : flu-like symptoms, severe sinus pain, a skin rash, numbness or a "pins and needles" feeling in your arms or legs. Some people using montelukast have had new or worsening mental problems.

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have unusual changes in mood or behavior, such as:. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

If your asthma symptoms get worse when you take aspirin, avoid taking aspirin or other NSAIDs nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen Advil, Motrin , naproxen Aleve , celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

Use Singulair Montelukast exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Montelukast is not a fast-acting rescue medicine for asthma attacks. Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your medications are not working.

For exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, take a single dose at least 2 hours before exercise, and do not take another dose for at least 24 hours. Place the oral granules directly in your mouth and swallow, or mix them with applesauce, mashed carrots, rice, or ice cream.

The granules may also be mixed with baby formula or breast milk.