Instructions for Use of Singulair

Singulair (montelukast) is a medication approved by the FDA to treat asthma and seasonal allergies. It comes in different formulations and is approved for both adults and children as young as age 2. A nonsteroidal medication, Singulair works by blocking leukotrienes, which are implicated in triggering asthma and allergy attacks. Each formulation of the medication has its own dosing instructions, which must be followed for maximum effectiveness and safety.

Dosing for Adults

• Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not alter the dosage. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

  Singlular is normally taken once a day, typically in the evening, to treat asthma and allergies. Take the medication two hours before exercising if it was prescribed to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, but do not take another dose within 24 hours.

Dosing for Children

• A physician may prescribe the chewable tablet formulation of Singulair to older children. The chewable tablet follows the same dosing schedule as the adult tablet for asthma, allergies and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. The tablet must be completely chewed before swallowing. As with the adult dosage, follow the physician's instructions exactly.

Dosing for Infants

• Oral granules may be prescribed to young children to treat allergies. These granules can be placed directly in the child's mouth or mixed with applesauce, rice, ice cream or mashed carrots. The granules may also be mixed with one teaspoon of formula or breast milk, but not with any other liquids. The child may have other liquids before or after taking the medicine.

  Oral granules must be used within 15 minutes after opening or mixing Do not save mixed medicines or open packets.

Cautions

• Do not take Singulair for an asthma attack in progress; it will not work fast enough to relieve symptoms. Instead, use a "rescue" inhaler.

  Take or administer a missed dose as soon as you or your child remembers it. However, if it is close to another scheduled dosing, skip the missed dose, take the next dose and stay on the dosing schedule. Do not take extra medication to make up for skipped doses.