Singulair Side Effects

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

Singulair is a prescription respiratory medication that helps relieves the symptoms of asthma and allergies. It is approved for outdoor allergies in adults and children two and up, and for indoor allergies in adults and children as young as six months.^[1] Singulair fights allergy symptoms by blocking the action of substances in the body that cause the symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis.

For asthma, Singulair is FDA-approved for adults and children 12 months and older. Singulair helps prevent difficulty breathing, chest tightness, wheezing and coughing from the condition. Doctors also prescribe Singulair to prevent breathing difficulties during exercise.

Singulair is a leukotriene receptor antagonist, and blocks the action of natural substances called leukotrenes that cause the symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis. Although Singulair can control the symptoms, it will not cure these conditions.^[2]

Singulair can cause a variety of side effects, like fever, cough, sore throat, stomach pain and respiratory infection. In extreme cases, patients may experience changes in mental health like agitation, aggressive behavior, anxiety, irritability, unusual dreams, hallucinations, depression, insomnia, restlessness, sleep walking, and suicidal thoughts or actions.^{[2] [1]}

Contents 1 Common Singulair Side Effects 2 Drug Side Effects 3 Singulair Allergic Reactions 4 Singulair Precautions and Warnings 5 References

Common Singulair Side Effects

Singulair's most common side effects are headache, dizziness, heartburn, stomach pain, and tiredness. Some of Singulair's side effects can be more serious. The manufacturer recommends that patients contact a physician if they experience any of the following symptoms: difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; hoarseness, itching, rash, hives, fever, flu-like symptoms, pins and needles or numbness in the arms or legs, pain and swelling of the sinuses.

Other serious side effects include mood and behavior-related changes, such as agitation that can include aggressive or hostile behavior, troubling or vivid dreams, depression, anxiety, disorientation, hallucinations, irritability, restlessness, sleepwalking, suicidal thoughts and actions, tremor, and difficulty sleeping.^[2]

Drug Side Effects

Singulair Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions to Singulair can include, rash, itching, hives and swelling and the mouth. The manufacturer instructs any patients with a history of sensitivity (allergic or otherwise) to montelukast sodium, or to any of the other drug ingredients, not to take Singulair. The chewable tablets contain aspartame, which has phenylalanine and may cause reactions.^[1]

Singulair Precautions and Warnings

• The manufacturer recommends that patients speak with their physicians before taking Singulair if they are pregnant of planning to become pregnant.
• Singulair may not be safe for patients with history of liver disease.
• The chewable tablets have phenylalanine, which can be dangerous for those with phenylketonuria (PKU).
• Singulari can cause potentially dangerous interactions with a number of drugs and vitamins or supplements, including rifampin (found in Rifadin and Rimactane) and phenobarbital.
• Mental health changing in unexpected ways, such as a high degree of agitation, aggressive behavior, anxiety, irritability, unusual dreams, hallucinations, or depression.^[2]

Also See: Singulair Free Samples, Singulair Patient Assistance Programs, Singulair Coupons, Advair Free Samples, Pulmicort Free Samples

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4} https://www.singulair.com/montelukast_sodium/consumer/allergies/index.jsp?tcode=S266W&WT.mc_id=S266W
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3} http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000003/