Montelukast
(mon te LOO kast)
Definition | Special instructions | Missed dose | Side effects | Warning signs | Contact us
What is montelukast?
Montelukast (Singulair") is a medicine that is used in the treatment of mild to moderate asthma or seasonal allergies. It works by decreasing your child's immune system's ability to cause inflammation and tightness in the airways. It is available as a chewable tablet, tablet and oral granules.
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Special instructions
- This medicine is not intended to stop an acute asthma attack. Do not take for symptoms of wheezing and difficulty breathing.
- The chewable tablet contains phenylalanine.
- The oral granules can be given into the child's mouth or mixed with soft food. Do not mix oral granules in liquid, but your child may drink liquid after taking the dose.
- If the oral granules are mixed with food, give the dose to the child within 15 minutes of mixing with the food.
- This medicine can be taken with or without food.
- Inform your child's doctor about any other medicine that your child is taking, including over-the-counter and herbal medicines.
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your child's doctor. Do not stop taking it unless instructed to do so by your child's doctor, even if he/she is feeling better.
- Do not use after the expiration on the bottle or package.
- Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
- If too much medicine is taken by accident, call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC, 513-636-5111 or 1-800-222-1222), or call your child's doctor immediately.
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Missed dose
For any medication information related to your child's dosing schedule and/or missed doses, contact the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication.
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Common Side Effects
Call your child's doctor if symptoms persist or become bothersome:
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Stuffy nose
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Headache
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Warnings
Call your child's doctor immediately if the following occur:
- Tingling or numbness in your child's arms or legs
- Rash
- Severe pain or swelling of the sinuses
- Worsening asthma symptoms
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Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
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Written 7/03
Rev. 9/05, 8/07
