montelukast-sodium

(Singulair)

This medicine is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for the prevention and long-term treatment of asthma. It is used to prevent asthma attacks caused by exercise and to relieve allergy symptoms (eg, itchy, runny, or stuffy nose; sneezing) in certain patients. This medicine works by blocking substances in the body called leukotrienes. Blocking leukotrienes improves asthma and seasonal or perennial allergy symptoms. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

CAUTIONS: DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product. THIS MEDICINE WILL NOT STOP AN ASTHMA ATTACK once one has started. IF YOU ARE ALSO USING A BRONCHODILATOR INHALER, be sure to always carry the inhaler with you to use during asthma attacks. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for specific advice on all drug therapy. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR PROMPTLY IF YOUR SYMPTOMS DO NOT IMPROVE or if they become worse while you are using this medicine. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR PROMPTLY if your short-acting inhaler use increases or if use exceeds the 24-hour maximum prescribed by the doctor. DO NOT STOP OR LOWER YOUR DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE or other asthma medicines without first checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including lung function, will be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more information. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. If your asthma is sensitive to aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (such as ibuprofen), continue to avoid those medicines as directed by your doctor. This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. SOME PATIENTS TAKING THIS MEDICINE HAVE DEVELOPED MENTAL OR MOOD CHANGES, including suicidal thoughts or actions. Contact the doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as agitation, aggression, hostility, anxiety, depression, strange dreams, trouble sleeping, sleepwalking, tremor, hallucinations, restlessness, irritability, or any unusual change in mood or behavior. Contact the doctor immediately if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU BECOME PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.