Singulair (montelukast sodium)
Singulair — another in a new class of drugs called leukotriene inhibitors — was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the long-term treatment of chronic asthma. This once-a-day pill offers a new weapon in the fight against asthma symptoms. And unlike other drugs in this class, this one can be taken by children as young as six years of age.
Is Singulair a good option for you or your child? Read what Dr. Stanley Szefler, director of medical pharmacology at the National Jewish Medical Research Center in Denver, has to say about this drug’s usefulness, side effects, and more.
Q:What is Singulair?
A: Montelukast sodium (Singulair) is a drug from Merck, which was approved by the FDA for preventing and treating chronic asthma. It’s not a steroid but belongs to a class of drugs called leukotriene inhibitors. These drugs act by blocking leukotrienes, chemicals that work to create asthma symptoms such as mucus production and airway constriction.
Singulair is for long-term control of asthma. It is not intended to relieve acute asthma episodes, which must still be treated with quick-relief medications like albuterol and others.
Q: What makes the introduction of Singulair so exciting?
dr.szefler: It’s taken by mouth, which can be easier than using an inhaler, and it’s taken only once daily, with or without food. In fact, it must be taken daily, even if symptoms are not present. The drug is taken in the evening, which can help with nighttime symptoms. Plus, studies show efficacy in children as young as six years old. (No other drug of this type has been studied on children younger than 12.) So it’s convenient, has a good safety profile, and can help children.
Q: Who can benefit from this drug?
A: In studies, the drug has been found to be helpful for people with mild to moderate persistent categories of asthma. Studies are ongoing for its usefulness in treating severe asthma, but no results are available yet.
Q: Are there any reasons not to take the drug?
A: Patients should not use the drug when they are having acute episodes of severe asthma.
Q: What are the side effects of Singulair?
A: There really aren’t any significant side effects. In studies, the only side effects exhibited were the same whether people were taking Singulair or a placebo. Those include headache, flu symptoms, and abdominal pain. As always, side effects will have to be monitored as the drug is used in larger populations.
note: According to Merck’s press release, the Singulair studies tested safety and efficacy in more than 3,000 adults and children (ages six to 14). The drug was found to decrease attacks, prevent daytime and nighttime symptoms, and reduce reliance on other asthma medications, such as quick-relief bronchodilators.
| Brand Name | Active Ingredient | |
| Singulair | Montelukast | Buy Singulair here |
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