From the Guidelines
Singulair (montelukast) is a medication used to treat asthma and allergic rhinitis by blocking leukotrienes, which are chemicals that cause inflammation in the airways, and the standard dose for adults and adolescents 15 years and older is 10mg once daily, typically taken in the evening 1. The treatment for Montelukast (Singulair) involves taking the medication once daily, with the dose varying based on age:
- Adults and adolescents 15 years and older: 10mg once daily
- Children aged 6-14 years: 5mg once daily
- Children 2-5 years old: 4mg daily as chewable tablets or oral granules It's essential to continue taking Singulair even when symptoms improve, as it helps prevent future asthma attacks rather than treating acute episodes 1. Some key points to consider when using Singulair include:
- It works best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include other medications like inhaled corticosteroids
- Patients should not discontinue other asthma medications without consulting their healthcare provider, as Singulair is typically used as an add-on therapy rather than a replacement for other asthma controllers
- Singulair may cause side effects, including headache, digestive issues, and in rare cases, neuropsychiatric symptoms like mood changes or behavior disturbances 1 It's crucial to monitor patients for potential side effects and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. The medication can be taken seasonally or year-round depending on symptom patterns, and it's essential to follow the prescribed dosage and administration instructions to ensure optimal efficacy and safety. In terms of safety, Singulair has been shown to be generally well-tolerated, but patients should be aware of the potential risks and benefits associated with its use 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
SINGULAIR is prescribed for the treatment of asthma, the prevention of exercise-induced asthma, and allergic rhinitis: Asthma. SINGULAIR should be used for the long-term management of asthma in adults and children ages 12 months and older. Prevention of exercise-induced asthma. SINGULAIR is used for the prevention of exercise-induced asthma in patients 15 years of age and older. Allergic Rhinitis. SINGULAIR is used to help control the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, itching of the nose)
The treatment for Montelukast (Singulair) is:
- For asthma: once a day in the evening for long-term management in adults and children 12 months and older
- For prevention of exercise-induced asthma: at least 2 hours before exercise in patients 15 years of age and older
- For allergic rhinitis: once a day, at about the same time each day, to help control symptoms in adults and children 2 years and older (seasonal) or 6 months and older (perennial) 2
From the Research
Treatment Overview
The treatment for Montelukast (Singulair) is primarily focused on managing persistent asthma in patients aged 6 years and older.
- Montelukast is a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist used to treat persistent asthma, with a rapid onset of action 3.
- The recommended dose for adults and adolescents (aged 15 years and older) is 10 mg once daily, while children (aged 6 to 14 years) receive 5 mg once daily 4.
Efficacy and Safety
Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of montelukast in treating persistent asthma.
- Montelukast has been shown to improve lung function, reduce symptoms, and decrease the need for beta2-agonist use in adults and children with persistent asthma 3, 5.
- The frequency of adverse events in montelukast-treated patients is similar to that in placebo recipients, with no clinically relevant differences in individual adverse events 6.
- Montelukast has also been found to have glucocorticoid sparing properties, allowing for the reduction of inhaled corticosteroid dosages while maintaining clinical stability 3.
Quality of Life and Asthma Control
Montelukast has been found to improve quality of life and asthma control in patients with mild to moderate persistent asthma.
- A prospective, open-label, interventional study found that montelukast monotherapy significantly improved overall quality of life and asthma control in patients with mild to moderate persistent asthma 7.
- Montelukast has also been shown to improve symptoms, activity limitation, and environmental function, while reducing the need for beta2-agonist use and improving asthma control scores 7.