Is Singulair (Montelukast) an antihistamine is same?

What is Singulair (Montelukast)?

Singulair (Montelukast) is a leukotriene inhibitor (loo-koe-TRY-een). Leukotrienes are chemicals that your body releases when you breathe in an allergen (like pollen). These chemicals cause the lungs to swell and the muscles around the airways to contract, which can lead to asthma symptoms.

Singulair is used to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children aged 12 months and older. It is also used to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (narrowing of the airways in the lungs) in adults and children aged 6 years and older.

Singulair (Montelukast) is also used to treat symptoms of permanent (ongoing) allergies in adults and children aged 6 months and older. It is also used to treat seasonal allergy symptoms in adults and children aged 2 years and older.

Singulair (Montelukast) is used for allergies, only after other treatments have failed.

Use Singulair (Montelukast).

Singulair is prescribed to prevent symptoms of chronic asthma. In some people, this drug may even prevent exercise-induced asthma.

It is also used to treat allergic rhinitis (allergies). There are two main types of allergic rhinitis.

• Seasonal allergic rhinitis: Pollen from trees, grass, and weeds can cause seasonal allergic rhinitis. Seasonal allergies are generally most common in spring and summer when pollen levels are high. Symptoms can appear in the fall, especially in people who are allergic to weed pollen.

• Perennial allergic rhinitis: This form of allergic rhinitis causes symptoms year-round. The most common triggers are indoor allergens, dust mites, cockroaches, mold, and pet dander.

Off-label uses of Singulair

Off-label use of a prescription drug means that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the drug for that use, but it may still be an effective treatment.

Some healthcare providers use Singulair off-label to treat chronic urticaria (recurrent hives) or atopic dermatitis.

What are antihistamines and how do they work?

Antihistamines are a type of medication that treats allergy symptoms. These block histamine receptors on cells, reducing the body’s response to allergens.

An allergic reaction can cause symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, and itchy skin. Antihistamines can help reduce these symptoms.

A person experiences an allergic reaction when he comes into contact with a harmless substance that his body interprets as an invading pathogen.

Allergens are substances that trigger allergic reactions and include everything from pet dander and pollen to specific proteins found in foods.

When an allergen enters a person’s body or touches their skin, immune system cells release histamines, which bind to specific receptors located on cells throughout the body.

Once histamine binds to these receptors, it triggers several typical allergic reactions, such as the expansion of blood vessels and the contraction of smooth muscle tissue.

Antihistamines are a class of medications that treat allergy symptoms, motion sickness, and some cold and flu symptoms. Antihistamines block histamine H1 receptors.

Is Singulair an antihistamine?

Singulair (montelukast) is not an antihistamine. Singulair is a leukotriene receptor blocker. Leukotriene is a chemical that the body releases when exposed to an allergen such as pollen. When leukotriene is released, it binds to the receptor and causes inflammation, contraction of smooth muscles and accumulation of fluid in the airways. Taking Singular prevents these reactions from occurring by binding to receptors instead of leukotrienes.

What are the side effects of (Singulair) montelukast?

Montelukast is generally well tolerated. Some common side effects reported are headache, fever, sore throat, cough, and diarrhea.

What drugs should not be taken with Singulair (Montelukast)?

Montelukast is relatively safe when used with other drugs. However, people who are sensitive or allergic to aspirin should avoid NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen while taking montelukast.

Is it safe to take Singulair (montelukast) during pregnancy?

There is limited information available on the safety of using montelukast during pregnancy. Animal studies involving rats and rabbits have not shown an association between montelukast use and fatal harm, but birth defects have been reported in humans born to mothers taking montelukast with other asthma medications. For this reason, pregnant women should always discuss with their doctor the risks and benefits of taking montelukast during pregnancy. There is a registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women taking montelukast or other drugs.

Montelukast Warnings: What is the Singulair black box warning?

There is a black box warning to be aware of when taking montelukast. Agitation, aggression, depression, sleep disturbances, and suicidal thoughts/behaviors have been reported in people taking montelukast. Note any changes in behaviour that occur while taking this medication. If you experience a change in behaviour, stop taking montelukast and consult a doctor as soon as possible.

What happens if you take too much Singulair (montelukast)?

If you take too much montelukast, you are at greater risk of developing unwanted side effects. In some studies, a daily dose of up to 200 mg has been shown to be safe in adult patients. Another study analyzed montelukast exposure in children aged five years and younger and concluded that doses of up to 536 mg are unlikely to have serious side effects. Common side effects were drowsiness, agitation, nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting.