What Are the Side Effects of Singulair?
Singulair is a medication used to treat symptoms of asthma and allergy. The effects are not immediate. Children and adults can use Singulair, and it is only available by prescription. The medication blocks the release of a chemical called leukotriene that causes runny nose, wheezing, sniffles and other allergy and asthma symptoms. Unfortunately, the same symptoms that Singulair treats can also become unwanted side effects.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Most Common Side Effect
Some Singulair side effects are more common than others. Headache was the most frequently reported side effect experienced by adults in clinical trials, according to MedTV 1. Researchers compare side effects when testing drugs by providing one group with medications and the other with placebo. Headache was reported in 18.4 percent of individuals given the medication.
- Some Singulair side effects are more common than others.
- Headache was the most frequently reported side effect experienced by adults in clinical trials, according to MedTV 1.
Less Frequent Side Effects
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A small number of patients (4.2 percent) complained of flu-like symptoms when given Singulair, according to MedTV 1. Abdominal pain occurred 2.9 percent of the time, and cough in 2.7 percent of individuals. Heartburn is also listed as a side effect of the medication.
Other Side Effects
All of these were reported in adults. Tonsillitis has been reported as a side effect of Singulair in children, as has chickenpox, sinus infection and pink eye.
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Serious side effects can occur with Singulair and should be immediately reported to your physician. Symptoms that seem worse related to asthma and allergy when taking Singulair require immediate attention. Many medications can affect the liver. Signs of liver damage include:
- yellow eyes
- skin
- abdominal pain
- bruising
- nausea
- fatigue
- dark or orange-looking urine
Tell you doctor about other medications you are taking. Singulair can interact with some anticonvulsant medications and sedatives. Your physician will decide whether you are at risk for side effects or drug interactions from Singulair.
- Serious side effects can occur with Singulair and should be immediately reported to your physician.
- Your physician will decide whether you are at risk for side effects or drug interactions from Singulair.
Prevention/Solution
The best way to know if you are having a side effect from taking Singulair is to discuss your concerns with your doctor. Even if a side effect is not listed, it is important to remember that not feeling well can be a sign that something else is wrong. Never dismiss your symptoms as something you should learn to live with. The most alarming side effect of Singulair is allergic reaction, which includes rash, swelling, itching, hives, shortness of breath and wheezing.include:
- The most alarming side effect of Singulair is allergic reaction
- which includes rash
- swelling
- itching
- hives
- shortness of breath
- wheezing
- The best way to know if you are having a side effect from taking Singulair is to discuss your concerns with your doctor.
- Even if a side effect is not listed, it is important to remember that not feeling well can be a sign that something else is wrong.
Related Articles
References
- MedTV
- Merck & Co., Inc. Patient Information: Singulair. Updated February 2019.
- Sirois P. Leukotrienes: One step in our understanding of asthma. Respir Investig. 2019;57(2):97-110. doi:10.1016/j.resinv.2018.12.003
- Merck & Co., Inc. Singulair (Montelukast Sodium).
- Winkel JS, Damkier P, Hallas J, Henricksen DP. Treatment with motelukast and antidepressive medication-a symmetry analysis. Pharmacoedpidemiol Drug Saf. 2018;27(12):1409-15. doi:10.1002/pds.4638
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Writer Bio
Kathleen Blanchard is a registered nurse, with more than 10 years of experience in cardiovascular health, emergency room and ICU. She writes professionally for Emaxhealth.com. and AskMen.com. Blanchard is currently employed as a senior case manager and has held certification as a critical care registered nurse (CCRN), advanced trauma life support (ATLS), and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS).