Singulair & Weight Loss

If exercise-induced asthma is interfering with your weight-loss efforts, your doctor may prescribe Singulair to help control your symptoms 2. Singulair is the brand name for a prescription drug called montelukast. This medicine comes in tablet, granule and chewable tablet forms. Always take Singulair exactly as directed by your doctor, and do not use it to treat a sudden attack of asthma symptoms.

Significance

Singulair helps to control your exercise-induced asthma symptoms by blocking cell receptors for leukotrienes, which are substances in your body that lead to inflammation and constriction of your airways. You take it regularly when symptoms are not present instead of taking it to combat an attack. If you miss your dose, do not double up the next day; simply resume your normal dosage schedule.

Considerations

Singulair should not be used as your sole treatment for exercise-induced bronchospasm. While Singulair can reduce the chronic airway inflammation that is the underlying cause of asthma, it is not effective for treating acute asthma attack symptoms. That’s why it’s important to use Singulair in conjunction with a bronchodilator, which can be used for acute symptoms.

Side Effects

Singulair side-effects do not include direct weight loss or weight gain 2. Side effects that may occur include:

• headache
  
• weakness
  
• tiredness
  
• trouble sleeping
  
• cough
  
• dizziness
  
• indigestion
  
• nausea or stomach upset
  
• a stuffy nose

Some of these side effects, such as tiredness or weakness, may interfere with the exercise regimen you use for weight loss. If such side effects are persistent, contact your doctor, recommend the experts at Drugs.com 3. Severe side effects also are possible. If you experience any you need immediate medical attention. These include

• an allergic reaction
  
• aggressive behavior or agitation
  
• chest pain
  
• hallucinations
  
• dark urine
  
• fever
  
• flu-like symptoms
  
• mood or mental changes
  
• new or worsening breathing problems
  
• severe sinus inflammation
  
• persistent stomach pain
  
• swelling
  
• unusual bruising or bleeding
  
• yellow skin or eyes
  
• swelling
  
• tremors
  
• an upper respiratory tract infection
  
• thoughts of suicide

Dosage and Considerations

The common dosage for Singulair is one 10-mg. tablet daily. If you are using it to control exercise-induced asthma, you need to take it at least two hours prior to exercising. If your doctor directs you to take it daily in the morning, do not take an extra dose prior to exercising. It can be taken either with or without food. Following your doctor’s directions exactly is extremely important, so talk to your physician or pharmacist if you do not understand them, recommend the experts at PubMed Health. An overdose may cause you to stop breathing.