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Singulair
Singulair is an asthma medication that acts by being a leukotriene inhibitor. Leukotrienes are chemicals the body releases when one breathes in an allergen (such as pollen). These chemicals cause swelling in the lungs and tightening of the muscles around airways, which can result in asthma symptoms. Singulair is proscribed to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children as young as 12 months old. It is also used to relieve runny nose and sneezing caused by allergies in adults and children as young as 6 months old.
In March 2008, reports emerged linking Singulair to increased suicidal thoughts among patients taking the medication. On March 27th, 2008, the FDA announced it was reviewing a possible connection between Singulair and suicidal behavior in adults and children, after receiving reports of mood and behavior changes, suicidal thinking and suicide in patients who had taken the drug. The FDA has recommended that until further information is available, health care professionals and caregivers should monitor patients taking Singulair for any suicidal behaviors or thoughts. Upon the completion of the investigation, the FDA will give its recommendation as to whether Singulair should continue being proscribed to asthma and allergy sufferers.
Fast Facts
| Name: | Singulair |
| Generic: | Montelukast |
| Manufacturer: | Merck |
| Date approved: | February 20, 1998 |
| Status: | Prescription only, approved status being reviewed by the FDA |
| Approved uses: | Preventative treatment of asthma and seasonal allergies |
| Off-Label uses: | None |
| Side effects: | Stomach pain, stomach or intestinal upset, heartburn, tiredness, fever, stuffy nose, cough, flu, upper respiratory infection, dizziness, headache, rash, possible connection to increased suicidal thoughts |
| Related topics: |
Singulair FDA Warnings - Possible Connection to Suicidal Thoughts
Singulair, generically known as montelukast sodium, is a medication manufactured and distributed through the pharmeceutical conglomerate Merck and Co. It is used primarily for the prevention and... read more
Singulair Side Effects and Background
Singulair is known chemically as montelukast, a leukotriene receptor (which may be responsible for a number of the effects of asthma and allergies) antagonist (LTRA) used for the continual treatment... read more
View the Singulair Main Articles page here
FDA Information Related to Singulair
FDA Statement on Foodborne E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak in Spinach--Update: Wednesday, October 4, 2006
December 2006 Monthly Safety Labeling
View the Singulair FDA Information page here
MSN Newsfeeds Related to Singulair
Ignorance isn’t bliss, but it is reason to sell
Mild Persistent Asthma — Polling Results
View the Singulair MSN Newsfeeds page here
News Articles Related to Singulair
Schering-Plough Reports Financial Results for Second Quarter of 2008
Schering-Plough Reports Financial Results for Second Quarter of 2008
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Wikipedia Entries Related to Singulair
View the Singulair Wikipedia Entries page here
Books Related to Singulair
Rofecoxib, Montelukast Combo Cut Migraines.(Brief Article): An article from: Family Practice News
View the Singulair Books page here
