Home : Unsafe Drugs : Singulair
Singulair Side Effects
| 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: |
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| Related topics: |
Singulair (Montelukast)
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.
