Montelukast Coupons & Savings Card – Discount Prices from $4.54

This medication, Montelukast (Singulair), carries several important safety warnings and precautions. It is crucial to understand these risks and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

• Mental Health Changes: Rarely, this medication may lead to significant mental or mood alterations. These can arise even after discontinuing the drug. Be vigilant for symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, abnormal dreams, depression, memory or attention difficulties, hallucinations, sleep disturbances, behavioral changes (e.g., aggression, hostility, restlessness, sleepwalking, suicidal thoughts or attempts). Immediate consultation with your doctor is advised if you or a caregiver/family member observes any of these symptoms.

• Asthma Attacks: Montelukast is not suitable for treating sudden asthma attacks. Always have a fast-acting inhaler available, especially if you frequently experience shortness of breath during physical activity. Consult your healthcare provider if your asthma symptoms persist or worsen while using this medication.

• High Eosinophil Levels: Some asthma patients might experience an increase in eosinophil counts, a type of white blood cell, when taking Montelukast. This could manifest as red patches, rashes, skin color changes on the lower legs, numbness, tingling, or worsening asthma symptoms. If you notice any of these signs, inform your healthcare provider as they may require further evaluation. This condition might be connected to a reduction in corticosteroid medication dosage.

• Phenylketonuria (PKU) and Chewable Tablets: Montelukast chewable tablets contain phenylalanine, part of the artificial sweetener aspartame. Individuals with PKU, a genetic disorder that causes phenylalanine to accumulate in the body, should avoid these tablets due to the risk of severe complications from phenylalanine ingestion.

Always communicate with your healthcare professional regarding the benefits and risks of this medication, and ensure to follow their guidance closely.

Common side effects:

• Headaches
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Sinus inflammation
• Heartburn
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

Less common but important to monitor:

• Nosebleeds
• Rashes
• Ear infections
• Eye infections
• Stomach infections
• Lung infections

Serious side effects:

• Numbness in the limbs
• Tingling in the limbs
• Shooting pain in the limbs
• Sinus pain or swelling
• Muscle weakness
• Uncontrolled movements
• Changes in speech like stuttering
• Mental health changes
• Distress
• Aggressive behavior
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Vivid dreams
• Hallucinations
• Memory issues
• Restlessness
• Suicidal thoughts
• Allergic reactions
• Rash
• Itching
• Swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
• Severe dizziness
• Difficulty breathing

When taking montelukast, it's important to be aware of potential interactions with other medications, as these can affect how well montelukast works or increase the risk of side effects. Here are some notable interactions:

Antiepileptic Drugs: Medications like Carbamazepine and Phenytoin, used to control seizures, can speed up the breakdown of montelukast in the body. This may reduce montelukast's effectiveness. If you're prescribed these drugs alongside montelukast, your doctor may monitor your response closely and adjust treatments as necessary.

Antibiotics: Rifampin, an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis and other infections, can also accelerate the metabolism of montelukast, potentially making it less effective. Your healthcare provider might suggest alternative treatments or monitor your condition more closely if you're taking both medications.

Blood Thinners: Warfarin, a medication that prevents blood clots, may have its effectiveness reduced when taken with montelukast. This is because montelukast can increase the activity of certain enzymes that help remove warfarin from the body. Regular blood tests may be needed to ensure warfarin is working properly if you're using both drugs.

Herbal Supplements: St. John's Wort, a common herbal remedy for depression, can decrease montelukast levels in the body, potentially reducing its effectiveness. It's advisable to inform your doctor about any herbal supplements you're taking.

Other Medications: Certain drugs that affect liver enzymes, such as Phenobarbital and rifampin, may reduce montelukast's effectiveness by increasing its breakdown. Conversely, medications like Gemfibrozil can increase montelukast levels, potentially leading to more side effects. Always discuss all medications you're taking with your healthcare provider to manage these interactions appropriately.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): While montelukast can improve airway function in individuals with Aspirin sensitivity, it does not prevent bronchoconstriction caused by aspirin or other NSAIDs. Therefore, patients with known aspirin sensitivity should continue to avoid these medications while taking montelukast.

Phenylketonuria (PKU): The chewable tablet form of montelukast contains aspartame, which is a source of phenylalanine. Individuals with PKU should consider this when choosing their medication form.

To minimize the risk of interactions, always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you're currently using before starting montelukast. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific health needs.