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Singulair
Singulair (Montelukast) prescription available online
If you are suffering from asthma or bronchoconstriction, Singulair can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Singulair today from a board-certified primary care doctor online.*
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Reduces chronic asthma symptoms
Available as a tablet, chewable, and oral granules
Eases perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card.
About Singulair (Montelukast)
Singulair is considered a leukotriene receptor antagonist, which blocks the activity of certain chemicals in the body known as leukotrienes. This is a type of signaling molecule that the body naturally produces in the presence of inflammation. Some research has shown that leukotrienes can play a role in triggering symptoms related to asthma. There is also some evidence that suggests leukotrienes play a role in hay fever and similar sinus-related symptoms, too.
Like any leukotriene receptor antagonist, this medication can only be used for treating and preventing asthma, often as part of long-term treatment. The medication is often indicated for chronic asthma, but there are other use cases too. It is ineffective against an acute asthma attack because it will not produce immediate results. The medication usually takes around two hours to start working. This is why acute asthma symptoms should be treated with other medication, such as inhaled albuterol.
Some conditions that Singulair is known to treat include chronic asthma, exercise-induced asthma symptoms, seasonal allergic rhinitis, and perennial allergic rhinitis. Singulair is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation and under the name montelukast.
Singulair may be prescribed as a 5 or 10mg tablet, a 5 mg chewable tablet, or Singulair oral granules. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage that you are prescribed.
If you are prescribed Singulair, be sure to take it nightly as it does not work well as an as needed treatment and take as long as directed by your doctor.
Singulair uses
There are three FDA-approved uses for Singulair, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for any of the following common reasons. It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, ask your online doctor or pharmacist.
Chronic asthma
One of the primary uses for Singulair includes the treatment of chronic, or persistent, asthma. The medication has been approved by the FDA to be used as prophylaxis, which means it can effectively reduce asthma symptoms over a period of time, rather than serve as a rescue medicine as-needed for symptom control, or during asthma attacks.
Bronchoconstriction
Some patients treated with Singular use the medication to assist in preventing the development of bronchoconstriction, which can happen when they exercise. Exercise-induced asthma can result in symptoms including wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and a racing heartbeat. When the patient uses this medication to prevent asthma symptoms, they may take it about two hours before they know they will participate in an exercise routine. Within two hours, these asthma medications may help to reduce the risk of sudden asthma attacks while exercising.
Allergic rhinitis
The allergy medication Singulair may sometimes be used to help reduce the symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis and seasonal allergic rhinitis, whether or not someone has asthma as well (asthma and allergies, notably, are very related). Symptoms may include a stuffy or runny nose, itchiness, watery eyes, a sore throat, coughing, and nasal congestion. An allergy drug, montelukast, may be provided as a long-term treatment solution for these symptoms that the patient experiences. Often it is added along with a 2nd generation antihistamine such as Zyrtec (cetirizine). The medication will not help to treat severe allergic reactions but instead reduces the symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis or seasonal allergic rhinitis over time.
Singulair side effects
The side effects associated with taking Singulair are typically mild. Most Singulair side effects are associated with the respiratory tract. Singulair has some possible side effects. They may include:
Coughing
Diarrhea
Sore throat
Stomach pain
Ear pain (indication of an ear infection)
Sinus infection
Upper respiratory infection
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:Allergic reaction: Whether using Singulair to treat asthma or allergic rhinitis, there remains a risk of an allergic reaction to the chemicals that the medicinal uses. An allergic reaction to the montelukast that the drug uses can lead to serious side effects. This includes skin rashes, hives, difficulty breathing, and more.
Mental health complications: The FDA requires boxed warnings to be added to the medication due to potential dangers associated with its use. When using Singulair for seasonal allergic rhinitis or to help prevent asthma attacks, you should be aware of the very rare, but potential, mental health problems that may arise. The medication has been associated with hostility, agitation, confusion, and symptoms of anxiety. Depression, tremors, insomnia, and hallucinations have also been linked to the use of Singulair for both the treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis.
You should stop taking the medicine and call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. While there are cases where the medication is used in the treatment of children who show signs of asthma or allergy symptoms, parents need to be extra cautious about these potential side effects.
How to take Singulair Section
Your doctor will provide you with instructions on how to take your Singulair prescription.
Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Singulair can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. There are different instructions that may be provided depending on the condition that needs to be treated. The usage instructions for perennial allergic rhinitis, for example, are not the same compared to individuals who experience exercise-induced asthma.
You can also refer to the medication guide that comes with the drug. If you use it for exercise-induced asthma, you should take the drug about two hours before you will work out. This gives the drug an adequate amount of time to start working before you exercise. Those who use the drug for allergy symptoms, such as seasonal allergic rhinitis, may need to take one tablet every day. In this case, try to take the tablet, chewable tablets, or Singulair oral granules at the same time every day. This makes it easier to avoid a missed dose.
What to avoid while taking Singulair
Singulair has no officially reported drug interactions. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
It is important to ensure you do not use Singulair with other medications that also function as leukotriene modifiers. This includes Zyflo and Accolate, for example. When used together, the risk of neuropsychiatric events can significantly increase while taking Singulair. This is why medical providers may closely assess the medication you already use before they allow you to start taking Singulair.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is acceptable to consume alcohol while taking Singulair.
Medication alternatives to Singulair
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest another leukotriene modifier or an asthma medication in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Acute asthma attacks
Patients are unable to treat acute asthma attacks with the use of Singulair. In these cases, they need a faster-acting solution, which usually comes as an inhaler. These inhalers contain ingredients that help open the airways and relieve symptoms faster.
Salbutamol
Terbutaline
Qvar Redihaler (beclomethasone dipropionate) Budesonide and Formoterol (Symbicort)Pulmicort (budesonide)
Singulair prescription FAQs
How much does Singulair cost?
There is no fixed cost for Singulair. Instead, you must consider factors like the dosage of your prescription and the form. Generic will be much cheaper than brand name and contains the same active ingredients. Additionally, the number of tablets or granule packets included in your prescription will also impact the overall price you will pay. For example, a higher mg chewable tablet will cost more than a low-dose standard tablet. When you use Singulair to treat allergic rhinitis or asthma, make sure you understand that the cost of the medication can also differ among various pharmacies.
How can I refill my Singulair prescription?
Your doctor will provide you a recommend duration, usually 90 days or 3 months.
What should I avoid while taking Montelukast?
Make sure you do not give the drug to someone who is younger than one year of age. It is important to avoid the use of Montelukast sodium with other drugs that also work on the same molecules in your body. This can significantly increase the risk of side effects, such as an upper respiratory infection or mental health complications associated with the drug.
Why should Singulair be taken at night?
Singulair has a short half-life, meaning its strongest effects will be within the first 8 hours of use. Because many people living with asthma and allergies may be most affected at night, doctors recommend evening doses for the strongest effects during those hours.
Is it better to take Singulair in the morning or at night?
It depends on why you need to use Singulair. Sometimes, using medication at night for chronic treatment of asthma or allergic rhinitis is advised. If you want to use the drug to prevent asthma attacks while you exercise, then you have to ensure you take it two hours before your workout session. This reduces the risk of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.
How long does it take for Singulair to take full effect?
It usually takes around two hours for oral Singulair to start producing results. This accounts for the treatment of asthma and seasonal allergies, and other types of allergic rhinitis conditions.
Who should not take Singulair?
Do not take Singular if you have a history of neuropsychiatric events or suicidal thoughts. These are rare risks associated with the use of both Singular and generic forms.
What happens if I miss a dose of Singulair?
When you have a missed dose, it is important to consider when you need to take your next dose. If there is not a significant amount of time before your next dose, then do not take the missed dose. You should also not take more of the medicine on your next dose to make up. This can lead to more side effects.
What happens if I take too much Singulair?
If you take too many Singulair tablets or Singulair oral granules, then you may experience serious side effects. The leukotriene receptor antagonists may cause mental health problems and even increase the risk of suicidal thoughts. These risks are even more significant among pediatric patients.
3 simple steps to request your Singulair prescription today
Step 1
Book a Singulair prescription request appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Singulair prescription.
Talk with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up your Singulair prescription.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
How to talk to your doctor about Singulair (Montelukast):
At PlushCare, we prioritize clear communication to ensure you feel empowered to make informed decisions about your respiratory health. During your doctor appointment, our doctors will listen to your concerns and create a personalized approach to managing your allergies or asthma. Here are some questions that may be helpful to get started:
What is likely causing my breathing difficulties?
Is Singulair a suitable treatment option for me?
What are the potential side effects of Singulair?
Are other inhalers or allergy shots a possible treatment option for me?
Will Singulair be used with other medications to manage my asthma?
How long will I need to take it?
Are there any lifestyle changes I can make to manage my asthma symptoms outside of Singulair?
How will we track if Singulair is effectively working for me?
How often should I have follow up appointments to monitor my asthma?
Singulair prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Singulair prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
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$16.99/month
First month free
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Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Singulair prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
"SINGULAIR® (montelukast sodium) Tablets, Chewable Tablets, and Oral Granules." FDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Accessed October 16, 2023, https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/020829s051_020830s052_021409s028lbl.pdf.
"Singulair (montelukast) and All Montelukast Generics: Strengthened Boxed Warning Due to Restricting Use." U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Accessed October 16, 2023, https://www.fda.gov/safety/medical-product-safety-information/singulair-montelukast-and-all-montelukast-generics-strengthened-boxed-warning-due-restricting-use.
"Singulair." WebMD, WebMD LLC, Accessed October 16, 2023, https://www.webmd.com/allergies/singulair-leukotriene-inhibitors.
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.