Singulair (montelukast)

Singulair is a prescription medicine that helps prevent asthma symptoms and treat certain allergy symptoms over time. It is taken by mouth and works differently than inhaled therapies. This page explains key uses, label-based dosing concepts, safety warnings, and practical handling details for Ships from Canada to US access, including options for people without insurance.

What Singulair Is and How It Works

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Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA; blocks inflammatory signaling molecules called leukotrienes). Leukotrienes can contribute to airway swelling, mucus, and tightening of the bronchial tubes in asthma, and they can also play a role in nasal symptoms from allergies. By blocking leukotriene signaling, this medicine may reduce day-to-day symptoms and help prevent flare-ups when taken consistently.

This treatment is not an inhaled corticosteroid and it is not designed to relieve sudden breathing trouble. For acute bronchospasm, clinicians typically rely on fast-acting “rescue” inhalers rather than an oral controller. Montelukast may be prescribed alone or alongside other long-term therapies depending on the person’s diagnosis and symptom pattern. With US shipping from Canada, the dispensed product may arrive with Canadian pharmacy labeling in addition to manufacturer packaging.

Who It’s For

This medicine is commonly used for long-term management of asthma and for relief of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) symptoms. Some clinicians also use it to help prevent exercise-related bronchoconstriction in people who get predictable symptoms with activity. For condition-specific browsing, see the Asthma Medications and Allergic Rhinitis Hub collections.

Singulair is not intended to treat a sudden asthma attack. People with rapidly worsening breathing, chest tightness, or wheeze need urgent assessment and an appropriate rescue plan. This drug is also not suitable for anyone with a known hypersensitivity to montelukast or any component of the formulation. Extra caution is often used when there is a history of mental health symptoms, since neuropsychiatric reactions have been reported with this class.

Why it matters: The right role for montelukast depends on the diagnosis and symptom pattern.

Dosage and Usage

Prescribers follow the product labeling and clinical guidelines to select a schedule based on the indication and the formulation dispensed. In many cases, montelukast is taken once daily, and consistent daily use is emphasized for ongoing symptom prevention. For exercise-related symptoms, labeling describes taking a dose ahead of activity (often at least a few hours before), but the prescriber’s directions remain the reference point.

Singulair tablets are swallowed whole, while other formulations (such as chewables or oral granules) have specific administration directions on the package insert. Some products can be taken with or without food, though timing guidance may differ by formulation. If a dose is missed, labeling commonly advises taking the next dose at the usual time rather than doubling.

• Daily controller use: taken regularly as directed.
• Exercise-related prevention: timed before planned activity.
• Missed dose handling: avoid double dosing.

For additional condition context and general respiratory education, browse Respiratory Articles.

Strengths and Forms

Montelukast is available in multiple oral forms that may include standard tablets, chewable tablets, and oral granules. The specific strength and presentation can differ by country and by age group, and not every option is available through every pharmacy at all times. Product appearance can also vary between manufacturers when a generic substitution is used.

In practice, the “generic name for montelukast” is the drug name itself (montelukast), while Singulair is the brand name. When a generic is dispensed, the active ingredient is the same, but excipients (inactive ingredients) and tablet markings may differ. Anyone with ingredient sensitivities should confirm excipients on the package labeling and with the dispensing pharmacy.

Storage and Travel Basics

Oral montelukast products are typically stored at controlled room temperature in a dry place, protected from excess heat and moisture. Keep the medicine in its original packaging until use, because blister packs and bottles help protect tablets or granules from humidity. Avoid storing medication in bathrooms, cars, or other areas with frequent temperature swings.

For travel, keep the medication in carry-on luggage when flying and retain the pharmacy label for identification. If multiple medicines are used for respiratory disease, a written medication list can reduce confusion during urgent care visits. For people who use both oral and inhaled therapies, separating them into clearly labeled containers may help prevent mix-ups.

Quick tip: Keep a photo of the label and DIN/NDC details for reference.

Side Effects and Safety

Common side effects reported with montelukast can include headache, stomach discomfort, cough, or upper-respiratory symptoms, though not everyone experiences these effects. Serious reactions are uncommon but important to recognize. These may include allergic reactions (such as swelling, rash, or trouble breathing) and other significant changes that warrant prompt clinical review.

Licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense medications and include required counseling materials when applicable.

Neuropsychiatric warning (mood and behavior changes)

Regulators have highlighted neuropsychiatric events with montelukast, including agitation, anxiety, depression, abnormal dreams, insomnia, and rare reports of suicidal thinking or behavior. These events can occur in adults and children, and they may start soon after initiation or later during treatment. Because allergy and asthma symptoms can overlap with sleep disruption and fatigue, clinicians often consider the overall pattern and timing of symptoms. New or worsening mood, behavior, or sleep changes should be discussed with a healthcare professional promptly.

Singulair may be used for allergic rhinitis, but many guidelines recommend reserving it for situations where other options are not adequate or not tolerated, particularly because of the mental health warning. The prescribing clinician can weigh expected benefit against risk based on the condition being treated and the individual’s history.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Montelukast has relatively few major drug interactions compared with many other chronic therapies, but clinically meaningful interactions can still occur. Certain enzyme-inducing medicines may reduce montelukast exposure, while other drugs may increase it. A complete medication review should include prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and supplements.

Caution is also relevant for specific formulations. Some chewable products may contain aspartame, which matters for people with phenylketonuria (PKU; a condition requiring phenylalanine restriction). Liver problems are not common with this drug, but unexplained fatigue, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin should be evaluated. Alcohol does not have a well-established direct interaction, yet it can worsen sleep and mood symptoms that overlap with the neuropsychiatric warning.

• Medication list: include supplements and OTC products.
• Formulation details: check sweeteners and dyes.
• New symptoms: document timing and changes.

For broader mental health awareness resources, see World Mental Health Day.

Compare With Alternatives

Choice of therapy depends on diagnosis (asthma versus allergic rhinitis), severity, and whether symptoms are intermittent or persistent. Montelukast is one non-inhaled controller option, but it is not a replacement for rescue treatment in acute bronchospasm. Some people use it alongside inhaled therapies as part of a clinician-directed plan.

Common alternatives or add-on options include inhaled corticosteroids (controller anti-inflammatories), combination inhalers that include a corticosteroid plus a long-acting bronchodilator, and short-acting bronchodilators for quick relief. For examples of inhaled options on the site, see Symbicort Inhaler (a combination controller) and Ventolin HFA Inhaler (a rescue bronchodilator). Nasal sprays and oral antihistamines are also widely used for allergic rhinitis symptoms.

Singulair may be considered when a clinician wants an oral option, when inhaler technique is a barrier, or when exercise-related symptoms are prominent. Decisions should be based on the official label and clinical assessment rather than switching therapies without prescriber input.

Pricing and Access

Coverage varies by insurance plan, and out-of-pocket costs can differ between brand and generic montelukast products. For some people, a cash-pay pathway can be relevant when coverage is limited or unavailable. A broader overview of practical strategies is available in Low Income Prescription Help.

Cash-pay access is available for people without insurance through our partner pharmacies.

Singulair requires a valid prescription, and documentation requirements can depend on the medication and destination. If a promotion is available for eligible items, it will be listed on Current Promotions. Selection can vary over time, and eligibility rules may apply.

Authoritative Sources

For official U.S. labeling and boxed warning context, consult the FDA drug labeling database.

For patient-friendly safety and use summaries, review MedlinePlus montelukast information.

To start a request on CanadianInsulin, create an account, upload the prescription, and select prompt, express, cold-chain shipping when available.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.