Singulair (Montelukast Sodium)

Singulair is very effective in countering the attacks of asthma and it is also used in the treatment of related allergies concerned with the breathing and the nose. There are few other conditions which can be treated with this drug and the doctors recommend them according to their understanding of the situation. Montelukast will not be that effective on the already initiated asthma attack and it is more of a prevention kind of medication rather than a cure. Cysteinyl leukotriene receptor is initiated by the oral administration of Montelukast sodium and makes it the perfect leukotriene receptor antagonist. It is a monosodium salt with a complex chemical structure and the molecular weight of 608.18. The empirical formula is written as C35H35ClNNaO3S. Montelukast sodium is optically very active and is off-white to white in coloration. It is hygroscopic and amorphous chemical which is freely soluble in organic compounds like water, ethanol and methanol. However, it is absolutely insoluble in acetonitrile. The ingredient composition of each 10mg film-coated Singulair tablet consists of montelukast sodium (10.4mg) which is molar equivalent to 10mg of free acid. The other ingredients are croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose and lactose monohydrate. The thin coating of the tablet consists of yellow iron oxide, hydroxypropyl cellulose, titanium dioxide, carnauba wax, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and red iron oxide.

Recommendations

As it goes with any medicine, you will need to follow the strict directions given by your doctor. Making a point to read the patient leaflet carefully and have all your concerns clarified by the doctor or the pharmacist before starting with this medication. This medication is effective both before and after the food but in case of asthma treatment, it is to be taken once in the evening everyday. If you are treating hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis, it needs to be administered at the same time every day, which is in the mornings or in the evenings. If you’re treating both the above mentioned disorders, it is recommended to take the medicine in the evenings.