Singular for children: instructions for use

Every parent wants to make sure their child receives the best care possible and the safest options available. A common medication prescribed for allergies and asthma is singular; many parents come across this kind of option.

Having a thorough understanding of Singular’s operation, how to use it correctly, and potential side effects can help you make wise decisions regarding your child’s health. This handbook offers useful information to boost your confidence when administering this medication.

When your child is taking Singular, it’s critical to understand the proper dosage, any potential side effects, and any precautions to take. Let’s examine the important considerations for using Singular with young learners.

Instruction	Explanation
Understand their perspective	Children have unique viewpoints. Listen carefully to what they say and how they feel.
Encourage independence	Allow children to try things on their own, but be there to guide them if needed.
Use simple language	When explaining something, keep it easy to understand and age-appropriate.
Set clear boundaries	Children need to know what is allowed and what isn’t. Be consistent with rules.
Be patient	Learning takes time. Give children space to grow at their own pace without rushing.

Singular helps treat allergies and asthma by decreasing airway inflammation, so it’s important to follow the doctor’s instructions when using it on children. Always make sure the dosage is right, keep an eye on your child’s progress, and be mindful of any potential negative effects. Singular can be a useful component of your child’s treatment plan, but it’s crucial to regularly speak with your doctor to make sure it’s appropriate for their needs.

Release form and composition

The singular is only generated in solid state. Chewable tablets and coated tablets are the two types of medication. There are no syrup, ampoules, drops, capsules, or suspension forms of this medication available. Singulair comes in packs of 1, 2, or 4 blisters (containing 7 to 28 tablets) and is packaged in blisters of seven pieces for each type of medication.

1. Chewable tablets containing 4 mg of montelukast have a pink tint and an oval shape. On one side of such a product you can see MSD 71.
2. Chewable tablets, in which montelukast is contained in a dose of 5 mg, are also pink, but they are round and have the inscription MSD 275.
3. Tablets, which are released in a shell, contain the most active ingredient – 10 mg of montelukast in each. Their shell has a light cream color, and the shape of such a drug is square with rounded corners. On one side of such tablets there is a mark MSD 117.

The same ingredients are used in chewable tablets in both dosages: mannitol, hyprolose, magnesium stearate, red iron oxide, and MCC. In addition, aspartame, sodium crosscarmellose, and cherry flavoring are included in this version of Singulair.

The nucleus of the tablets that must be swallowed also contains magnesium stearate, gipolosis, crosscarmallosis of sodium, MCC, lactose in the form of monohydrate, and montelukast. Such a singular’s shell is composed of hypromallosis, carnautian wax, giplose, titanium dioxide, and yellow and red iron oxides.

The principle of action

A class of investments known as "leukotrienne receptor antagonists" is represented by montelukast. Leukotrienes are highly potent inflammatory mediators; they are substances that mast cells and eosinophils release in reaction to allergens or an inflammatory response.

Following their release, they bind to unique receptors known as cysteinyl leukotriens, which are found in the bronchial tree’s smooth muscles as well as in macrophages, eosinophils, and other cells. The development of the clinical symptoms of bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis is largely attributed to leukotrienes.

An attack of bronchial asthma is caused by them binding to receptors in the respiratory tract, which causes bronchial spasm, an increase in mucus secretion, and increased vessel permeability. If the patient has an allergic form of rhinitis, leukotrienes are released from the mucous membrane cells following exposure to the allergen, which causes the disease’s symptoms to manifest.

Montelukast has the ability to bind to leukotriene receptors while leaving intact other significant respiratory tract receptors, such as prostaglandin, cholinergic, and adrenergic receptors. Because of this interaction, the medication prevents leukotrienes from having their effects. In terms of treatment, this stops bronchospasm from forming in asthma patients and also aids in the eradication of allergic rhinitis and asthma attacks.

Furthermore, the medication improves external respiratory indicators (minute volume, respiratory rate, lung capacity).

Given that montelukast is rapidly absorbed from the tablet when taken and reaches its peak blood concentration in two to three hours, Singulair’s bioavailability is regarded as high. The material binds to blood-circulating proteins almost entirely. Within five days, montelukast leaves the human body through feces following metabolic changes in the liver cells.

Indications

Given the unique way that the medication works, Singulair is in high demand:

• for allergic rhinitis in order to eliminate the daytime symptoms of such a runny nose and its nighttime manifestations;
• for bronchial asthma to reduce the frequency of bronchospasms, including during physical exertion and at night;
• as a prophylactic agent preventing allergic rhinitis and asthma attacks.

If an allergic reaction is the cause of the enlarged tonsils, some ENT doctors may recommend Singulair for adenoids.

From what age is it approved for use in children?

Singulair should not be administered to children younger than two years old. Simultaneously, the active ingredient can only be administered as 4 mg chewable tablets to the youngest patients. Five milligram chewable tablets are prescribed starting at age six, while coated tablets are only permitted starting at age fifteen.

Contraindications

Children who have been diagnosed as having an intolerance to montelukast or another ingredient in the medication shouldn’t take it. Patients with phenylketonuria should not take the chewable tablet form as it contains aspartame.

The coated tablets’ lactose content dictates that this version of Singulair is not recommended for patients with glucose-galactose malabsorption or lactase deficiency, in addition to children who are lactose intolerant.

Side effects

Singulair is generally well tolerated, and its side effects are usually mild and do not require the patient to discontinue treatment, based on reviews from doctors and test results.

Tablets sporadically lead to:

• allergic reaction, such as urticaria, rash or anaphylaxis;
• nausea, diarrhea and other dyspeptic symptoms;
• increased activity of liver enzymes;
• joint or muscle pain;
• enuresis;
• fatigue;
• depression, disorientation, memory problems, aggression and other mental disorders;
• increased tendency to bleeding and hematomas, such as nosebleeds;
• increased risk of respiratory infections;
• drowsiness, paresthesia, dizziness;
• swelling;
• increased heart rate.

It is crucial to let the doctor know if any of these symptoms develop after the first dose or after taking Singulair for a while so he can choose an alternative course of treatment.

Instructions for use

One dose of the medication is required daily, ideally in the evening. Its intake is unaffected by diet. The patient’s age determines the drug’s dosage:

• children 2-5 years old are given 1 chewable tablet containing 4 mg of montelukast;
• a child 6-14 years old is prescribed 1 chewable tablet containing 5 mg of montelukast;
• a teenager 15 years of age and older needs to swallow 1 coated tablet containing 10 mg of montelukast.

The doctor decides how long to take the medication in each case. For example, bronchial asthma patients take the medication for several months.

Overdose

Research has shown that montelukast negative effects are limited to very high dosages (more than 1000 mg daily). The symptoms of such a severe overdose include thirst, headaches, nausea, and abdominal pain. This illness is treated with symptomatic medications.

Drug interactions

Singulair works well with a wide range of bronchial asthma medications. It is frequently used in conjunction with bronchodilators or inhaled glucocorticoids.

Terms of sale

With a prescription, Singulair in any form is available for purchase. One package of fourteen tablets costs between 900 and 1100 rubles.

Storage conditions

Singulair chewable tablets have a two-year shelf life, while tablets in a shell have a three-year shelf life. The medication should be stored at room temperature (+15 +30) in a dry place at home until the expiration date written on the package.

It is important to store the product so that young children cannot easily access it.

Reviews

Parent reviews of Singulair use are generally positive. Mothers report that the medication relieved their bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis, and that it also decreased the chance of bronchospasm, disease aggravation, or the development of bronchitis from ARVI.

The medication’s non-hormonal makeup and daily single dose are among its benefits. The majority of parents view the drug’s high cost as a drawback.

Dr. Komarovsky"s opinion

According to a well-known physician, Singulair is a potent anti-allergic medication that can stop bronchospasm and lessen the need for glucocorticoids or medications that dilate the bronchi. In his practice, the pediatrician prescribes it to small patients who have mild bronchial asthma or allergic rhinitis.

He affirms that this medication has been the subject of numerous controlled trials, demonstrating its capacity to alleviate bronchial asthma symptoms, lower the frequency of acute episodes, and lessen hypersensitivity to allergens that affect the respiratory system.

Nonetheless, the well-known physician alerts parents to the fact that Singulair should not be administered to children without a prescription due to certain administration features and contraindications. Additionally, a full diet, frequent walks, and regular ventilation are necessary in addition to this remedy, according to Komarovsky, for ARVI and cough.

Furthermore, Singulair is not intended to treat an asthma attack, so the mother needs to have a bronchospasm-relieving emergency drug on hand.

Adhere to your healthcare provider’s dosage instructions when administering Singular to children. This lessens the possibility of any unfavorable side effects and ensures the medication functions as intended.

Singular can be useful in controlling the symptoms of allergies and asthma, but it’s crucial to keep an eye on your child’s reaction to the medication. Seek advice from your doctor if you observe any unexpected reactions, behavioral changes, or changes in mood.

The ultimate objective is to facilitate your child’s comfort and ease of breathing. You can ensure that Singular is used in the safest and most advantageous manner for your child’s needs by being informed and in communication with your doctor.

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