Singulair, a prescription drug used to control asthma and allergy symptoms, is generally well tolerated by children but can cause side effects, which are usually mild. The once-a-day medication, for which the generic name is montelukast, is prescribed for children 6 months and older.
Infants and Toddlers
In children aged 6 to 23 months who have asthma, Singulair may result in upper respiratory infection, ear or sinus infection, wheezing, tonsillitis, cough or sore throat.
Children and Young Teenagers
Patients 2 to 14 years may experience headache, upper respiratory or ear infection or sore throat.
Older Teens
Teenagers 15 and older who are taking Singulair may have side effects including sinus or upper respiratory infection, sinus headache, cough, nosebleed or elevated ALT enzymes, which may falsely indicate liver disease.
What to Do If Side Effects Occur
Call the doctor if you notice any of these less severe side effects to determine if the medication should be stopped.
Call emergency medical services immediately if you notice rare, serious side effects like difficulty breathing or swallowing or facial or other swelling.
Contact the doctor immediately if these side effects occur: hoarseness, itching, rash, hives, fever, flu-like symptoms, numbness or pins-and-needles feeling in arms or legs, sinus pain or swelling.
Warnings and Recommendations
In June 2009, the FDA recommended the Singulair label contain a cautionary message that the drug may cause behavior or mood changes and suicidal thinking or behavior.
Singulair does not treat emergency breathing difficulties; use an inhaler.
If a dose is missed, do not administer it later but wait until the next regularly scheduled time.
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