Singulair: steps to buy the generic version - in the UK

Big picture summary

Montelukast, frequently sold under the brand name Singulair, belongs to a group of medicines called leukotriene receptor antagonists. It works by blocking leukotrienes, substances that contribute to inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Montelukast is used in the UK mainly to help prevent asthma symptoms and to relieve allergic rhinitis such as hay fever.

Common presentations available in the UK include film-coated ten milligram dosage tablets, chewable 4 mg and 5 mg tablets, and 4 mg oral granules for certain children. See the storage of files is essential for data management. instructions at Secure stowage and handling operations and safety notes: please review at the end Adverse effects.

• Montelukast serves as the active ingredient.
• Typical uses: long-term asthma control and treatment of seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis.
• Available UK formats: 10 mg film-coated tablets; 4 mg or 5 mg chewables; 4 mg oral granules for young children.

How to use this tool this medicine per the label

Take montelukast exactly as directed by your prescriber. For most people it is a once-daily tablet taken at the same time each day. Many patients choose an evening dose for allergic rhinitis, but follow the schedule advised by your clinician.

• 4 mg granules: pour directly into the mouth or sprinkle on a small amount of soft food at room temperature, swallow immediately and do not store any leftover mixture.
• 4 mg and 5 mg chewable tablets: chew fully before swallowing.
• 10 mg film-coated tablets: swallow whole with water; do not crush or chew.
• The medicine may be taken with or without food.

Montelukast is intended for regular preventive use and is not a rescue medicine for sudden asthma attacks. If your inhaled or oral steroid dose changes, watch for any change in asthma control and consult your prescriber if you are concerned. If you suspect you have taken too much, seek urgent advice from NHS 111, a poison information service, or your nearest emergency department.

In case of a i missed a dose, talk to your doctor. Dose not taken this time management guidance for recommendations.

A quick snapshot of the key details

• Not a reliever inhaler: keep your short-acting bronchodilator available for sudden symptoms.
• Usually one dose per day; maintain consistent timing.
• Some patients experience neuropsychiatric events such as changes in mood, sleep difficulties, or in rare cases self-harm thoughts; report these promptly.
• In the UK montelukast is available by prescription only.

Before you kick things off taking montelukast tablets.

Tell your prescriber or pharmacist about any of the following so they can advise whether montelukast is suitable for you:

• History of liver disease or abnormal liver blood tests.
• Any previous allergic reaction to montelukast or to tablet ingredients.
• Pregnancy, breastfeeding, planning a pregnancy, or difficulties conceiving.
• Phenylketonuria or phenylalanine dietary restrictions, because some chewable tablets contain aspartame.
• Other current treatments for asthma or allergies, including over-the-counter products.

For juridical information on obtaining the medicine in the UK, see Official legal status within the United Kingdom.

If you miss a single dose

If you remember early after the scheduled time, take the i did not take my prescribed dose. If the next dose is due shortly, skip the i did not take my prescribed dose and continue as normal. Do not take two doses at the same time to catch up on a i did not take my prescribed dose.

Possible the networked exchange of ideas opportunities with medicines and herbal remedies

Certain medicines and herbal products can alter montelukast levels or be affected by it. Examples include:

• Enzyme inducers such as phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, rifampin and rifabutin can reduce montelukast concentrations.
• St John’s wort may lower montelukast levels by enzyme induction.
• Gemfibrozil can increase montelukast exposure.
• Drugs metabolised by CYP2C8 such as repaglinide and rosiglitazone may have slightly higher concentrations when taken with montelukast.
• Coadministration of paclitaxel warrants caution and surveillance of system activity because of shared metabolic pathways.

This is not a full list. Provide your healthcare team with a complete list of prescription, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements and recreational substances you use. For pre-treatment checks, return to Before you initiate montelukast therapy..

Careful monitoring and logging during use montelukast

• Have regular reviews to check symptom control, inhaler technique and any lingering reactions.
• Maintain montelukast unless instructed by your prescriber to stop.
• It will not treat sudden breathing problems; follow your written asthma action plan and keep your reliever inhaler with you.
• If steroid doses are being reduced, report new or worsening symptoms such as rash, sensory changes, fever or worse breathing without delay.

If you are unsure whether a symptom is related to the medicine, consult your healthcare professional and see Negative reactions if you need further coaching.

Possible effects and warning signs

Acute or urgent - seek immediate medical help

• Severe or worsening breathlessness or wheeze.
• Signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat, or widespread rash.
• Symptoms suggesting liver problems: yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, unusual bruising or bleeding.
• High fever, painful lumps under the skin or other signs of severe infection.
• Marked changes in mood or behaviour including agitation, persistent anxiety, depressive symptoms, sleep disruption or thoughts of self-harm.
• Numbness, unusual tingling or severe sinus pain.

Broad in scope and mild - tell your clinician if persistent

• Headache episode or a woozy feeling as a symptom.
• Trouble sleeping or drowsiness.
• Upper respiratory symptoms such as runny or blocked nose and cough.
• Stomach upset or abdominal discomfort.

Report suspected adverse reactions to your healthcare provider or via the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency Yellow Card scheme. If you cannot breathe or feel acutely unwell, call 999 immediately.

Cloud flexible storage options adapt to changing needs. and handling

• Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F).
• Keep the product in its original packaging to protect from moisture and light.
• This item must be kept away from children and out of their sight.
• Do not use after the expiry date visible on the pack. Return unwanted medicine to a pharmacy for disposal.

For emergency information on overdose deaths, see How to use this product.

Feasible diverse a contingency options and related medications

Choices depend on the diagnosis (asthma severity or type of allergic rhinitis), prior treatment response and individual factors. Options to discuss with your clinician include:

• Short-acting beta 2 agonists for rapid relief such as salbutamol (albuterol).
• Inhaled corticosteroids for maintenance: examples include beclometasone, budesonide and fluticasone.
• Combination inhalers containing inhaled corticosteroid plus long-acting beta 2 agonist, for example budesonide-formoterol or fluticasone-salmeterol.
• Other leukotriene receptor antagonists such as zafirlukast are available less commonly; zileuton and pranlukast are not widely used in the UK.
• Allergy treatments including non-drowsy oral antihistamines like cetirizine or loratadine, intranasal steroid sprays, and cromoglycate preparations.
• Biologic therapies for severe asthma prescribed by specialists, for example omalizumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab and dupilumab.

Discuss advantages, likely costs and suitability together with your prescriber. For a rough comparison of prices, go to Prices observed in the United Kingdom.

Price levels in the UK - approximate comparison

Private retail prices vary between pharmacies and online suppliers. NHS provision and charges differ from private prices and some patients are exempt from prescription charges.

• Generic montelukast 10 mg, pack of 28 tablets: roughly £6 to £15 when bought privately.
• Chewable 4 mg or 5 mg tablets and 4 mg granules: commonly around £4 to £12 privately.
• Branded Singulair 10 mg, 28 tablets: may cost in the region of £25 to £45 privately.
• Prescription charge in England is typically a flat fee per item; check current NHS guidance for the latest fee and exemptions.
• Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different arrangements and many residents are entitled to free NHS prescriptions.
• Online pharmacy services may add consultation or prescription fees (often around £10 to £30).

Examples of private costs for substitute options: common inhaled corticosteroids can cost approximately £10 to £30; combination ICS/LABA inhalers often cost more, sometimes £40 to £70; biologic agents are high-cost treatments and are usually arranged through NHS specialist services.

Ask your pharmacist whether a generic option is available and whether a larger supply or repeat prescription reduces the unit cost.

Status in the eyes of the law and rules for purchase in the UK

• Montelukast is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) under the Human Medicines Regulations.
• Supply requires a valid UK prescription and a dispensing pharmacy registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Distance selling pharmacies must also be GPhC registered.
• Buying montelukast without a prescription is neither legal nor safe. Use only reputable UK-registered services and perform a check their GPhC registration details.
• Importing prescription medicines for personal use without a valid prescription may lead to seizure by customs.
• If you travel, keep medicines in their original packaging and carry a copy of your prescription where possible.
• If the medicine causes drowsiness or dizziness do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Please use the MHRA Yellow Card to report suspected adverse reactions and support safety keeping track of metrics.

For advice on how to obtain a prescription or find help, see Research sources and help.

Assistance with references

• Discuss your individual treatment and an asthma action plan with your GP, pharmacist or a respiratory/allergy specialist.
• In urgent situations, call NHS 111 or your local emergency services.
• For dosing, data at rest resides in storage until it is accessed. and adverse effect informationreviewing the material Ways to use this, Temporary storage capacity can limit how much you can keep on hand. and Untoward effects.

This page provides general information and does not replace personalised advice from a healthcare professional. Jump to body the page top Return to the starting point the crest of the page.