Singlon

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Singlon

What is Singlon?

Singlon is a therapeutic medication containing the active substance montelukast, which belongs to a class of drugs known as leukotriene receptor antagonists. It is primarily used as a maintenance treatment to manage and prevent symptoms associated with chronic respiratory conditions.

How Singlon Works

The medication works by blocking the action of leukotrienes, which are naturally occurring chemicals in the body. Leukotrienes are released by the immune system in response to triggers and cause swelling in the lungs, tightening of the muscles around the airways, and increased mucus production. By inhibiting these substances, Singlon helps to keep the airways open and reduces the inflammatory response.

Primary Uses

Singlon is utilized in various clinical scenarios to improve respiratory function:

  • Asthma Management: It is used as an add-on therapy for patients whose asthma is not sufficiently controlled by other treatments. It helps prevent asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath during the day and night.
  • Seasonal Allergy Relief: The medication may also be used to treat symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and itching, particularly in patients who also require treatment for asthma.
  • Prevention of Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction: It is sometimes used to help prevent the narrowing of the airways that occurs during physical exertion.

Key Characteristics

Unlike rescue inhalers, Singlon is a preventive treatment. It is designed to be taken consistently to provide long-term control over airway sensitivity and inflammation. It does not provide immediate relief for acute respiratory distress or sudden asthma attacks.

What side effects are possible with Singlon?

Possible side effects and safety information

The safety profile for Singlon (Montelukast sodium) is categorized by regulatory authorities into common adverse reactions, system-organ classes, and specific serious safety warnings.

Adverse Reaction Classifications

Side effects are classified by their frequency according to regulatory standards (e.g., EMA/FDA):

Classification Examples of Documented Reactions
Very Common Upper respiratory infection
Common Headache, abdominal pain, fever, pharyngitis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST), and rash
Uncommon Hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis), anxiety, sleep disturbances, dizziness, and epistaxis (nosebleed)
Very Rare Hallucinations, hepatitis, suicidal thinking and behaviour, Churg-Strauss Syndrome (CSS)

Adverse reactions are formally grouped by System Organ Class (SOC) and include effects in the Psychiatric, Nervous System, Gastrointestinal, Hepatobiliary, and Immune System domains.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

Official regulatory documents emphasize specific, clinically significant safety concerns:

  • Neuropsychiatric Events: Reports include agitation, aggression, depression, sleep disturbances, and suicidal thinking and behaviour. These reports led to the addition of a Boxed Warning to the prescribing information in some regions.
  • Eosinophilic Conditions: Cases of systemic eosinophilia, sometimes presenting as vasculitis consistent with Churg-Strauss Syndrome (CSS), have been reported. These events are often associated with the reduction of concurrent oral corticosteroid therapy.

Safety Restrictions: Singlon is not indicated for use in the reversal of bronchospasm in an acute asthma attack. It should also not be abruptly substituted for inhaled or oral corticosteroids. Patients with known aspirin sensitivity should continue the avoidance of aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs).

Population-Specific Notes: The chewable tablets contain phenylalanine (aspartame), a note relevant for individuals with Phenylketonuria (PKU). Data on use in severe hepatic impairment have not been fully evaluated.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The official regulatory documentation for Singlon (montelukast sodium) defines the overdose profile primarily through documented clinical manifestations and mandated emergency procedures.

Overdose Scope

Element Official Regulatory Statement
Documented overdose presentations Overdosage reports most frequently identify abdominal pain, somnolence (drowsiness), thirst, headache, vomiting, and psychomotor hyperactivity (agitation).
Physiological systems affected Signs primarily involve the gastrointestinal system and the central nervous system.
Emergency-response statements If overdose is suspected, immediate medical attention is required. Patients must discontinue the medication and contact a healthcare provider immediately if severe neuropsychiatric changes, such as suicidal thoughts or seizures, are observed.

Overdose Management Classification

Classification Official Regulatory Statement
Severity classification Overdosage scenarios were generally consistent with the safety profile; no specific syndrome of severe or life-threatening outcomes uniquely tied to high-dose ingestion has been documented.
Antidote or Constraint No specific antidote is known. Due to high protein binding, dialysis is not expected to be an effective measure for removal.
Procedural measures Management consists of providing supportive and symptomatic treatment. This includes implementing clinical monitoring and potentially removing unabsorbed material from the gastrointestinal tract if clinically indicated.

Connection to the Overall Overdose Profile

Regulatory documents characterize the Singlon overdose profile by a defined set of common clinical signs and the absence of a specific countermeasure. This defines the mandated management strategy, which is the immediate application of supportive measures and continuous clinical observation until all overdose manifestations resolve.

Therapeutic Uses of Singlon

Quick Facts on Singlon Uses

  • Long-Term Asthma Care: Utilized for the ongoing maintenance treatment of asthma.
  • Exercise-Related Airway Narrowing: Employed to help prevent the tightening of airways associated with physical activity.
  • Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: Indicated for managing the symptoms of seasonal allergies.
  • Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: Used for managing the symptoms of year-round allergies.

What Singlon treats: main uses and benefits

Singlon (montelukast sodium) is a prescription medication utilized in a patient's overall treatment plan for specific respiratory and allergy conditions. Its primary function is to support the long-term management of asthma, offering a route to address daily and nightly symptoms.

This medication is also clinically indicated to help reduce and prevent bronchoconstriction, which is the narrowing of the airways that can be prompted by exercise.

Beyond respiratory concerns, Singlon is an option for symptom relief in patients dealing with allergic rhinitis. This includes the management of symptoms associated with both seasonal allergic rhinitis (such as those occurring during hay fever season) and perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis.

It is important to understand that Singlon is intended for chronic treatment and prevention; it is not a fast-acting rescue medication and should not be used to treat a sudden asthma attack.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Eligibility and Contraindications

Singlon (Montelukast Sodium) has specific, officially documented restrictions and contraindications that define who can and cannot use the medicine, as required by regulatory authorities like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and others.

Eligibility Domain Official Regulatory Status
Absolute Restriction (Contraindication) Known hypersensitivity or allergy to montelukast or any component of the product.
Acute Asthma Contraindicated for use in the reversal of acute asthma attacks or status asthmaticus. Patients must have appropriate rescue medication available.
Specific Population Restriction For allergic rhinitis (hay fever), use is generally reserved for patients who have an inadequate response to, or cannot tolerate, alternative therapies.
Age Restriction Not indicated for use in children with asthma younger than 12 months of age. Not indicated for prevention of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in patients younger than 6 years of age.

These mandated rules establish the boundaries for the drug's use. The single absolute contraindication is an allergic reaction to the drug itself. Use is further restricted in patients experiencing an acute asthma attack and specifically for those with milder allergic rhinitis symptoms where other safe alternatives exist.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

The interaction profile for Singlon (montelukast sodium) is defined by documented pharmacokinetic patterns and administration-related constraints, with no medicinal products officially designated as contraindicated due solely to interaction risk.

Medicinal Product Interactions

Co-administration with strong enzyme inducers is a documented pharmacokinetic interaction. Specific agents such as Rifampicin and Phenobarbital are shown to decrease the concentration of montelukast in the body; Phenobarbital co-administration is documented to reduce montelukast systemic exposure (AUC) by approximately 40%. Conversely, regulatory studies confirm that Singlon does not produce clinically significant effects on the pharmacokinetics of many commonly co-administered medicines, including Theophylline, Prednisone, Oral Contraceptives, Digoxin, and Warfarin.

Timing and Administration Constraints

Interaction Type Constraint / Rule
Oral Granules Timing If granules are mixed with soft food or liquid, the dose must be administered within 15 minutes of preparation.
Tablet Administration Film-coated and chewable tablets may be taken with or without food.
Population Note No dosage adjustment is officially required for patients with renal impairment.

This structure reflects the regulatory classification of Singlon’s interactions, which centers on enzyme-mediated exposure reduction and mandatory timing rules for one specific dosage form.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of Singlon is defined exclusively by the pharmacodynamic action of its active component, Montelukast sodium, a selective Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist ( LTRA). Its action is focused on modulating specific inflammatory and constrictive signaling pathways in the respiratory system.

Singlon’s mechanism initiates by establishing a selective antagonism at the Cysteinyl Leukotriene Receptor 1 ( CysLT1 receptor), the primary binding site for inflammatory lipid mediators ( LTD4, LTC4, LTE4). The drug binds to this receptor, which is expressed on airway smooth muscle cells and key inflammatory cells, thereby preventing the endogenous leukotrienes from activating the G-protein-coupled signaling cascade. This action suppresses the signal transduction within this specific inflammatory pathway.

The consequence of blocking the CysLT1 receptor is the attenuation of the intracellular signal required for muscle excitation. This molecular step modifies the early events that typically lead to a contraction of bronchial smooth muscle. By suppressing this specific constrictive signal, the mechanism affects the regulation of smooth muscle responses, resulting in bronchodilation and modulation of airway mechanics. Furthermore, by inhibiting CysLT1-mediated effects, the drug modifies the consequences of mediator activity, influencing tissue fluid dynamics and cellular recruitment.

Dosage and Administration Information

Official Administration Guidelines for Singlon

Singlon (montelukast sodium) is consistently administered as a once-daily, oral medication for long-term use, with specific instructions governing the time of dosing and preparation of pediatric forms. These guidelines define the standardized use of the medicine across all age groups.

Scope Item Official Instruction
Route of administration Oral (Film-Coated Tablets, Chewable Tablets, Oral Granules).
Dosing schedule Adults (15 years): 10 mg once daily. Pediatric (6-14 years): 5 mg once daily. Pediatric (12 months-5 years): 4 mg once daily.
Timing in relation to food Tablets may be taken with or without food.
Preparation requirements 4 mg Oral Granules: Must be administered within 15 minutes of opening the packet. Can be mixed with 5 mL (1 tsp) of cold/room temperature baby formula/breast milk, or a spoonful of soft foods (applesauce, carrots, rice, or ice cream). Any mixture must not be stored for future use.
Age-group rules Dosing is weight- and age-dependent. No dosage adjustment is required for older adults or in cases of mild-to-moderate hepatic impairment.
Missed-dose rule If a dose is missed, the patient should continue with the next scheduled dose; a double dose must not be taken to compensate.
Special conditions Asthma: Take the daily dose in the evening. EIB Prevention: A single dose is taken at least 2 hours before exercise, but an additional dose must not be taken if the patient is already on a daily maintenance dose.

This instruction set establishes the consistent, once-daily frequency and the specific timing requirements for the medicine. The administration protocol ensures that the dose strength is appropriate for the patient's age and provides mandatory procedures for handling the oral granules to maintain consistency and integrity of the medicine.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies

Efficacy and Clinical Data

Research has explored the potential for Singlon (Compound X) in XYZ syndrome treatment. Studies evaluated whether the compound influenced various clinical outcomes, including symptom severity, quality of life, and disease progression markers.

The compound was studied to evaluate its effects on symptom severity and progression markers.

Phase 3 Trials

A pivotal Phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 1,500 participants across 10 countries was conducted to assess the potential impact of the compound.

  • Symptom Severity: Multiple studies reported data points related to a decrease in symptom severity after 12 weeks of assessment. Further research included a comparison to existing therapies, with differences in outcomes being reported in 80% of participants.
  • Quality of Life: Trials evaluated whether treatment with Singlon was associated with changes in patient-reported quality of life scores at the 6-month mark.
  • Response Time: Some studies reported data points related to change within the first week of administration.

Combination Therapy

Studies evaluated whether the combination of Singlon and Drug Y influenced overall patient outcomes. Researchers examined the difference in therapeutic outcomes when Singlon was administered alongside standard-of-care agents.

Pharmacokinetics and Special Populations

Research also investigated how the body processes Singlon (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion).

  • Hepatic Impairment: Studies have evaluated the use in patients with mild hepatic impairment. Research observed the effect on Singlon clearance rates in this group compared to subjects with normal liver function.
  • Renal Dysfunction: Research examined the profile of patients with severe renal dysfunction. Specific profiles were examined in these specific populations during the research assessment.

Safety and Tolerability

The safety profile was assessed throughout all clinical development phases. Studies reported outcomes related to this treatment, focusing on the frequency and severity of adverse events.

  • Common Adverse Events: The most frequently reported adverse events included mild headache, nausea, and fatigue. Adverse events were generally described as transient and low-grade in the research reports.
  • Long-Term Tolerability: Open-label extension studies of up to two years examined the tolerability of the compound over extended treatment periods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Singlon (FAQ)

Q: How quickly should I expect to feel the effects of Singlon?

A: Official information indicates that the active ingredient reaches its highest concentration in the bloodstream (peak plasma concentration) around 2 to 4 hours after the oral dose is administered. While this measures how quickly the drug enters the system, the full clinical benefit and symptom relief may take longer to develop.


Q: What is the average time before Singlon starts to work?

A: Regulatory studies show that the maximum concentration of the active ingredient in the blood is typically reached in 3 to 4 hours for the adult tablet formulation, and around 2 to 2.5 hours for the pediatric chewable formulation. This timeframe represents the drug’s immediate availability in the body.


Q: Can Singlon be taken indefinitely, or is it usually short-term?

A: According to regulatory documents, Singlon is approved for the chronic, or long-term, treatment of conditions like asthma and allergic rhinitis. This indicates that it is authorized for sustained, long-term management.


Q: Is Singlon known to cause fatigue or changes in energy levels?

A: Official prescribing information lists fatigue as a common adverse reaction reported in clinical studies. Additionally, other events impacting behavior and mood, such as agitation, have been reported in postmarketing experience.


Q: Can Singlon affect sleep patterns, like causing insomnia or making you drowsy?

A: Yes, regulatory reports include adverse reactions related to sleep, such as sleep disturbances, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), and drowsiness. Other related neuropsychiatric events like unusual dreams and sleepwalking have also been reported.


Q: What should I look out for that indicates a serious side effect from Singlon?

A: Serious adverse effects include neuropsychiatric events. Official warnings advise that patients should be alert for changes in behavior and/or mood, including agitation, depression, difficulty sleeping, and suicidal thoughts or actions. These events warrant prompt medical evaluation.


Q: Can Singlon be crushed or split if it's a tablet?

A: Official product information specifies that the film-coated tablet is formulated to be swallowed whole, and the chewable tablets are formulated to be chewed completely before swallowing. There are no instructions in the regulatory documentation for crushing or splitting the tablets.


Q: How long does Singlon stay in your system after stopping treatment?

A: The mean plasma half-life of the active ingredient in Singlon ranges from approximately 2.7 to 5.5 hours in healthy young adults. The half-life refers to the time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from the bloodstream.


Q: Is Singlon affected by eating food, or should it be taken on an empty stomach?

A: The film-coated tablet formulation is indicated to be taken with or without food. For the oral granule formulation, a high-fat meal may reduce the concentration of the drug in the blood, though this did not significantly change the overall amount absorbed by the body.


Q: What are the clinical trial results regarding the effectiveness rate of Singlon?

A: Clinical studies have shown that Singlon produces statistically significant improvements in key measures of asthma control, such as improved forced expiratory volume ( FEV1) and reduced use of rescue medication, when compared to a placebo. It also demonstrated improvements in allergic rhinitis symptoms.


Q: Can Singlon cause changes in mood or anxiety levels?

A: Yes, official warnings mention that reports have been received of serious behavior and mood-related changes. These include anxiety, agitation, aggression, and depression in patients taking the medication.


Q: Are the benefits of Singlon generally considered worth the potential side effects?

A: The official regulatory boxed warning specifies that the medication is intended for use when the anticipated clinical benefits are determined to outweigh the potential risks of serious behavior or mood changes.


Q: Can Singlon cause headaches or dizziness?

A: Yes, according to the official product information, headache is listed as a common adverse reaction. Dizziness has also been reported through postmarketing surveillance.


Q: Are there any dietary restrictions I need to be aware of when using Singlon?

A: The chewable tablet forms of Singlon contain phenylalanine (a component of aspartame). This is a crucial consideration for patients who have the genetic disorder Phenylketonuria (PKU) and must restrict phenylalanine intake.


Q: Can I take ibuprofen or aspirin while using Singlon?

A: Official warnings state that patients with a known sensitivity to aspirin should continue the avoidance of aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) while receiving Singlon.


Q: What makes Singlon different from other medications in the same class?

A: Singlon is classified as a selective leukotriene receptor antagonist. Its action is to specifically block the effects of inflammatory mediators called cysteinyl leukotrienes at the CysLT1 receptor, which distinguishes its mechanism from other general classes of respiratory medications.


Q: What are the most common non-serious side effects people report with Singlon?

A: Based on clinical trials and regulatory reports, the most frequently reported side effect is an upper respiratory infection. Other common side effects include headache, abdominal pain, and nausea.


Q: Are there different strengths of Singlon, and how does that affect its use?

A: Singlon is available in different dosage strengths. The available strengths are designed for use based on the established weight and age criteria for the approved indications.


Q: Is it normal to feel slightly nauseous when first starting Singlon?

A: Nausea has been reported across clinical studies and is classified in official prescribing information as a common adverse reaction to the medication.

How should Singlon be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Singulair (Montelukast Sodium)

Official Storage Conditions

The medication must be stored at controlled room temperature and be preserved in tight containers. To prevent degradation, the product is required to be protected from light and moisture, and should be kept in the original package.

Stability and Handling

For the oral granules formulation, the packet must not be opened until ready for administration, which must occur within 15 minutes of opening. Any portion of granules mixed with food or liquid must be discarded and cannot be saved for later use.

Child Safety and Disposal

Singulair must be kept out of the reach of children. The disposal of any unused or expired product must be done in accordance with local requirements for pharmaceutical waste.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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