Is Singulair (Montelukast) an Antihistamine?

When it comes to allergy medications, Singulair (Montelukast) is often uttered. However, people seem confused about the type of drug it is. Some think it is a steroid while others count it as an antihistamine. Is Singulair (Montelukast) an antihistamine or not? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll answer this question and clear more of such doubts.

Explanation of Singulair (montelukast)

Singulair is an oral tablet used for managing symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergies). It contains Montelukast as its major active ingredient which is also the generic name for this drug.

Histamines are compounds triggering symptoms of allergy (nasal itching, congestion, sneezing, etc.). Singulair does not target these histamines (as antihistamines do) but works by blocking the functions of leukotrienes. Leukotrienes, on the other hand, are inflammatory substances that play a vital role in triggering allergic reactions and breathing disorders (asthma).

Singulair Uses

This medicine has numerous uses and we’re about to discuss the important ones for allergy management and respiratory tract health.

Allergic Rhinitis: Singulair is the primary treatment for managing hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis. This medical condition has similar symptoms to allergic reactions like nasal itching, sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and so on. It helps in reducing the inflammatory response targeted by allergens.
Preventing Allergic Reactions: It is often used as a preventive measure for people with specific allergies to pollen or animal dander. This drug provides relief by reducing the body’s inflammatory response.
Asthma Management: This allergy medicine is a former treatment for controlling the symptoms of asthma. It helps prevent symptoms of asthma by blocking the functions of leukotrienes. These are the chemicals or compounds that constrict airways. This medicine allows the patient to breathe comfortably while decreasing the frequency of asthma attacks.
Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB): In simple words, EIB is a medical health issue during which the patient feels discomfort in breathing because their nasal airways are narrow. The discomfort is usually felt while exercising or after they’re done working out. This medicine prevents symptoms of EID by encouraging respiratory comfort. Thus, individuals don’t experience any discomfort in breathing during or after exercising.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Generally, this medicine isn’t meant for treating COPD. However, it may be included as a part of a long-term treatment plan for this health issue which causes airway inflammation.

What are antihistamines? What is the function of these drugs?

As guessed by the name, Antihistamines are specially designed to counteract the effects of histamines. We’ve discussed above that histamines are compounds produced by your immunity system in response to allergens. These compounds cause symptoms like watery eyes, sneezing, nasal itching, etc. What antihistamines do is they bind with the histamine receptors in your immune system. This helps in preventing histamines from shooting allergens. Opposite to Singulair Generic, antihistamines work by targeting the response of histamines directly.

Difference between Antihistamines and Generic Singulair

The major difference between antihistamines and generic Singulair is their action mechanism. As seen above, Antihistamines work by targeting histamines while Singulair interacts with leukotrienes. This simply means antihistamines are only effective for combating symptoms induced by histamines. On the other hand, Singulair is more for managing symptoms like seasonal allergies and asthma involving bronchoconstriction and inflammation.

What does Singulair do?

The main function of Singulair (Montelukast) is to manage symptoms of seasonal allergies and prevent asthma attacks. This medicine makes breathing comfortable and normalized for patients by reducing inflammation. It does so by blocking leukotrienes and alleviating symptoms of hay fever. In other words, it prevents the possibility of symptoms like nasal congestion and itchiness, runny nose, sneezing, etc. & improves the quality of life.

Is Singulair an Antihistamine?

By the time you reach here, you know Singulair is NOT an Antihistamine. Its functions are way different than antihistamines. This medicine only targets leukotrienes while antihistamines are designed for targeting histamines. Antihistamines are preferred when you want immediate relief from the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Singulair is a former choice for long-term management of allergic rhinitis as well as asthma.

What are the side effects of montelukast?

Just like any other medicine, Singulair allergy medicine has a few side effects. The common side effects of this drug include tiredness, headache, stomach pain, and so on. Most patients don’t experience any serious or rare side effects of this medicine like behavioral changes or mood swings. Your doctor will monitor your health after you start using this medication. You can do it yourself too.

Is Singulair for Kids too?

Singulair might be prescribed to children at least six to fourteen years of age. It is prescribed only when they’re not achieving desired improvements after using allergy medicines and need additional therapy.

What is a Singulair black box warning?

FDA has issued a black box warning for Singulair Generic because of its neuropsychiatric events found in some patients. It causes side effects like agitation, inflammation, mood changes, behavioral changes, and suicidal thoughts, among others. Though such occurrences are too rare, you must be aware of the potential benefits and health risks before starting treatment with this medicine. Discuss the contradicting medicines and long-term risks of this drug. Also, seek help regarding necessary precautions to undertake for handling this medicine properly.

Expert Opinions and Medical Literature

Before you start treatment with this allergy medicine, make sure you’re aware of the classification and effectiveness of Singulair. Also, learn about this medication by understanding its benefits on allergy management and respiratory health.

Conclusion

Needless to say, we’ve learned that Singular isn’t an antihistamine. Instead, it belongs to the leukotriene receptor agonists drug class. They’re way too different from antihistamines. Also, we’ve seen that antihistamines are used for instant relief from symptoms of allergies while Singulair is more preferred for long-term management of asthma and allergic rhinitis. It also seems effective in addressing inflammation and bronchoconstriction. In addition, high-quality medicine can play a pivotal role in achieving desired results. So, make sure you buy 100% guaranteed allergy medicine from authorized vendors like arrowmeds.com.