Singulair (Montelukast Sodium): How Long Until Relief?

Singulair is the brand name for a drug called montelukast sodium that reduces symptoms of asthma and nasal allergies. The pharmaceutical company Merck produces various forms of Singulair, and each form is associated with its own time to take effect.

Absorption

• Singulair comes in oral tablets to be swallowed whole, oral chewable tablets and oral granules. Because oral granules and chewable tablets are already broken up when they arrive in your stomach, they are absorbed more rapidly into your bloodstream.

Effect

• According to Merck, a 10 mg Singulair oral tablet reaches its peak effect within three to four hours after an adult takes it on an empty stomach, while a 5 mg chewable tablet has the same effect in two to 2-1/2 hours. Both the 4 mg chewable tablets and the 4 mg granule form of the drug reach their peak effect two hours after a child takes the drug on an empty stomach.

Consideration

• Singulair will work faster if your stomach is empty, and slower if you've recently eaten a meal.

Fun Fact

• Oral granules of Singulair can be dissolved in applesauce for children. Giving the granules in a small amount of applesauce doesn't significantly change the time it takes for the drug to work.

Tip

• Merck recommends taking Singulair once a day in the evening, when your dinner has digested and you can experience the full benefit of the drug's effect.