why take singular - Allergies Message Board

TCK7551 · 09-10-2008, 09:43 AM

why take singular

gcsjr · 09-10-2008, 01:23 PM

Singulair helps reduce the inflammation that causes asthma by inhibiting the release of one of the chemicals that causes an inflammatory response. It helps keep asthma under control and helps minimize any asthma flare ups.

TCK7551 · 09-10-2008, 10:04 PM

I do not have asthma. My nose just runs almost continuously from alergies, if I do not take medicine. My doctor prescribed Singular. I previously took over the counter Clariton & it worked well. I believe Clariton or Zyrtec would be more effective to control alergies. Please advise.

gcsjr · 09-11-2008, 05:26 AM

Singulair may help relieve some allergy symptoms (because inflammation is common in allergic reactions). I don't understand why your doctor would only prescribe Singulair for allergies - it can be safely taken with Claritin or Zyrtec and has a completely different mechanism of action than an antihistamine (which blocks the release of histamines that are a key part of the allergic reaction). Singulair takes a couple of weeks to reach its full effect in the body and must be taken every day to be effective.

There's no reason why you can't take Claritin or Zyrtec in addition to the Singulair (and in my opinion, if the over-the-counter Claritin and Zyrtec work for you, you probably don't need the more expensive prescription Singulair).

Titchou · 09-11-2008, 05:26 AM

Singulair has also been shown to help with allergies though that was not the original use for which it was designed. Just because a doctor gives you a prescription, there is no law that you have to take it. If Claritin or Zyrtec works for you, tell your doctor that and take it instead.