New indication approved for asthma drug

Merck received FDA approval for a new indication for montelukast 10 mg (Singulair). The medication can now be prescribed for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in patients 15 years and older [more].

According to the manufacturer, a single dose prevented EIB when taken two hours before exercise. Some patients benefited from the drug at 8.5 and 24 hours after administration, however some did not. Symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, wheeze, and chest tightness brought on by exercise. EIB affects a broad spectrum of patients with asthma.