Montelukast

💊 What is Montelukast used for?

• •Preventing asthma attacks and long-term treatment of asthma in people 15 years of age and older. The label says it is not for relief of a sudden asthma attack.
• •Preventing exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (exercise-induced asthma) in people 15 years of age and older.
• •Relieving symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (outdoor allergies) in people 15 years of age and older.
• •Relieving symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis (indoor allergies that happen all year) in people 15 years of age and older.
• •For allergy symptoms, the label says it is reserved for people who did not respond well enough to, or could not tolerate, other medicines.

How it works

The label says the medicine blocks substances in the body called leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are involved in asthma and inflammation of the lining of the nose, so blocking them may help improve these symptoms.

How it is usually taken

• •For asthma, the label says the tablet is taken once a day in the evening, with or without food, and continued every day as prescribed even when there are no symptoms. For exercise-induced asthma, it is taken at least 2 hours before exercise. For allergic rhinitis, it is taken once a day at about the same time each day. The label says it can be taken with or without food. People are usually told to follow the instructions from their prescriber or pharmacist.

Comes as

• •10 mg film-coated tablets (beige, rounded square shape)

⚠️ Montelukast side effects

🛑 Who should not take Montelukast, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You are allergic to any of the ingredients in montelukast sodium tablets. The label says to check the Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, especially if you have or have had mental health problems.
• •Tell your provider if you are allergic to aspirin. If aspirin makes your asthma worse, the label says to keep avoiding aspirin and other NSAID medicines while taking montelukast.
• •Tell your provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
• •Tell your provider about all medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• •The label says montelukast is not for relief of a sudden asthma attack, so you should always have your rescue inhaler with you and follow your provider's instructions for asthma attacks.
• •Do not reduce or replace inhaled or oral corticosteroids on your own. The label says these may be reduced gradually under medical supervision only.

🔀 Montelukast with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •The label says no dose adjustment is needed when montelukast is taken with theophylline, prednisone, prednisolone, oral contraceptives, fexofenadine, digoxin, warfarin, gemfibrozil, itraconazole, thyroid hormones, sedative hypnotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), benzodiazepines, decongestants, or cytochrome P450 enzyme inducers.
• •The label says some medicines may affect how montelukast works, or montelukast may affect how other medicines work, so tell your provider about everything you take.

Alcohol and food

The label says the tablet can be taken with or without food. The label does not mention alcohol.

🤰 Montelukast in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says published studies have not established a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, but the studies have limitations. It also says poorly or moderately controlled asthma during pregnancy increases risks to the mother and baby. Animal studies did not show adverse developmental effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, since the label says montelukast may not be right for you.

Breastfeeding

The label says it is not known whether montelukast passes into breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby while taking this medicine.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

Store at 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F), with brief excursions permitted to 15 to 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture and light. Keep in the original package.

If a dose is missed

The label says that if you miss a dose, take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

If too much is taken

The label says there is no specific information on treating an overdose. Supportive measures are used, such as removing unabsorbed material from the stomach and intestines, clinical monitoring, and supportive therapy if needed. The Medication Guide says that if you take too much, call your healthcare provider right away.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Montelukast

• Is montelukast right for my type of allergy or asthma, given the boxed warning about mental health side effects?
• What changes in mood, behavior, or sleep should I watch for, and who should I call if they happen?
• Should I keep using my rescue inhaler, and what should I do if my asthma symptoms get worse?
• Can I still take aspirin or NSAIDs, given my history?
• What should I do if I am pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding?
• How long will I need to take this medicine, and how will we know if it is working?

❓ Montelukast: frequently asked questions