Montelukast is a medication used for the prevention and treatment of asthma symptoms. It works by blocking the action of leukotrienes, which are inflammatory substances that cause sneezing, nasal congestion, and difficulty breathing.
Montelukast is also used to prevent breathing problems associated with exercise, also known as exercise-induced asthma, and for relief from seasonal allergies such as allergic rhinitis.
Montelukast is a prescription-only medication that can be found at most pharmacies and drug stores. It is sold as the generic "montelukast" as well as under the brand name Singulair, among others. This medication comes in film coated tablets, chewable tablets, and oral granules.
Indications for use
Montelukast is used to:
- Treat mild to moderate peristent asthma that is not controlled by other medications alone;
- Relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing;
- Help prevent shortness of breath and other symptoms of exercise-induced asthma.
In the case of allergic rhinitis, montelukast is only indicated for people who have not responded to treatment with anti-histamines like cetirizine and loratadine.
Also recommended: 5 Allergic Rhinitis Medications Your Doctor Can Prescribe tuasaude.com/en/allergic-rhinitis-medicationsIs montelukast a corticosteroid?
No, montelukast is not a corticosteroid.
Montelukast is an antileukotriene that reduces the action of leukotrienes, which are substances responsible for symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Also recommended: Asthma Medication: Chronic Management & Asthma Attacks tuasaude.com/en/asthma-medicationDoes montelukast increase immunity?
No, montelukast does not increase immunity. Montelukast, which belongs to a class of medications called antileukotrienes, acts to decrease levels of leukotrienes in the body that cause inflammation of the lungs and nasal mucosa. It is indicated for the treatment of certain respiratory allergies, such as asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Dosing instructions
Doses will differ based on formulation, which include:
1. Montelukast film coated tablets (10 mg)
Montelukast film coated tablets are indicated for adults and adolescents over 15 years of age. The recommended dose is 10 mg per day, taken during the day for people with allergic rhinitis and in the evening for those with asthma.
Montelukast can be taken with or without food. If you forget a dose, just take the next dose as usual the following day. Do not take two pills to make up for the missed dose. Montelukast should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor or other licensed healthcare professional.
2. Montelukast chewable tablets (4 mg and 5 mg)
Montelukast chewable tablets are indicated for use in children, with dosing based on age:
- Children ages 2 to 5 years old: the typical recommended dose is one 4 mg chewable tablet per day, as directed by your pediatrician;
- Children ages 6 to 14 years old: the usual recommended dose is one 5 mg chewable tablet per day, as directed by your pediatrician.
This medication can be taken with or without food. It should be taken during the day for children with allergies and in the evening for children with asthma.
Montelukast chewable tablets should always be administered with adult supervision.
3. Montelukast oral granules (4 mg)
Montelukast oral granules are indicated for babies and children between 6 months and 5 years of age. The typical recommended dose is one 4 mg packet per day, to be taken during the day by children with allergic rhinitis and in the evening for children with asthma.
The oral granules can be administered directly into the mouth or mixed with 1 teaspoon of breast milk or infant formula (cold or at room temperature). This medication should not be opened until ready to use, and should not be mixed with other liquids for administration.
Montelukast oral granules should only be administered under adult supervision.
Side effects
The most common side effects of montelukast include abdominal pain, thirst, diarrhea, itchiness and peeling of the skin, and headache.
Other side effects include respiratory infections, increased risk for bleeding, palpitations, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, hepatitis, joint pain, muscle cramps, fatigue, fever, and convulsions (seizures). It can also cause allergic reactions such as skin lesions as well as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat, which can lead to difficultly breathing and swallowing.
Mood changes
Montelukast can cause changes to mood and behavior, especially in children, including sleep disturbances, irritability, aggression, hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, stuttering, tremors, sleepwalking, hallucinations, memory loss, and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts or actions.
It is important to talk to your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms, so that treatment can be reevaluated. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience thoughts of suicide or self harm.
Does montelukast cause weight gain?
No, montelukast does not cause weight gain. This medication does not cause changes in appetite and does not interfere with metabolism or cause fluid retention.
Contraindications
Montelukast is not indicated for the treatment of acute asthma attacks. It is contraindicated in people with an allergy to montelukast or any of its components.
It is important to tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you may be taking before starting treatment with montelukast. This is because certain medications can interfere with the effects of montelukast.
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should only take montelukast if advised by a doctor.