Montelukast General Information
Montelukast is used regularly to prevent the wheezing and shortness of breath caused by asthma and decrease the number of asthma attacks. Montelukast is also used before exercise to prevent breathing problems during exercise (bronchospasm). Montelukast can help decrease the number of times you need to use your rescue inhaler. Montelukast is also used to relieve symptoms of hay fever and allergic rhinitis (such as sneezing, stuffy/runny/itchy nose).
Montelukast does not work immediately and should not be used to treat sudden asthma attacks or other breathing problems.
Montelukast works by blocking certain natural substances (leukotrienes) that may cause or worsen asthma and allergies. It helps make breathing easier by reducing swelling (inflammation) in the airways.
How to Use Montelukast
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking Montelukast and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take Montelukast by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If you are using the chewable tablets, chew them thoroughly before swallowing. If your child cannot safely chew and swallow them, consult the doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Take Montelukast at the same time each day. If you are taking Montelukast for asthma or for both asthma and allergies, take your dose in the evening. If you are taking Montelukast to prevent only allergies, take your dose either in the morning or the evening.
If you are taking Montelukast to prevent breathing problems during exercise, take your dose at least 2 hours before exercise. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours. Do not take a dose before exercise if you are already taking Montelukast daily for asthma or allergies. Doing so may increase the risk of side effects.
Do not increase or decrease your dose or stop using Montelukast without consulting your doctor. Continue to use Montelukast regularly to keep your asthma under control, even during sudden asthma attacks or periods when you have no asthma symptoms. Continue to also take other medications for asthma as directed by your doctor. Montelukast works over time and is not meant to relieve sudden attacks of asthma. Therefore, if an asthma attack or other breathing problem occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed. You should always have a quick-relief inhaler with you. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Get medical help right away if your asthma symptoms worsen and your quick-relief inhaler is not helping. Tell your doctor promptly if asthma symptoms, breathing problems, allergy symptoms, number of times you use your rescue inhaler persist or worsen.
Montelukast Possible Side Effects
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Montelukast because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Montelukast do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (such as agitation, aggression, anxiety, trouble sleeping, abnormal dreams, sleep-walking, memory/attention problems, depression, hallucinations, thoughts of harming yourself/suicide), numbness/tingling/shooting pain in the arms or legs, sinus pain/swelling, muscle weakness.
A very serious allergic reaction to Montelukast is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Montelukast Precautions
Before taking Montelukast, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Montelukast may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using Montelukast, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
The chewable tablets may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid aspartame (or phenylalanine) in your diet, ask your doctor or pharmacist about using Montelukast safely.
During pregnancy, Montelukast should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if Montelukast passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Montelukast Possible Intercations
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.