Montelukast

Uses	Allergic Condition, Asthma
Therapy	Anti-Asthmatic
Side Effects	Headache, Abdominal Pain, Drowsiness, Dizziness

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Molecule Description

Montelukast is a oral prescription medication belonging to the class of drugs called leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs), primarily used for the long-term management of breathing and allergy conditions. It works by blocking certain natural substances in your body called leukotrienes. These chemicals cause swelling, mucus, and tightening of the airways (bronchoconstriction) in your lungs and nose, triggering symptoms like wheezing and sneezing. By blocking them, Montelukast helps to reduce inflammation and relax your airways, making breathing easier and preventing asthma and allergy attacks. This medicine is approved to prevent and treat asthma in adults and children (not for sudden asthma attacks), to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), and for the relief of symptoms from both seasonal and perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis (hay fever). The maximum daily dosage is usually 10 mg for adults. Common side effects can include headache, stomach pain, diarrhea, and flu-like symptoms (like fever or runny nose).

Uses

Montelukast is used to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies such as allergic rhinitis and to prevent and manage asthma symptoms.

Contraindications

When should one not use Montelukast

Do not take if you are allergic to Montelukast.

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Stomach pain
Headache
Diarrhea
Nausea, vomiting
Rash
Increase in liver enzymes
Allergic reaction like swelling of face, lips, tongue

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Montelukast can be taken in pregnancy only if your doctor considers it appropriate for you after assessing the benefits over risks. But consult your doctor before you start the medication.

Breast Feeding

It is safe to give Montelukast in breastfeeding women as it has shown no side effects on the infant.

Driving

Montelukast does not affect your ability to drive a vehicle. If you feel dizzy or drowsiness after taking Montelukast, avoid driving or using machinery.

Alcohol

Avoid alcohol while on treatment with Montelukast as consumption of both is known to lead to liver injury.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

If your asthma is getting worse
If you experience needles or numbness of arms or legs, worsening of pulmonary symptoms or rash
You must take all asthma medications prescribed by your doctor. It should not be substituted for other asthma medications your doctor has prescribed for you
You develop symptoms like mood changes and irritability; inform your doctor as this medicine is known to cause neuropsychiatric side effects
You should not take Aspirin (Acetyl-Salicylic acid) or drugs to reduce swelling (also known as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs or NSAIDs) if they make your asthma worse

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

It blocks chemicals called leukotrienes in the body. These leukotrienes cause allergy symptoms, narrowing and swelling of the airways in the lungs. Thus by preventing these, Montelukast improves asthma symptoms and improves seasonal allergy symptoms.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Theophylline derivatives like Aminophylline
Anticonvulsant like Phenobarbital, Phenytoin
Anti-tubercular medicines like Rifampicin
Lipid-lowering medicine like Gemfibrozil

Interactions with food items

It may be taken with or without food.

Dosage

Overdose

If you think you have taken an overdose of Montelukast, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital. You may experience abdominal pain, sleepiness, thirst, headache, vomiting.

Missed a Dose

Do not take a double dose if you have missed the dose; take the next dose as soon as you remember.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You should inform your doctor if your asthma or breathing gets worse. Inform about all the prescriptions you are consuming currently, including herbal preparations.

No. Montelukast is a preventive (maintenance) medicine.It is not a fast-acting rescue medicine for sudden asthma attacks.Use your prescribed quick-relief inhaler (e.g., salbutamol) for acute symptoms.

Montelukast has few major drug interactions. However, it may interact with some seizure medicines such as phenytoin or phenobarbital.You may drink alcohol in moderation, but it can worsen dizziness or sleepiness in some people.Always inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are using.

Pregnancy: Use only if clearly needed and if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.Breastfeeding: Generally considered safe, but consult your doctor to confirm suitability for your situation.

Yes. Montelukast is often prescribed for long-term management of asthma or allergies and is generally safe when monitored by your doctor.Do not stop taking it without your doctor’s advice, as symptoms may return or worsen.

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