Montelukast
Description
Montelukast is a oral prescription medication belonging to the class of drugs c
alled 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
Q:
Can I take Montelukast during pregnancy?
A:
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
Q:
Can I take Montelukast while breastfeeding?
A:
It is safe to give Montelukast in breastfeeding women as it has shown no side effects on the infant.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Montelukast?
A:
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
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Montelukast?
A:
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.
Dietary Restrictions
No information is available on dietary restrictions while you are taking this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further details.
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.
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Nikita Toshi
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), WHO FIDES member
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking this medicine?
A: You should inform your doctor if your asthma or breathing gets worse. Inform about all the prescriptions you are consuming currently, including herbal preparations.
Q: Can I use Montelukast to stop a sudden asthma attack?
- 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.
Q: Does Montelukast interact with other common medications or alcohol?
- 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.
Q: Is Montelukast safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
- 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.
Q: Is it safe to take Montelukast long-term for chronic asthma or allergies?
- 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.
References
View All
- EMC. Montelukast. [accessed on 27 Oct 2025] (Online)
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Montelukast. [Updated 2025 Oct 27].
- CDSCO.Montelukast.[Accessed 27 Oct 2025] (online)
- Medlineplus. Montelukast. [accessed on 27 Oct 2025](Online)
- Pubchem. Montelukast . [accessed on 27 Oct 2025](Online)
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