Montelukast, sold under the brand name Singulair, is a medicine that helps prevent asthma symptoms and allergies like sneezing or a runny nose. It is generally less preferred for this use than for inhaled corticosteroids.
It is not effective during sudden asthma attacks, but works well as a long-term controller of asthma and allergy conditions.
Montelukast Sodium is the chemical form used in tablets or granules for better absorption and shelf life.
What Are the Uses of Montelukast Tablets?
Montelukast is a prescription medicine commonly used to manage and prevent breathing and allergy-related symptoms. It is especially helpful for people with asthma or seasonal allergies.
Montelukast is used for controlling and preventing the symptoms of asthma such as wheezing and shortness of breath.
It is also used to prevent breathing problems, such as bronchospasm, that may occur during exercise. This medicine can help reduce the number of times you need to use your quick-relief inhaler.
Montelukast is also used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever and allergic rhinitis (e.g.sneezing stuffy/runny/itchy nose).
How Does Montelukast Work (Mechanism of Action)?
Montelukast blocks certain natural substances in the body called leukotrienes. These substances in the body cause asthma and allergy symptoms, including inflammation and narrowing of the airways.
It helps reduce swelling, relaxes airway muscles, and makes breathing easier over time, but it does not provide instant relief.
Important to Know
Not for Sudden Asthma Attacks: Montelukast does not work immediately. It should not be used during a sudden asthma attack or breathing problems. Always use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed for emergency situations.
Regular Use Is Key: Take it regularly as directed by your doctor, even if you feel well.
How to use the Montelukast?
Montelukast is available in tablet, chewable tablet, and oral granule forms for easy use across all age groups.
Read your pharmacist's Medication Guide before you start taking montelukast and every time you get a refill.
Take this medicine orally with or without food as directed by your doctor. The dose is based on your age and medical condition.
If you use chewable tablets, chew them thoroughly before swallowing. If your child cannot chew and swallow safely, consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Take montelukast at the same time every day for the best results.
If you are taking this medicine for asthma or asthma with allergies, take your dose in the evening.
If you are taking montelukast to prevent allergies, take your doses either in the evening or in the morning.
If you are taking this medicine to prevent breathing problems during exercise, take your dose at least 2 hours before exercise.
Don't take more than 1 dose within 24 hours. Do not take a dose before exercise if you are already taking this medicine daily for asthma or allergies. This may increase the risk of side effects.
Do not increase or decrease your dose or stop using this medicine without consulting your doctor.
This medicine works over time and is not intended to relieve sudden asthma attacks. Therefore, if you have an asthma attack or other breathing problems, use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed.
Get medical help right away if your symptoms of asthma worsen and your quick-relief inhaler doesn't help.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Montelukast?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's close to your next dose.
Do not take 2 doses to catch up. More than 1 dose should not be taken in 24 hours.
What Happens If I Overdose on Montelukast?
If someone has taken too much of this medicine and shows some serious symptoms, such as passing out or trouble breathing, call a poison control center immediately. For immediate medical support, visit our nearest hospital.
Symptoms of overdose can include:
Drowsiness
Thirst
Vomiting
Restlessness or agitation
Severe stomach pain
Notes:
Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and medical tests (such as lung or breathing tests) should be performed regularly to monitor your progress or to check for side effects.
What Should I Avoid While Taking Montelukast?
Avoid using Montelukast during a sudden asthma attack-it's not meant for emergency relief.
Always carry your quick-relief inhaler (like albuterol) for emergencies.
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Before taking montelukast, tell your doctor whether you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may have some inactive ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or other problems.
This medicine should only be used during pregnancy when truly needed. Consult a doctor about the benefits and risks.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history before using this medicine, in particular: liver disease, mental or emotional problems (such as anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts).
Aspartame may be present in chewable tablets. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to reduce or prevent aspartame (or phenylalanine) in your diet, ask your doctor or pharmacist for the safe use of this medicine.
Food or Alcohol Considerations
Can be taken with or without food
Alcohol is not known to interfere, but consult your doctor if unsure
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Using Montelukast?
Montelukast is approved for:
Children 6 months and older (for allergic rhinitis)
Children 12 months and older (for asthma) Always follow pediatric dosage guidelines carefully.
Possible Interactions with Other Medications
Drug interactions may change the way your medications work or raise your life-threatening side effects. Keep a list of all the products you use and communicate them with your doctor and pharmacist.
Drug Interactions May Include:
Phenobarbital
Rifampin
Gemfibrozil
Herbal products or supplements affecting liver enzymes
Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine without your doctor's approval.
Montelukast Vs. Levocetirizine
Montelukast
Levocetirizine
Formula: C35H36ClNO3S
Formula: C21H25ClN2O3
Brand name Singulair
Brand name Xyzal
Molar mass: 586.184 g/mol
Molar mass: 388.888 g/mol
Montelukast is a medication used in the maintenance treatment of asthma.
Levocetirizine is an antihistamine used in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and long-term hives.
This drug works by blocking certain natural substances (leukotrienes) which may cause or worsen asthma and allergies. It helps to make breathing easier by reducing swelling (inflammation) in the airways. Montelukast is available under the following brand names: Singular.
Use the medicine as directed. Montelukast pills are usually taken once daily in the evening to prevent asthma or allergy symptoms. For exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, take a single dose at least 2 hours before exercise and do not take another dose for at least 24 hours.
Long-term treatment with a Montelukast oral tablet is recommended. If you do not take it as directed, you may experience side effects. If you suddenly stop taking the medication or don't take it at all: Asthma attacks become more frequent and severe as a result of your actions. Untreated asthma can result in increased lung damage.
Montelukast has an average rating of 6.0 out of 10 out of 96 ratings for the treatment of Asthma, Maintenance. 50% of the users who reviewed Montelukast reported a positive effect, while 40% reported a negative effect.
Allergy symptoms are treated with Singulair (montelukast) and Claritin (loratadine). Singulair is also used to treat asthma and prevent airway narrowing caused by exercise. Singulair and Claritin are two different types of medications. Claritin is an antihistamine and Singulair is a leukotriene receptor antagonist.
Sleep disturbances, including nightmares, related to leukotriene receptor antagonists have not been described in clinical studies. However, several cases of sleep abnormalities, including nightmares, have been reported in post-marketing experience in montelukast-treated patients.
Those who are taking montelukast and are experiencing mood swings should contact their doctor right away. Bad or vivid dreams, depression, disorientation or confusion, anxiety, hallucinations, irritability, restlessness, stuttering, and uncontrolled muscle movements are examples of these symptoms.
Yes, montelukast may help reduce post-nasal drip by controlling allergic reactions and reducing inflammation in the airways.
Montelukast sodium and levocetirizine hydrochloride tablets are used to treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis and to manage asthma. The combination of these medications helps in reducing inflammation and allergic responses, making breathing easier.
Yes, montelukast is approved for use in children over 6 months (for allergies/asthma), but the dose and safety depend on age. Always follow a doctor’s advice.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.
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