Uses
What is montelukast used for?
Montelukast is commonly used for the long-term treatment of asthma and to prevent symptoms of exercise-induced asthma. It will not stop a sudden asthma attack. Always have your rescue inhaler with you for asthma attacks.
Montelukast is also used to help control the symptoms of allergies such as sneezing, stuffy, runny, and itchy nose.
Montelukast may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does montelukast work (mechanism of action)?
Montelukast helps improve asthma symptoms by blocking substances in the body called leukotrienes that cause inflammation and swelling.
How is montelukast supplied (dosage forms)?
Montelukast is available as Singulair and generic montelukast in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 4 mg chewable tablets
- 5 mg chewable tablets
- 4 mg oral granules
- 10 mg oral tablets
How should I store montelukast?
Montelukast should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place in the original package. Protect from light.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of montelukast?
The most common side effects of montelukast are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Upper respiratory infection, sinus infection, and flu
- Fever
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Earache or ear infection
- Sore throat, cough, runny nose
There may be other side effects of montelukast that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of montelukast?
While less common, the most serious side effects of montelukast are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Montelukast may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking montelukast and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Mental Health Problems. Montelukast may cause new or worsened mental health issues that affect your mood, thoughts, feelings, behavior, and general well-being. These effects can occur in people with or without a prior history of mental health problems and may continue even after stopping montelukast. Stop taking montelukast and call your healthcare provider immediately if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Unusual changes in your mood, behavior, or thinking
- Feeling agitated, confused, irritable, depressed, confused, or anxious
- Bad or vivid dreams
- Hallucinations
- Memory or attention problems
- Obsessive-compulsive behavior
- Restlessness
- Sleepwalking or trouble sleeping
- New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
- Suicide attempt
- Stuttering or stammering
- Tremors or uncontrolled muscle movements
Eosinophilia and Systemic Vasculitis. Montelukast can increase certain white blood cells called eosinophils and cause swelling of the blood vessels throughout the body, a condition called systemic vasculitis. This can also occur in people who take oral steroid medicines when the medicine is being stopped or the dose is being lowered. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Feeling of pins and needles or numbness of the arms or legs
- Flu-like symptoms
- Rash
- Pain and swelling of the sinuses
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use montelukast?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take montelukast.
- Montelukast
- Singulair
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific montelukast products they stock.
What should I know about montelukast before using it?
Do not take montelukast unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share montelukast with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep montelukast out of the reach of children.
If you are taking montelukast to prevent exercise-induced asthma, take your dose at least 2 hours before exercise. Always have your rescue inhaler with you. If you are taking montelukast every day for asthma or allergies, do not take an extra dose to prevent exercise-induced asthma. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours.
You can take montelukast with or without food.
Follow the Instructions for Use that come with montelukast granules for how to prepare and give the dose to your child.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using montelukast?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if montelukast is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- A history of mental health problems
- Aspirin allergy
Phenylketonuria. Montelukast chewable tablets contain aspartame, a source of phenylalanine. This may be harmful if you have phenylketonuria.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how montelukast could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if montelukast passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take montelukast while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does montelukast interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between montelukast and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect montelukast.
Does montelukast interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between montelukast and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much montelukast?
If you or someone else has taken too much montelukast, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of montelukast?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Montelukast (Singulair)?
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