Montelukast

Montelukast is used to treat asthma, hay fever and seasonal allergy symptoms. It prevents asthma attacks and breathing problems caused by exercise. This medciine is used for prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma in adults and children greater than or equal to 2 years of age.

This medication belongs to the class of a leukotriene receptor antagonist and works by blocking leukotriene that causes allergic reactions in the body. It selectively blocks the action of this chemical in the body.

Before using this medicine inform your doctor if you are or have any of the following conditions :

• Allergic to any of its ingredients or to any medicines, food and other substances.
• Pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
• Taking any dietary supplement, herbal preparation, or other prescribed medicines.
• History of alcoholism or liver problems.
• Mental problems or mood swings including depression, suicidal thoughts, etc.
• If you are lactose intolerant.
• Taking a corticosteroid and are planning to stop or lower the dose.

Montelukast is not indicated for use in the reversal of bronchospasm in acute asthma attacks, including status asthmaticus. It should not be used as monotherapy for the treatment and management of exercise-induced bronchospasm. Advise patients to have appropriate rescue medication available.

Appropriate clinical monitoring and caution are recommended when systemic corticosteroid reduction is considered in patients receiving montelukast. Inform phenylketonuric patients that the chewable tablet contains phenylalanine 0.842 mg/5 mg chewable tablet.

In rare cases, patients on therapy with montelukast may present with systemic eosinophilia, sometimes presenting with clinical features of vasculitis consistent with Churg-Strauss syndrome, a condition which is often treated with systemic corticosteroid therapy.

Physicians should be alert to eosinophilia, vasculitic rash, worsening pulmonary symptoms, cardiac complications, and/or neuropathy presenting in their patients. A casual association between montelukast and these underlying conditions has not been established.

This medication is not for an acute asthmatic attack; in acute attack, follow instructions of prescriber. Do not stop other asthma medication unless advised by prescriber.

Take every evening on a continuous basis; do not discontinue even if feeling better (this medication may help reduce incidence of acute attacks).

You may experience mild headache (mild analgesic may help); fatigue or dizziness (use caution when driving). Report skin rash or itching, abdominal pain or persistent GI upset, unusual cough or congestion, or worsening of asthmatic condition.

Montelukast is not indicated for use in the reversal of bronchospasm in acute asthma attacks, including status asthmaticus. Should not be used as monotherapy for the treatment and management of exercise-induced bronchospasm. Advise patients to have appropriate rescue medication available.

Appropriate clinical monitoring and caution are recommended when systemic corticosteroid reduction is considered in patients receiving montelukast. Inform phenylketonuric patients that the chewable tablet contains phenylalanine 0.842 mg/5 mg chewable tablet.

• Asthma

  This medication is used for the prevention and maintenance of asthma. This medicine also helps in relieving the symptoms of chronic asthma.

• Allergic Rhinitis

  This medication is used for relieving the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. The allergic condition could be seasonal or non-seasonal and long lasting.

• Bronchospasm

  This medication is also used for the prevention of sudden narrowing of airways, which can cause breathing difficulties. This medicine is used mostly for exercise-induced bronchospasm.

• Allergy

  This medicine is not recommended for use if you have a history of allergy to this medication or any other component present with it in the dosage form.

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Fever

• Rash

• Dyspepsia

• Dental Pain

• Diarrhoea

• Nausea

• Weakness

• Cough

• Nasal Congestion

• How long is the duration of effect?

  The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 24 hours.

• What is the onset of action?

  The effect of this medicine can be observed after 1-3 hours of administration.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  Use of this medicine in pregnant women should be avoided unless clearly needed.

• Is it habit forming?

  No habit forming tendencies were reported.

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  Use of this medicine should be avoided unless clearly needed.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  Reaction of Montelukast on the kidney is not known. If anyone is already suffering from kidney related troubles, it is essential to seek medical help before consuming the medicine.

• Does this affect liver function?

  For patients suffering from mild to moderate liver ailments it is necessary to exercise caution before taking Montelukast. It is necessary to consult the physician in such circumstances.

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  It is advisable for the patient to reduce or discontinue consumption of alcohol while on this medicine. Any abnormal reactions should be reported to the doctor without delay.

• Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

  This medicine may make one feel sleepy and dizzy. Therefore it is recommended not to drive in such a condition.

• Missed Dose instructions

  Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. The missed dose should be skipped if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose.

• Are there any overdose instructions?

  Contact your doctor if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms may include stomach pain, sleeplessness, vomiting, and agitation.

• India

• United States

• Japan

Below is the list of medicines, which contains Montelukast as ingredient

• Montek 10 MG Tablet

  Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd

• Leecet M 5Mg/10Mg Tablet

  SUNRISE PHARMACEUTICAL

• Montek 4 MG Tablet

  Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd

• Montair 5 MG Tablet

  Cipla Ltd

• Glemont 10 MG Tablet

  Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Montecip 10 MG Tablet

  Cipla Ltd

• Montas L 5 Mg/10 Mg Tablet

  Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Lasma 5 MG Tablet

  Apex Laboratories Ltd

• Telekast 5 MG Tablet

  Lupin Ltd

• Lasma 4 MG Tablet

  Apex Laboratories Ltd

This medication belongs to the class of chemical that causes allergic reactions in the body. This medicine selectively blocks the action of this chemical in the body.

Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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• Interaction with Alcohol

  You are advised to restrict or minimize the consumption of alcohol while using this medicine. Report any unwanted effects to the doctor on priority.

• Interaction with Medicine

  Carbamazepine

  Report the use of either of the medicines to the doctor. You may require an adjusted dose and safety monitoring while taking these medicines together. Contact your doctor if your symptoms get worse or you experience some side effects.

  Fluconazole

  Report the use of either of the medicines to the doctor. You may require an adjusted dose and safety monitoring while taking these medicines together. Contact your doctor if your symptoms get worse or you experience some side effects like headache, fever, sore throat etc.

  Phenytoin

  Report the use of either of the medicines to the doctor. You may require an adjusted dose and safety monitoring while taking these medicines together. Contact your doctor if your symptoms get worse or you experience some side effects.

  Phenobarbital

  Report the use of either of the medicines to the doctor. You may require an adjusted dose and safety monitoring while taking these medicines together. Contact your doctor if your symptoms get worse or you experience some side effects.

• Interaction with Disease

  Liver Disease

  Report the incidence of a liver disease or impaired liver function to the doctor before receiving this medicine. Clinical safety monitoring may be required if the impairment is severe. Caution is advised for patients having mild to moderate liver impairment.

• Interaction with Food

  Information not available.

• Ques : What is Montelukast?

  Ans : Being a leukotriene receptor antagonist, this medication is used to treat asthma, hay fever and seasonal allergy symptoms.

• Ques : How long do I need to use Montelukast before I see improvement in my condition?

  Ans : This medication is to be taken till the time you see an improvement in your health conditions.

• Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Montelukast?

  Ans : This medication should be taken in the dosage as prescribed by the doctor.

• Ques : Should I use Montelukast empty stomach, before food or after food?

  Ans : This medication should be taken after food in a prescribed dosage.

• Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Montelukast?

  Ans : This medication should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original packaging. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets.

• Ques : Why do you have to take Montelukast at night?

  Ans : The exact reason is not yet known. Therefore, it is advised to consult the doctor and take the dose as prescribed by your doctor.

• Ques : Is Montelukast a steroid?

  Ans : No, Montelukast is not a steroid. It is a leukotriene blocker.

• Ques : Does Montelukast make you drowsy?

  Ans : Yes it can make you feel dizzy and drowsy. Therefore, it is advised to drive after consuming this drug.

• Ques : How should Montelukast be taken?

  Ans : It should be consumed as directed by your doctor. The medicine should be used preferably in the evening with or without food when being used for asthma.

• Ques : How should Montelukast granules be given to children?

  Ans : It can be directly given in the mouth or dissolve in 1 teaspoonful of cold or room temperature baby formula or breast milk. Remember to give the mixture within 15 minutes of making it.

• Montelukast- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [Cited 11 December 2019]. Available from:

  https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/montelukast

• Montelukast- DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2017 [Cited 11 December 2019]. Available from:

  https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00471

• Montelukast 10 mg film coated tablets- EMC [Internet] medicines.org.uk. 2017 [Cited 11 December 2019]. Available from:

  https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1243/smpc