Montelukast

Montelukast

Montelukast is an effective leukotriene receptor antagonist used to manage asthma and alleviate symptoms of allergic rhinitis. As an FDA-approved medication, it targets the inflammatory processes triggered by leukotrienes, substances your immune system releases in response to allergens or stress, contributing to constricted airways and mucus buildup. Suitable for both adults and children, Montelukast is available in various forms, including 10 mg tablets for adults, 5 mg and 4 mg chewable tablets for children, and 4 mg oral granules for toddlers. Common side effects are mild but can include headache and abdominal pain, with more serious effects like mood changes warranting immediate consultation with a healthcare provider. Montelukast should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Product Overview

Montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist known as a leukotriene modifier, is the active ingredient in medications designed to manage and prevent asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms. This FDA-approved drug works by blocking the action of leukotrienes, substances released by the immune system that cause inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus production. Montelukast is particularly effective in reducing these symptoms, relieving those suffering from chronic respiratory conditions triggered by allergies or physical activity.

Available in various forms, Montelukast is dosed as 10 mg tablets for adults and children over 15, 5 mg or 4 mg chewable tablets for children aged 6 to 14 and 2 to 5, respectively, and 4 mg oral granules for younger children. It’s taken once daily, ideally in the evening for asthma and at any convenient time for allergies. The medication can be taken with or without food and is not intended for immediate relief of acute symptoms, making it important also to have a rescue inhaler for asthma attacks.

Common side effects include headache, stomach pain & dizziness, while serious reactions may involve mood changes and allergic responses. Safety measures include avoiding Montelukast if allergic to any of its components and monitoring for mood alterations or signs of an allergic reaction. Missed doses should be taken when remembered unless close to the next dose. In cases of overdose, immediate medical attention is required. Store Montelukast at room temperature, protected from moisture and direct sunlight, and ensure it is out of reach of children. Users should regularly consult their healthcare provider to ensure the medication continues to meet their needs without undue risk.

What Are the Uses of Montelukast?

Your doctor may prescribe you this medication due to the following conditions:  

• It helps manage asthma
• It is effective in preventing short-term exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.
• It can alleviate allergic rhinitis symptoms in individuals who cannot use or have not responded adequately to other treatments.

What Are the Forms & Strengths of Montelukast?

Montelukast is available under the brand name Singulair and generic Montelukast. It comes in the following dosage forms and strengths that are to be taken by mouth:

Tablet

• 10 mg

Tablet, chewable

• 4 mg
• 5 mg

Oral granules

• 4 mg//packet

What Is the Recommended Dosage of Montelukast for Different Patients?

The recommended dosage of Montelukast (Singulair) for different patients may vary on factors such as their age, medical condition being treated, and requirements. If your doctor has prescribed you a different medication than the one mentioned below, you should not change your dosage without consulting your doctor. The usual prescribed dosage includes: 

Tablets:

• Asthma, Exercise-Induced Asthma, or Allergies:
  • Adults and Children Aged 15 and Above: The standard dosage is 10 mg taken orally once a day.

Chewable Tablets:

• Asthma or Allergies:
  • Children 6 to 14 Years: 5 mg chewed and swallowed once daily.
  • Children 2 to 5 Years: 4 mg chewed and swallowed once daily.
• Exercise-Induced Asthma:
  • Children 6 to 14 Years: The routine dosage is 5 mg, chewed and swallowed once daily.

Oral Granules:

• Asthma:
  • Children 1 to 5 Years: Typically, one 4 mg packet is taken orally once a day.
• Allergies:
  • Children 2 to 5 Years (Seasonal or Year-Round): Standard dosage is one 4 mg packet orally once daily.
  • Children 6 to 23 Months (Year-Round Allergies Only): Administer one 4 mg packet orally once daily. 

[Note: These recommendations may vary for the individual. Consult with your doctor to customize your Montelukast dosage based on your specific needs.]

How to Use Montelukast?

If you are planning to buy Montelukast online from Canada, you should follow the proper guidelines to use it safely and efficiently. Before using Singulair, you should read & follow the directions for use given in the prescription label, patient information leaflet and, if available, the medication guide. If you have any queries or concerns or if you have difficulty understanding any part of the leaflet, you can ask your medical team. 

• Take Montelukast (Singulair) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. You should not use more or less of it, in large quantities or more frequently, as it can cause undesirable side effects. 
• The typical dose for adults and adolescents 15 years and older is one 10mg tablet daily. Children may have different dosages based on age.
• For asthma, it’s usually taken once daily in the evening. For allergies, it can be taken at any time of day. 
• Take asthma tablets Montelukast at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels.
• It can be taken with or without food.
• For tablets, swallow them whole with water. Chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before eating.
• If you are taking this medication in the form of a chewable tablet, take it at least one hour before food or two hours after a meal. This ensures that the drug is properly absorbed into your body. You can also suck or chew the tablets and drink a glass of water or squash afterward. 
• If you are using Montelukast in oral granules form, place them directly in your mouth and swallow them, or mix them with mashed carrots, applesauce, ice cream, or rice. You can also mix the granules with breast milk or baby formula. Do not use any other type of fluid to mix or dilute the solution. Use the prepared mixture immediately within 15 minutes. You should not save it for later use. 
• To give Montelukast to a child, empty the sachet and put the contents directly onto the tongue of your child. You may also mix the granules with a spoonful of soft, cold food, such as ice cream or yogurt. 
• Ensure that your child takes the dose immediately and does not store it for later use. Do not dissolve the Montelukast granules in a drink. 
• The asthma tablets of montelukast are not a rapid-acting rescue medication for treating acute asthma attacks. Use your rescue inhaler for sudden symptoms.
• For exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, you can take a single dose of Montelukast before engaging in exercises and do not take an extra dose for at least twenty-four hours. 
• If you are also using an oral steroid, do not abruptly discontinue using Montelukast, as it can cause unwanted side effects. If you plan to discontinue using this drug, you should talk to your doctor. They will help you gradually taper off the medication. 
• Do not change your dose, brand, or type of medication, or stop using asthma medications without consulting your physician, as your condition can get worse. 
• Continue taking Montelukast even when you feel well unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
• Inform your healthcare provider or doctor if your condition worsens or does not improve. 

[Note: Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage for you based on your condition, adhering to established guidelines and clinical studies of the medication. Dosage adjustments may be made as necessary.]

How Does Montelukast Work?

Asthma tablets Montelukast is categorized as a leukotriene receptor antagonist, commonly called a leukotriene modifier. This classification refers to a group of medications that share a similar mechanism of action, which describes the specific way a drug functions within the body.

Leukotrienes, substances released by the immune system in response to various triggers, contribute to inflammation in the body. This inflammation can cause symptoms such as increased mucus production and difficulty breathing, which are common in individuals with asthma or allergies.

By functioning as a leukotriene receptor antagonist, Montelukast helps decrease inflammation in the airways, including the lungs and nasal passages. It effectively keeps the airways open and reduces the immune system’s excessive responses to triggers like cold weather or exercise for asthma and pollen, mold, or pet dander for allergic rhinitis.

Important Safety Information for Using Montelukast? 

What Are the Side Effects of Montelukast? 

Common side effects of Montelukast: While this medication is usually well-tolerated, it can sometimes cause unwanted side effects in some people. These side effects do not require prompt medical attention and disappear on their own without any medical intervention. Some common side effects of Montelukast (Singulair) are as follows: 

• Fever: If you have a fever while receiving treatment with Montelukast, you should take a paracetamol which will help to bring your temperature down. You should also consume lots of fluids and get in touch with your doctor if your condition lasts for more than a couple of days. 

• Headache: If you experience a headache while using this medication, rest properly and drink plenty of fluids. Do not consume large amounts of alcohol. Headaches usually vanish within the first week of starting treatment with Montelukast. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms still persist or get worse.

• Abdominal Pain: If you have stomach pain, try to relax and rest. Eat and drink slowly and have frequent meals in small portions. Putting a heating pad/ hot water bottle on your stomach may also help ease the symptoms of abdominal pain. 

• Nausea or a Feeling of Sickness: Eat simple meals and avoid spicy or heavy food. If you are feeling sick, drink frequent sips of water to prevent dehydration. Signs of dehydration may include urinating less than usual or having dark, foul-smelling pee. 

• Diarrhea: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Dehydration signs & symptoms may include urinating less frequently or producing dark-colored, foul-smelling pee. You should not take other medications without consulting your doctor to treat diarrhea. If you take a progestogen-only medication or combined pill and you have severe or persistent diarrhea for more than twenty-four hours, your birth control medication may not protect you from pregnancy. If you have severe diarrhea, check the prescription label of the pill for more information. 

• Fatigue: 

• Dizziness: Montelukast may affect your vision or mental alertness and cause dizziness or drowsiness. You should not drive a vehicle, use heavy machinery, or engage in tasks that require alertness or clear vision unless you determine how this medication affects you. 

• Upper respiratory infection symptoms (e.g., stuffy or runny nose, sore throat): This is one of the most common side effects of Montelukast.

• Rash: If you experience a rash while taking Montelukast (Singulair), you can take an antihistamine medication to help ease your symptoms. If your rash gets worse, call your doctor and report any new or worsening symptoms to them right away. 

Tell your doctor if your symptoms still persist or worsen. To prevent the risk of side effects, you should take Montelukast (Singulair) exactly as your doctor prescribes you and before taking Montelukast, you should talk to your doctor and discuss with them in detail the potential risks and how to prevent and manage them. 

Serious side effects of Montelukast: In rare cases, Montelukast can cause severe side effects in some users. It is important to mention that not everyone using this medication will experience them. Your doctor has prescribed you this medication because they have decided that its benefits outweigh the risks associated with its use. If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of severe side effects, seek prompt medical attention, as it can become life-threatening if not treated properly. Some side effects of Montelukast and their symptoms may include: 

• Suicidal thoughts or behavior (particularly in children & teenagers)
• Mental or Mood Changes: This medication can cause new or worsening signs and symptoms of mood or mental health issues, including agitation, aggression, anxiety, and depression. These side effects can occur in individuals with or without a history of mental health issues and may continue to persist even if you discontinue using the medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, discontinue using Montelukast and contact your doctor immediately. The symptoms include bad or unusual dreams, hallucinations, unusual mood, thoughts, or behavioral changes, memory or attention issues, restlessness, thoughts or attempts of suicide, sleepwalking or difficulty sleeping, tremors, or stuttering and stammering. 
• Severe Allergic Reaction: An allergic reaction to Montelukast or Singulair can be serious and may become fatal if not treated promptly. Severe allergic reactions may also include anaphylaxis. You should discontinue using the medication and seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the given symptoms. The symptoms of allergic reactions include swelling of the face, throat, or tongue, difficulty breathing, and severe rash. 
• Systemic Vasculitis or Eosinophilia: This medication can increase the quantities of certain leukocytes (white blood cells) and cause systemic vasculitis, a condition where swelling of the blood vessels throughout the body occurs. This can also happen in people taking oral steroid medications when the medicine is stopped or the dose is being decreased. Call your physician if you experience symptoms such as rash, pain, swelling of the sinuses, feeling of numbness, or stinging in the arms or legs.  
• Persistent or severe headache
• Persistent stomach pain
• Liver issues, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Changes in vision
• Persistent fatigue or weakness

[Note: This list may not cover all side effects. For medical advice regarding side effects, always consult your healthcare provider.]

Are There Any Warnings for Montelukast? 

Similar to other medications, asthma tablets Montelukast also have certain warnings that you should keep in mind while using it to treat asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. The key factors of the Montelukast warning include: 

• Mental Health Concerns Montelukast: may cause rare but significant changes in behavior, with symptoms varying from irritability and memory issues to hallucinations and thoughts of suicide. These effects can occur in individuals with or without previous mental health issues. It’s crucial to monitor any behavioral changes closely. If such symptoms are observed, either by you or someone close to you, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
• Asthma Management Warning Montelukast: This is not designed to manage acute asthma attacks. Always carry a quick-acting rescue inhaler, particularly during activities that may trigger shortness of breath. If your asthma symptoms persist or worsen while on Montelukast, discuss it with your healthcare provider.
• Elevated Eosinophil Counts: In rare cases, individuals with asthma on Montelukast have experienced increased eosinophil levels, a type of white blood cell associated with allergic reactions. Symptoms may include red patches or rashes on the lower legs, numbness, tingling, or worsening asthma. If you experience any of these symptoms, inform your healthcare provider for assessment.
• Warning for Individuals with Phenylketonuria (PKU) Montelukast: Cheese tablets contain phenylalanine, a part of the sweetener aspartame. Individuals with PKU, a genetic disorder that results in excessive phenylalanine buildup, should avoid these chewable tablets to prevent serious health issues.

What Are the FDA Boxed Warning for Montelukast? 

Montelukast is subject to a boxed warning, the highest level of caution mandated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This warning highlights potential serious risks associated with the medication, specifically severe changes in behavior and mood. Since its approval, there have been reports of individuals experiencing depression, aggression, hallucinations, memory issues, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors while on Montelukast. The oral tablets should be prescribed only when the treatment benefits outweigh these serious risks. If you observe any alterations in mood or behavior while taking Montelukast, it is crucial to contact your doctor immediately.

What Are the Montelukast Precautions?

Before using Montelukast, share your personal medical and family history with your doctor. Also, tell them about all the medications you are currently taking or plan to take alongside Montelukast or Singulair. This includes all prescription, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal or vitamin supplements. You should also consider the following precautions: 

• Inform your healthcare provider if you have had any previous allergic reactions to Montelukast or any of its components. Montelukast (Singulair) contains certain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. If you don’t know about Montelukast excipients, ask your pharmacist or medical professional for the complete list of ingredients present in the product. 
• Do not share Montelukast or Singulair with other people, even if they have the same condition as you as it can cause harm to them. 
• Monitor regularly for any changes in behavior or mood, such as agitation, aggression, depression, or suicidal thoughts, especially in children and adolescents.
• Patients with PKU should avoid chewable tablets, which contain phenylalanine.
• Discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or if you are breastfeeding. The effects of Montelukast on the fetus and newborns are not fully known.
• Share your complete medical history with your doctor, especially if you have liver disease, epilepsy, or a history of mental health problems.
• Montelukast is not intended to relieve acute asthma attacks. Always have a rescue inhaler on hand for sudden asthma symptoms.
• Check with your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking, as Montelukast can interact with other drugs, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing side effects.
• Inform your surgeon or dentist that you are taking Montelukast. Your treatment may need to be adjusted before certain procedures.
• Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage & administration instructions. Do not alter the dose or frequency of the medication without consulting your medical professional.
• Regular visits to your healthcare provider are recommended to monitor your progress & adjust the treatment as necessary.

What Are the Contraindications of Montelukast? 

Montelukast is contraindicated for use in patients who: 

• Have had a history of allergic reactions to Montelukast, Singulair, or any other ingredient present in the medication. 
• Have acute asthma attacks 
• Have a history of neuropsychiatric events such as aggression, agitation, or hallucinations. 
• Have a rare inherited condition of galactose intolerance, including glucose-galactose malabsorption or Lapp lactase deficiency. 

What If You Miss a Dose of Montelukast?

If you miss a dose of Montelukast, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, leave the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double or extra dose to compensate for the missed one. 

Consistency in timing can enhance the medication’s effectiveness, so try to take it simultaneously each day. If you often forget to take your medication, it is recommended that you set a reminder on your phone. Medication reminders work best for this purpose. You can also get in touch with your medical team to discuss other ways to remember to take your medication.

[Note: If you miss a dose of Montelukast and are uncertain when to take the next one, seek advice from your medical professional or pharmacist promptly.]

What Happens If You Take Too Much of Montelukast?

If you note an overdose of Montelukast, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an overdose can indicate severe headache, drowsiness, thirst, hyperactivity, vomiting, or a feeling of restlessness. It’s crucial to adhere to the advised dosage and schedule to prevent overdosing. Emergency medical treatment is essential in managing the symptoms and avoiding potential complications from an overdose of Montelukast. You can call your physician or 911 or head to the nearest hospital. To prevent an overdose of Montelukast, you should take it according to the prescribed dosage and do not take more of it, in large quantities, or more frequently than prescribed. Doing so will not improve your condition, but cause unwanted side effects. 

[Note: If you have taken more than the prescribed dose of Montelukast, seek immediate medical assistance or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]

How to Store Montelukast?

To make sure the medication you are using is safe and efficient, proper storage guidelines should be followed. You should keep it at a controlled room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light in a tightly closed temperature. 

• Store Montelukast at room temperature, typically between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
• You can expose it to temperatures between 15°-30°C or 59°-77°C for shorter periods of time while transporting it from one place to another. 
• Protect the medication from moisture & excessive heat. Do not store in the bathroom or near a heat source.
• Keep Montelukast in its original packaging until use to protect it from light and moisture.
• Ensure that Montelukast is stored out of reach & sight of children to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Avoid storing the medication in direct sunlight, as it can degrade the active ingredients.
• Regularly check the expiration date of Montelukast on the packaging, and do not use the medication past this date.
• Discard medications that are outdated or no longer needed in such a way that does not allow children, animals, and other people to consume them. 
• Follow local guidelines to dispose of expired or unused Montelukast or take it to a pharmacy for proper disposal.

 

[Note: Consult your healthcare professional about the correct disposal of any unused Montelukast and for any queries regarding its storage.]

What Medications Interact with Montelukast?

Before you use Montelukast, tell your medical team about all the medicines you are using or plan to use, including all prescription, non-prescription, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal or vitamin supplements. This information helps you and your doctor identify and manage potential drug interactions. Some drug interactions of Montelukast may include: 

• Strong CYP3A4 inducers: Medications like rifampin, phenobarbital, and phenytoin can decrease the effectiveness of Montelukast.
• CYP2C8 inhibitors: Drugs like gemfibrozil can increase Montelukast levels in the body.
• Warfarin: Montelukast may increase the effect of warfarin, potentially increasing bleeding risk.
• Seizure medications: Phenobarbital and phenytoin may decrease Montelukast levels.
• Corticosteroids: While not directly interacting, Montelukast may allow some patients to reduce their corticosteroid dose.
• Other asthma medications: Generally safe to use with other asthma medications, but always consult your healthcare provider.
• Theophylline: No significant interaction, but monitoring may be advised when used together.
• Probenecid: May increase Montelukast levels in the body.
• St. John’s Wort: May decrease Montelukast levels.
• Grapefruit juice: May increase Montelukast levels, though the clinical significance is unclear.

[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Montelukast. Make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]

What Are the Other Montelukast Interactions?

Apart from medications, certain herbs, supplements, food items, and beverages can also interact with Montelukast and reduce its effectiveness or cause undesirable side effects. You should refrain from consuming alcohol and tobacco-containing products alongside certain medications, and even though alcohol and Benadryl do not directly affect Montelukast (Singulair), you should avoid taking them together as they can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Montelukast also has certain disease interactions that you should take into consideration before you buy Montelukast online, namely:

• Liver disease 
• Neuropsychiatric disorders 
• Pulmonary disease
• Phenylketonuria

What Are the Montelukast Alternatives? 

While Montelukast is an effective medication for the long-term management of asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, it may cause unwelcomed side effects or fail to provide desirable side effects. In such cases, people look for alternatives to Montelukast. But you should not take medication without consulting your doctor. They will help you decide the medication that works best for you based on your needs and medical condition. If you want to know the montelukast 10mg tablets price, you can ask your doctor. Some of the popular alternatives of Montelukast are as follows: 

• Flovent (fluticasone)
• Pulmicort (budesonide)
• Qvar (beclomethasone)
• Serevent (salmeterol)
• Foradil (formoterol)
• Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol)
• Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol)
• Accolate (zafirlukast)
• Zyflo (zileuton)
• Theo-24 (theophylline)
• Zyrtec (cetirizine)
• Claritin (loratadine)
• Allegra (fexofenadine)
• Flonase (fluticasone)
• Nasonex (mometasone)
• Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)

[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.] 

Montelukast Cost & Coupons

Montelukast belongs to the classification of leukotriene receptor antagonists and is commonly prescribed to treat asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. It is also available under the brand name Singulair. The cost of Montelukast 10 mg depends on the health insurance coverage and pharmacy the person chooses to buy Montelukast online. To manage their out-of-pocket expenses, people turn to the best Canadian pharmacy, Polar Bear Meds, which provides brand-name and generic medications at affordable prices. First-time customers can also avail an additional discount of 10% using code WELCOMEPB10. You can also talk to your medical professional or pharmacist to find out Montelukast 10 mg price. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does montelukast make you sleepy? 

Montelukast (Singulair) does not usually cause sleepiness as a side effect. However, some users may experience sleep disturbances or neuropsychiatric events, including aggression, agitation, or hallucinations, which could indirectly affect sleep. It can also cause dizziness and drowsiness and affect your ability to drive a car or use heavy machinery. If you are concerned about any side effects, you should talk to your doctor or medical giver. 

What should I avoid while taking montelukast?

While using Montelukast, you should avoid intake of grapefruit/grapefruit juice as it can interfere with the medication’s metabolism. Do not use NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and aspirin while you are receiving treatment with this medication. You should also avoid other medications that can interact with Montelukast, such as Fosphenytoin, Phenobarbitone, Phenytoin, and Rifampicin.

What is the new warning on Montelukast?

A new boxed warning has been added to Montelukast by the FDA. The key warning of the warning highlights the risk of neuropsychiatric reactions such as hallucinations, anxiety, sleep disturbances, mood and behavioral changes. If you or someone else taking Montelukast (Singulair) have any concerns or queries regarding medication use, you should talk to an expert medical practitioner. 

Can Montelukast lead to weight gain?

Weight gain is not typically associated with Montelukast. If you experience unexpected weight gain while taking this medication, it’s important to discuss it with your healthcare provider.

Why is it recommended to take Montelukas at night for asthma?

In clinical trials, Montelukast was administered to asthma patients in the evening, and its effects were not studied during other times of the day. Although it might still be effective if taken at different times, the recommendation to use it at night stems from the fact that this was the regimen under which it was initially tested and studied. Therefore, to align with the studied protocol, taking it at night for asthma is advised.

Is Montelukast considered a steroid?

No, Montelukast is not a steroid. Although it shares a common function with steroids in blocking substances that trigger inflammation and swelling in the body, it operates through a different mechanism. This difference in action means that Montelukast and steroids can produce distinct side effects. Notably, Montelukast may result in fewer long-term side effects than inhaled steroids.

Is Montelukast effective during an asthma attack?

No, Montelukast is unsuitable for immediate relief during an asthma attack. It is crucial to have a rescue inhaler available for such emergencies to help you breathe. Montelukast is designed to manage asthma over an extended period, not for sudden symptoms.

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