About montelukast sodium
Leukotriene receptor antagonist
Used for
- Prevention and long-term control of asthma
- Prevention of exercise-induced breathing problems
- Relief of seasonal or year-round allergic rhinitis
Usual adult dose
Asthma or allergic rhinitis: 10 mg once daily. Exercise-induced symptoms: 10 mg at least 2 hours before exercise; no more than once daily.
Usual dose in children
Asthma or allergic rhinitis: ages 6–14 years, 5 mg once daily; ages 2–5 years, 4 mg once daily. Exercise-induced symptoms: ages 6–14 years, 5 mg at least 2 hours before exercise.
Common side effects
- Headache
- Stomach pain or diarrhea
- Cough or upper respiratory infection
- Mood or behavior changes
Important warnings
- Rare serious mood or behavior changes, including suicidal thoughts, have been reported.
- Not for treating sudden asthma attacks; keep a rescue inhaler available.
- For allergic rhinitis, reserve use for people who do not respond to or tolerate alternatives.
- Seek medical advice for signs of liver problems, such as yellow skin or dark urine.
Pregnancy
Human data have not established a clear risk; use when clinically needed after discussing benefits and risks with a healthcare professional.
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether montelukast enters human milk; discuss use with a healthcare professional.
Interactions
- Rifampin may lower montelukast levels.
- Phenobarbital may lower montelukast levels.
- Gemfibrozil may increase montelukast levels.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.