WARNING

Montelukast is a medication commonly prescribed for the treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis. While it can be effective in managing these conditions, it is important to be aware of potential risks and side effects associated with its use. Here are some of the key risks of taking Montelukast:

• Psychiatric Symptoms: Montelukast has been linked to psychiatric side effects in some individuals, including mood changes, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts or behaviors. While these side effects are relatively rare, they should be closely monitored, especially in children and adolescents.
• Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some people may experience serious allergic reactions to Montelukast, characterized by hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
• Neuropsychiatric Effects in Children: The FDA has issued warnings about the potential neuropsychiatric effects of Montelukast in children, including behavioral changes and sleep disturbances. Parents and caregivers should be vigilant for any unusual behaviors in children taking this medication.
• Liver Problems: Montelukast has been associated with liver issues in rare cases. Symptoms of liver problems may include dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), and abdominal pain. If you experience these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional promptly.
• Other Side Effects: Common side effects of Montelukast may include headache, stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea. These side effects are typically mild and temporary.
• Drug Interactions: Montelukast may interact with other medications you are taking, potentially affecting their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. It’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are using.
• Respiratory Effects: In rare cases, Montelukast has been associated with Churg-Strauss syndrome, a condition that causes inflammation in blood vessels and can worsen asthma symptoms. If you notice worsening of asthma symptoms, contact your doctor.

It’s crucial to use Montelukast under the guidance of a healthcare professional who can assess your individual risk factors and monitor for any adverse effects. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Montelukast, contact your healthcare provider immediately. They can help you weigh the benefits of the medication against the potential risks and explore alternative treatment options if necessary.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Montelukast is prescribed primarily for the management of certain respiratory conditions, including:

• Asthma: Montelukast is used to help control and prevent asthma symptoms. It can be prescribed in both adults and children as young as 12 months old. It works by blocking leukotrienes, which are chemicals in the body that can cause inflammation in the airways, leading to asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
• Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Montelukast can also be used to relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itching, and red or watery eyes. It is typically used in individuals aged 2 years and older.

How should this medicine be used?

How Montelukast should be used:

• Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions: Always take Montelukast exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not change the dose or stop taking it without consulting your doctor.
• Dosage: The typical dose of Montelukast for asthma in adults and children over 15 years of age is 10 mg once daily, usually taken in the evening. For children aged 6 to 14, the dose is typically 5 mg once daily. Children aged 2 to 5 may be prescribed 4 mg once daily, which is available in granule form.
• Allergic Rhinitis: For allergic rhinitis, the usual dose for adults and children aged 15 and older is 10 mg once daily in the evening. For children aged 6 to 14, the dose is typically 5 mg once daily.
• Chewable Tablets: If you are using the chewable tablet form, chew it thoroughly before swallowing.
• Granules: If you are using the granule form, mix it with a small amount of cold or room temperature baby formula, breast milk, applesauce, mashed carrots, rice, or ice cream. Make sure to consume the entire mixture within 15 minutes.
• Continue Regularly: Montelukast is typically taken regularly, even when you have no symptoms. It is not meant for immediate relief during an asthma attack; you should use a fast-acting inhaler for that purpose.

It’s important to note that Montelukast is just one component of a comprehensive asthma or allergy management plan. Your healthcare provider may recommend other medications or therapies in addition to Montelukast to effectively control your condition. Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance and attend regular check-ups to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Other uses for this medicine

While Montelukast is primarily used to treat asthma and allergic rhinitis, there is ongoing research to explore its potential use in other conditions, including:

• Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction: Montelukast may be prescribed to prevent bronchoconstriction triggered by exercise.
• Chronic Urticaria (Hives): Some doctors may prescribe Montelukast for the treatment of chronic hives.
• Eosinophilic Esophagitis: It has been investigated as a potential treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis, a condition characterized by inflammation in the esophagus.
• Prevention of Seasonal Allergies: In some cases, it may be used to prevent symptoms of seasonal allergies.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions to consider when using Montelukast:

• Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider if you are allergic to Montelukast or any of its ingredients.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits of using Montelukast with your doctor.
• Liver Disease: If you have liver disease, inform your doctor, as Montelukast is metabolized in the liver.
• Neuropsychiatric Effects: Montelukast has been associated with neuropsychiatric side effects, such as mood changes, depression, and suicidal thoughts. If you experience any unusual changes in mood or behavior, contact your doctor immediately.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as some may interact with Montelukast.
• Emergency Use: Montelukast is not a rescue medication for acute asthma attacks. Always have a fast-acting inhaler on hand for emergencies.
• Regular Follow-up: Attend regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your condition and the effectiveness of Montelukast.

Remember that the information provided here is general in nature. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and consult with them for personalized advice and recommendations regarding Montelukast and your specific medical condition.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are typically no specific dietary restrictions or instructions associated with taking Montelukast. You can take Montelukast with or without food, as directed by your healthcare provider. However, if you have any concerns or specific dietary restrictions, it’s a good idea to discuss them with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to ensure that Montelukast is compatible with your diet and other medications or supplements you may be taking.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you miss a dose of Montelukast, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one. If you have questions about missed doses or are concerned about your dosing schedule, consult your healthcare provider.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Montelukast, like any medication, can potentially cause side effects in some individuals. It’s important to note that not everyone will experience these side effects, and many people tolerate Montelukast well. Common side effects are generally mild and may include:

• Headache: Headaches are one of the most commonly reported side effects of Montelukast.
• Stomach Pain: Some people may experience abdominal discomfort, including stomach pain, nausea, or diarrhea.
• Irritability or Mood Changes: While less common, some individuals, particularly children and adolescents, may experience irritability, mood swings, or behavioral changes.
• Sleep Disturbances: Sleep-related side effects, such as vivid dreams, nightmares, or difficulty sleeping, have been reported in some users.
• Allergic Reactions: Although rare, severe allergic reactions to Montelukast can occur. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms like hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing.
• Neuropsychiatric Effects: There have been reports of neuropsychiatric side effects, including mood changes, anxiety, depression, and, in rare cases, suicidal thoughts or behaviors. These side effects should be closely monitored, especially in children and adolescents.
• Liver Problems: In very rare cases, Montelukast has been associated with liver issues. Symptoms of liver problems may include dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), and abdominal pain.
• Respiratory Effects: In rare cases, Montelukast has been linked to Churg-Strauss syndrome, a condition that causes inflammation in blood vessels and can worsen asthma symptoms.

It’s important to remember that while these side effects are possible, they don’t occur in everyone, and many people use Montelukast without experiencing any significant issues. If you or your child are prescribed Montelukast, your healthcare provider will carefully weigh the benefits of the medication against the potential risks and monitor your response to it.

If you or your child experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Montelukast, contact your healthcare provider promptly. They can provide guidance on whether to continue with the medication, adjust the dosage, or explore alternative treatments if necessary.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage:

• Store Montelukast at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Follow the specific storage instructions on the medication packaging.
• Keep Montelukast out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Do not store Montelukast in the bathroom, as moisture and humidity can affect its stability.
• Keep the medication in its original container, and make sure the container is tightly closed when not in use.

Disposal:

• Dispose of any expired or unused Montelukast medication properly. Do not keep expired or unneeded medication as it may not be effective and can be potentially harmful if used.
• Do not flush Montelukast down the toilet or pour it into drains unless specifically instructed to do so by your healthcare provider or local authorities. Instead, follow any local regulations for medication disposal, which may include taking it to a pharmacy or designated disposal site.

In case of emergency/overdose

In the event of an overdose or if you suspect that you or someone else has taken more Montelukast than prescribed, take the following steps:

• Contact emergency services immediately by calling 911 (or your local emergency number) if the overdose is severe or if there are serious symptoms.
• If the overdose is less severe or if you have questions about what to do, contact a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 in the United States. They can provide guidance on how to proceed.

What other information should I know

• Always take Montelukast exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not change the dosage or stop taking it without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Inform your healthcare provider of any other medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking to check for potential drug interactions.
• Attend regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your response to Montelukast and discuss any concerns or side effects.
• Montelukast is not a replacement for a rescue inhaler or short-acting bronchodilator. It should not be used to treat acute asthma attacks. Ensure you have an appropriate rescue medication on hand if you have asthma.
• If you have any questions or concerns about Montelukast or your treatment plan, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.
• Be aware of potential side effects, as discussed earlier, and monitor for any unusual or severe symptoms while taking Montelukast.
• Follow any additional instructions or recommendations provided by your healthcare provider regarding the use of Montelukast.

Remember that this information is meant to provide general guidance, and specific instructions may vary depending on your individual circumstances and location. Always follow the advice and recommendations of your healthcare provider and local regulations for medication storage and disposal.