Montelukast is used in the management of long-term asthma.
It may also be used to prevent the narrowing of airways that is triggered by exercise or physical exertion.
This medicine can also be used to relieve symptoms of cold and allergy, such as runny nose, itching, watery eyes, and sneezing.
Take Montelukast exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you should take this medicine with or without food. Different brands of this medicine may be taken differently.
This medicine is available as a conventional tablet, chewable tablet, or oral granules.
If you are giving the oral granules to a child, it may be given directly in the mouth or mixed with a spoonful of cold or room temperature soft food such as applesauce, carrots, ice cream or rice. You may also dissolve this medicine in a spoonful of cold or room temperature baby formula or breast milk. Do not dissolve the granules in any other liquid. Consume within 15 minutes of opening the sachet.
Montelukast must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Montelukast is not appropriate to be used for the treatment of acute asthma attacks. You must use "rescue medicines" such as an inhaler to treat these attacks. Ask your doctor about what you should do when you have an acute asthma attack.
If you have asthma and taking aspirin makes it worse, keep avoiding aspirin and NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) while taking Montelukast.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Montelukast may cause any of the following side effects: diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, thirst, fever, headache, ear infection, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and rash.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour e.g. aggressive behaviour, being too depressed, seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent, having compulsive and impulsive behaviour, having thoughts of self-harm
- feeling of pins and needles or numbness of arms and legs, worsening of pulmonary symptoms, flu-like symptoms, rash
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin, phenobarbital
- rifampicin (medicine to treat lung infection known as tuberculosis)
- gemfibrozil (cholesterol-lowering medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Montelukast.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Granules that have been mixed with any kind of food should not be stored for future use. Throw away any unused portion.
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