Montelukast

What is this medication for?

Montelukast is used to treat and prevent asthma and allergic rhinitis. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Asthma is a condition that affects the lung and makes it harder to breathe. It can cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. 

Allergic rhinitis is the inflammation of the nose. It can cause sneezing, itchy nose, blocked or runny nose symptoms. 

Montelukast blocks certain substances in the body called leukotrienes that cause inflammation of the airways and nose in asthma, or allergic rhinitis.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• You may take this medication with or without food.
• If you are taking Montelukast granules, it can be mixed with a spoonful of cold or room temperature soft food, such as ice cream, rice or steamed carrots. The medication must be taken within 10 to 15 minutes after the medication packet is opened. You should not dissolve the granules in water, but you can drink water to help swallow down the granules.
• If you are taking Montelukast chewable tablets, chew well before swallowing. Inform your doctor pharmacist if you have trouble chewing. 

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
• You currently have, or previously had, any mental health conditions.  

Montelukast should not be used to treat sudden asthma attacks. You should have your rescue inhaler available for emergency use. 

Do not suddenly stop taking your prescribed steroid inhaler for asthma control when starting this medication. Your doctor will help you reduce the steroid dose gradually if needed.

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

Most people tolerate this medication well. Some possible side effects include:

• Headache
• Abdominal pain or stomach discomfort
• Thirst (more common in young children)
• Feel tired or lack of energy 

These symptoms may happen but should get better over time. Check with your doctor if any of these symptoms are serious or do not go away.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

You can also find out about drug allergies by watching these videos:

For videos in 中文, Melayu and தமிழ், click here
 

Rare but important neuropsychiatric side effects have been reported with Montelukast. 

These include changes in mood, behaviour, or thinking. This may occur during treatment with Montelukast, or after stopping the medication, in patients with and without a history of mental health issues. 

Your doctor will discuss the risk and benefits of using Montelukast with you. 

Please inform your doctor as soon as possible, or for your family or caregiver to inform your doctor if you are unable to seek treatment on your own, should any of the following occur:

• Mood or behaviour changes
• Sleep disturbances
• Worsening agitation, restlessness or, violent behaviour
• New or worsening thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life
• Feeling anxious or depressed
• Confusion or trouble concentrating
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing thing that are not there)
• Uncontrolled movements 

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

There are no specific food restrictions with this medication. However, if you are sensitive to aspirin or have aspirin-sensitive asthma, continue to avoid aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications while taking montelukast.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.