Montelukast
How to use this information
Medication Name
MONTELUKAST - ORAL\ (mon-teh-LEW-kast)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Singulair
Warnings to be aware of
- This medication may rarely cause serious mental/mood changes. These effects may occur even after the medication has been stopped.
- Tell your medical provider right away if you or a caregiver/family member notice symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, abnormal dreams, depression, memory/attention problems, hallucinations, trouble sleeping or changes in behavior (such as aggression, hostility, restlessness, sleepwalking or suicidal thoughts/attempts). Talk to your medical provider about the risks and benefits of this medication.
What you should know about Montelukast
- Montelukast is used to control and prevent symptoms caused by asthma (such as wheezing and shortness of breath). It is also used before exercise to prevent breathing problems during exercise (bronchospasm). This medication can help decrease the number of times you need to use your quick relief inhaler.
- Montelukast is also used to relieve symptoms of hay fever and allergic rhinitis (such as sneezing or a stuffy/runny/itchy nose). Since there are other allergy medications that may be safer (see also “Warnings to be aware of” section), this medication should be used for this condition only when you cannot take other allergy medications or they do not work well.
- This medication must be used regularly to be effective. It does not work right away and should not be used to relieve sudden asthma attacks or breathing problems. If an asthma attack or sudden shortness of breath occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed. You should always have a quick-relief inhaler with you. Consult your medical provider or pharmacist for more details.
- This drug works by blocking certain natural substances (leukotrienes) that may cause or worsen asthma and allergies. It helps make breathing easier by reducing swelling (inflammation) in the airways.
How to take Montelukast
- Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking Montelukast and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, go to your patient dashboard and request a callback from your medical provider or ask your pharmacist.
- Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your medical provider. The dosage is based on your age and medical condition.
- If you are using the chewable tablets, chew them thoroughly before swallowing. If your child cannot safely chew and swallow them, consult your medical provider or pharmacist for advice.
- Take this medication at the same time each day. If you are taking this medication for asthma or for both asthma and allergies, take your dose in the evening. If you are taking Montelukast to prevent only allergies, take your dose either in the morning or the evening.
- If you are taking this medication to prevent breathing problems during exercise, take your dose at least 2 hours before exercise. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours. Do not take a dose before exercise if you are already taking this medication daily for asthma or allergies. Doing so may increase the risk of side effects.
- Do not increase or decrease your dose or stop using this medication without consulting your medical provider.
- Continue to use this medication regularly to keep your asthma under control, even during sudden asthma attacks or periods when you have no asthma symptoms.
- Continue to also take other medications for asthma as directed by your medical provider.
- Get medical help right away if your asthma symptoms worsen and your quick-relief inhaler is not helping.
- Tell your medical provider promptly if asthma symptoms, breathing problems, allergy symptoms, number of times you use your rescue inhaler continue or get worse.
Potential side effects
- See also “Warnings to be aware of” section.
- Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your medical provider has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your medical provider right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- Numbness, tingling or shooting pain in the arms or legs
- Sinus pain or swelling
- Muscle weakness
- Uncontrolled muscle movements
- Stuttering
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- Rash
- Itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue or throat)
- Severe dizziness
- Sudden trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, request a callback for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Precautions to be aware of
- Before taking Montelukast, tell your medical provider or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this drug, tell your medical provider or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- Liver disease
- Mental/mood problems (such as anxiety, depression or thoughts of suicide)
- Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs and herbal products).
- The chewable tablets may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid aspartame (or phenylalanine) in your diet, ask your medical provider or pharmacist about using this medication safely.
- During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your OB/GYN.
- This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your OB/GYN or child’s pediatrician before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions
- Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions.
- Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your medical provider and pharmacist.
- Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicines without your medical provider's approval.
What to do in the event of an overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- Thirst
- Drowsiness
- Inability to keep still
- Vomiting
- Severe stomach pain
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms, such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. If symptoms from taking this medication are less severe, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
Additional notes
- Do not share this medication with others.
- Lab and/or medical tests (such as lung function) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your medical provider for more details.
What to do if you miss a dose
- If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up. Do not take more than 1 dose in 24 hours.
How to store this medication
- Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
- Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
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